KEVIN Maggs (pictured, above) admits that he wouldn't have minded joining some of his Ireland teammates soaking up the Spanish sun this week.

After their recent international exertions, many of the Emerald Isle's finest have taken advantage to take a break.

But such is the non-stop nature of the English rugby season that Bath's centre has returned to the 'bread and butter', preparing for the visit of Newcastle Falcons on Sunday (2.15pm).

Not that Maggs is likely to need the break, especially when, as some observers would say, he is in the form of his life. He admits the end of 2001 has been a special period in his rugby career.

"The last few weeks have been enjoyable, although we were disappointed to lose last Saturday," said the 27-year-old.

"To just go back to Ireland and be with the other lads in the squad has given me a lot more confidence."

Maggs has taken full advantage of an injury to Rob Henderson to turn himself into a key member of the Irish squad.

Now he hopes to bring all those good vibes back to his struggling club.

"We've been struggling because people have been away, but they are starting to come back and now it's all hands to the pump.

"We've done well in Europe this season and it's a question of trying to get that form into the league. It's up to all of us to try and pull out something special."