BATH are lining up a tough summer tour to France to prepare themselves for next season's Zurich Premiership campaign.

A series of matches against Gallic opposition is one of the options available to team director Michael Foley as he sets about repairing the damage of the club's worst-ever league performance.

The Australian World Cup-winner is determined to shake things up in the close season to keep the players on their toes.

Bath toured Ireland last summer, playing both Munster and English rivals Wasps, but Foley intends a change of scenary with a trip across the Channel one of the options.

He said: "There is the chance to tour France, which I'm sure would be a tough trip and there is another option where we may go somewhere a little different.''

"We want the players mentally and physically fresh and we will look at doing things a little differently.

"Something which keeps the players on edge is a good thing.''

Internationals apart, the Bath squad now have a five-week lay-off before returning for an 'induction week', followed by a return to training.

But Foley could still be without a handful of big names when pre-season training starts again.

Full-back Matt Perry's back injury is causing concern, while Mike Catt (shoulder) and Kevin Maggs (arm) will also need a little longer.

Foley added: "Matt Perry is someone who is a big concern. He's a wonderful player and he can't wait to be involved again.

"But like Mike Catt and Kevin Maggs, he will take a little longer than six weeks.''

And despite encouraging signs during the last match of the season against Wasps, the team director admits his side still have a mountain to climb.

He added: "There are some signs. The trust is building between the players.

"They can now look at the player next to them and know that he is going to be playing his heart out on the field.

"A few times this season there were probably concerns among some players over whether their teammates were in it for the right reasons. I think we have addressed that towards the end of the season

"But there is a hell of a lot of work to do on things like basic skills and discipline.''