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2022/23 SEASON TICKET BROCHURE

By Bath Rugby

August 8^th, 2022

A WARM WELCOME FROM OUR NEW HEAD OF RUGBY - JOHANN VAN GRAAN!

CLUB UPDATE: TARQUIN MCDONALD

Firstly, on behalf of everyone at the club, THANK YOU to every one of you for your support.

Last season was hard, it hurt. Change was needed, and we made significant changes ahead of the pre-season starting with the appointment of Johann van Graan as Head of Rugby. We have added experience across our rugby and performance management teams. We also used the off-season to make changes to our training facilities.

These changes enabled us to reset from day one of pre-season. There has been huge focus, determination and energy around Farleigh from the start of the pre-season training. Everyone is excited and resolute in wanting the 2022/23 season to be enjoyed, and to re-instil pride.

We hope you are able to join us in Bath, at The Rec, on Friday 19 August to meet the staff and players in person for our Season Launch.

As you know our season kicks off away to Bristol Bears on Friday 9 September - what better way to focus everyone on the season ahead. We are excited about the prospect of hosting two Premiership matches (Sale Sharks and Wasps) and one Premiership Rugby Cup game at The Rec in the opening month of the new campaign, and we look forward to welcoming you to those fixtures.

Off the field we continue to invest in our grassroots and women’s rugby programmes. We are building a network of regional Grassroots Coordinators across our region to increase our reach bringing rugby to more schools than ever before, and supporting more local clubs than ever before. This network will also support our Academy and pathway talent identification.

We also continue to develop our women’s rugby programme building on the success of our first ever Bath Rugby Women’s Sevens team competing over the summer. Maria Crowfoot will develop our regional pathway, which includes the partnership recently announced with Bath College to create a women’s programme which mirrors the successful pathway partnership for men’s rugby with Beechen Cliff.

We look forward to giving much deeper insight with our season ticket and member events in 2022/23 which we will be hosting both online and in person.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you on 17 September,

Tarquin

2022/23 BATH RUGBY SQUAD

Forwards: Lewis Boyce, Aranos Coetzee, Arthur Cordwell, Archie Griffin, Johannes Jonker, Archie Maggs*, Beno Obano, D’Arcy Rae, Juan Schoeman, Archie Stanley, Will Stuart, Kieran Verden, Niall Annett, Tom Doughty, Tom Dunn, Jasper Spandler, John Stewart, Dave Attwood, Josh Dingley, Michael Etete, Charlie Ewels, Josh McNally, Ewan Richards, Quinn Roux, Will Spencer, Mike Williams, Abdul-Khalik Akenzua Al Kareem, Josh Bayliss, Chris Cloete, Jaco Coetzee, Thompson Cowan, Richard de Carpentier, Tom Ellis, Mackenzie Graham, Arthur Green, Will Jeanes, Nahum Merigan, Frankie Read, Miles Reid, Ethan Staddon, JJ Tonks, Sam Underhill, Wesley White

Backs: Tom Carr-Smith, Max Green, Louis Schreuder, Ben Spencer, Orlando Bailey, Ciaran Donoghue, Piers Francis, Sam Harris, George Worboys, Will Butt, Louie Hennessey, Jonathan Joseph, Max Ojomoh, Will Parry, Cameron Redpath, Jordan Venter, Max Wright, Darren Atkins, Joe Cokanasiga, Matt Gallagher, Gabe Goss, Tom de Glanville, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Ruaridh McConnochie, Will Muir

* Denotes University Scholar

The remaining University Scholars will be confirmed following exam results.

First Team Coaches: Johann van Graan (Head of Rugby), JP Ferreira (Defence Coach), Joe Maddock (Attack Coach), Neal Hatley (Forwards Coach), Luke Charteris (Line-out Coach)

MEET THE NEW PERFORMANCE STAFF

HEAD OF RUGBY: JOHANN VAN GRAAN

Johann is a world-class coach who will hold full responsibility for Bath Rugby’s game, focused on delivering winning performances.

The 42-year-old has extensive coaching experience and has spent the past five season at Munster, during which he has led the United Rugby Championship side to two European Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals and Pro14 final.

Van Graan began his professional coaching at the Blue Bulls, and under Head Coach Heyneke Meyer, with focus on forwards and attack, he helped the South African franchise win three Super 14 titles.

He moved on to become the Springboks Forwards Coach, winning the bronze medal at the 2015 Rugby World Cup before becoming Munster Head Coach in 2017.

Throughout his career van Graan has developed a long line of players who have gone on to feature regularly on the international stage for both Ireland and South Africa.

DEFENCE COACH: JP FERREIRA

Someone who van Graan has a strong relationship with is JP Ferreira.

The duo have been together for the past five seasons at Thomond Park and they ‘go way back’ – they even played together once which Ferreira was surprised to learn!

Previous to his time at Munster, Ferreira carried out analysis for Currie Cup First Division side The Falcons in 2005 and two years later when he retired from playing, he stepped into an analyst position with the Lions.

Overtime, his role developed a coaching angle and when Johan Ackermann took over as Head Coach in 2012, Ferreira was named the franchise’s Defence Coach and under his stewardship, they reached consecutive Super Rugby finals in 2016 and 2017. The Lions had the best defensive records in both seasons.

Similarly with Munster, Ferreira developed the Irish province into the best defensive side in the 2018/19 Pro14 and the European Champions Cup pool stage the same season.

ATTACK COACH: JOE MADDOCK

Joe Maddock doesn’t quite need the same introduction to Bath Rugby supporters!

The New Zealander returns to the club where he made 130 appearances on the wing between 2004 and 2010 – a place he describes as ‘special to me and my family’.

Since retiring from the game, Maddock has emerged as a talented and admired coach, learning his trade in the revered Canterbury/Crusaders environment and serving as Head Coach of the Canterbury team in the Mitre 10 domestic competition.

He moved on to coach Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan and this season, they ended their main league season as the in-form team, scoring 191 points in their final five fixtures to earn a place in the play-offs.

On his return to The Rec, Maddock commented:

“I love the club and I love the city. I’m looking forward to working with such a talented group of players and contributing to an exciting new era.”

HEAD OF ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE: ALEX MARTIN

Alex Martin is a highly regarded Athletic Performance professional. He worked as England Women’s Physical Performance Lead playing a crucial role in their world-record 23-match unbeaten run. He has a wealth of experience having previously worked at Leicester Tigers for 11 years as Head of Physical Performance across two spells, and Leicester City, Loughborough University and Wasps.

HEAD OF MEDICAL SERVICES: RORY MURRAY

Rory Murray spent the previous 10 years at Bristol Bears and is an excellent practitioner and leader. He has extensive knowledge and a broad skillset, following roles earlier in his career at the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland and Ulster Rugby.

PERFORMANCE NUTRITIONIST: SARAH JENNER

Sarah Jenner moved to Bath Rugby from Munster Rugby. Previous to her time in Limerick, she spent five years as a Sports Dietitian at Australian Football League side Carlton, as well as lecturing in Nutrition and Dietetics at La Trobe University.

MIND COACH: DON MACPHERSON

Don Macpherson has experience of working with a high number of Bath Rugby players previously and has helped scores of world-class athletes – across a range of professional sports – to develop specific mental skills which enhance their performance.

View all members of Bath Rugby's staff

NIALL ANNETT, HOOKER

Niall Annett has been a consistent, outstanding performer in the Premiership since joining Worcester Warriors in 2014. Known for his strong leadership skills, he came through at Ulster and captained Ireland Under-20s at the 2011 Junior World Championship. Annett, whose last-minute try in the 2014/15 Greene King IPA Championship Final first leg which proved crucial in Worcester’s promotion back to the top flight, was Worcester’s first-choice hooker for eight seasons, making over 120 appearances.

IT'S AN HONOUR TO BE HERE - ANNETT

GETTING TO KNOW: NIALL ANNETT

DAVE ATTWOOD, LOCK

A man who needs no introduction. Dave Attwood made 157 appearances in Blue, Black and White over an eight-year period during his first spell at the club. His debut came against Newcastle Falcons at the beginning of the 2011/12 season after arriving from Gloucester, scoring four tries in his first campaign. The lock quickly established himself as a key player in the Bath pack and excelled at international level too, with 22 of his 24 England caps coming whilst at The Rec. Attwood’s formidable presence at the set-piece and his power game have earned him plaudits aplenty over the years and he was an important part of Bath’s journey to the 2014/15 Premiership final.

ARANOS COETZEE, PROP

Arriving from the Cheetahs as injury cover, Aranos Coetzee is a strong, experienced option at tighthead. He has previous European experience having plied his trade in France for Racing 92 and Brive over a five-year period before returning to South Africa. Coetzee has appeared at two Rugby World Cups with Namibia and was awarded the Cheetahs’ 2017 Super Rugby Player of the Year for his outstanding contributions up front. For his country, the prop has contributed to five Rugby Africa Cup titles, the latest coming via a 36-0 win over Kenya at the start of July.

CHRIS CLOETE, BACK ROW

Chris Cloete bolsters the Blue, Black and White’s power options in the back five, and has established himself as a key component of the Munster pack since joining the Irish province in 2017. His excellent breakdown skills saw him awarded the 2020/21 Pro14 Turnover King prize, winning the ball back 14 times in eight matches – most of which were jackals. Prior to his move to Ireland, Cloete played for the Southern Kings, Western Province and Pumas and received international honours for South Africa ‘A’ in 2017 where he was instrumental in a 48-28 win against French Barbarians, scoring two tries. South African born, Cloete also represented South Africa Schools in his late teens, featuring against Italy and England whilst with the Border Bulldogs.

MICHAEL ETETE, LOCK

Imposing second row Michael Etete impressed on trial at the start of pre-season, earning his first opportunity at Gallagher Premiership level. The 6ft 8 lock, who can also play in the back row, is a strong ball carrier with an ability to get over the gainline. He has featured in National 1 for both Leeds Tykes and Rams RFC over the past couple of seasons as well as starring in BUCS Super Rugby with Leeds Beckett University RFC.

PIERS FRANCIS, FLY-HALF/CENTRE

Piers Francis was a member of the Saracens Academy in his teens before moving to New Zealand aged 18 where he played provincial rugby for both Auckland and Waikato. He returned to the UK with Edinburgh and Doncaster Knights before heading back to the Southern Hemisphere for further ITM Cup rugby with Counties Manukau. He scored 117 points in 24 matches Super Rugby matches for the Blues before joining Northampton Saints where he earned the first of nine England caps. Francis appeared at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and has collected 197 points in 83 Premiership, European and Premiership Rugby Cup games to date.

MATT GALLAGHER, FULL-BACK

Matt Gallagher joined the Saracens Academy at 14-years-old and earned a senior debut for the north London outfit against Ospreys in the 2014/15 LV= Cup before starring for England Under-20s in their 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship-winning campaign. He made his European bow in 2016/17 and in total, scored nine tries in over 50 appearances for Saracens whilst playing a huge part in their Premiership Rugby Shield success in 2019. The full-back moved to Munster in 2020 and debuted against Edinburgh Rugby in the United Rugby Championship and crossed for his first two Munster tries against Dragons in November 2020..

LOUIE HENNESSEY, CENTRE

Louie Hennessey arrives at The Rec from Cardiff Rugby having earned a reputation for his natural skillset and clinical finishing at youth level. The centre enjoyed a successful 2021 at Hartpury College, helping his side to 10 wins from 10 in the ACE League and featured for Wales Under-18s for the first time in this season’s U18 Six Nations Festival. He will balance his studies and rugby whilst at the University of Bath.

QUINN ROUX, LOCK

A class line-out operator who offers great physicality, Quinn Roux arrived as injury cover for Charlie Ewels. Born in South Africa, he won the 2012 Vodacom Cup with Western Province and earned Super Rugby caps for the Stormers before switching to Leinster for two seasons. His time in Dublin began a seven-year stint in Irish rugby mostly spent in Galway at Connacht where he made over 100 provincial appearances and appeared 16 times for Ireland. He moved to RC Toulon in the summer of 2021 and featured on 14 occasions for the Top 14 outfit in his debut campaign before moving to Bath.

LOUIS SCHREUDER, SCRUM-HALF

A three-time Currie Cup winner, Louis Schreuder came through the ranks at Western Province and was vice-captain of South Africa Under-20s when he made his senior debut for the Cape Town side in 2010. He has over 100 Super Rugby caps to his name following spells with The Stormers, Southern Kings and The Sharks. The South African was capped by the Springboks in 2017, playing against Wales, and also has experience of playing in Japan and France. With Newcastle Falcons, Schreuder featured 29 times in the Premiership.

JJ TONKS, BACK ROW

Formerly of Gloucester Academy, JJ Tonks is a physical back row who also plays second row. He captained Hartpury College to a prestigious AASE League title in 2017, the same year he received international recognition. He won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games with England Sevens ahead of England Under-18s and Under-20s honours. Most recently with Northampton Saints, Tonks has Premiership and European experience, making 23 appearances in total whilst at Franklin’s Gardens.

Getting to Know: JJ Tonks

GJ VAN VELZE, BACK ROW

GJ van Velze adds experience and leadership to the club’s pack options. A back row who can play lock, has has over a century of Premiership appearances, winning the Premiership at Northampton Saints. He captained Worcester Warriors to promotion and held the leadership role throughout his seven years at Sixways. Prior to his time in England, van Velze twice captained the Blue Bulls’ junior side to the Vodacom Cup as well as skippering South Africa Academy, South Africa Under-19s and Under-20s.

WESLEY WHITE, BACK ROW

During his career to date, Wesley White has experienced rugby in South Africa, France, USA and England. A year out of school, he moved to Durban to join The Sharks before moving overseas to France with Pro D2 side Montauban. His studies then took him to the United States at Lindenwood University in Missouri and in his three years there and trained with the USA Eagles Sevens team. He also gained gained Major League Rugby experience at Austin Gilgronis before heading back to his homeland, trialling with the Blitzboks at the National Sevens Academy in Stellenbosch. White has spent the most recent part of his career at Jersey Reds.

Getting to know: Wesley White

CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

Eleven players have renewed contracts ahead of the 2022/23 season.

England internationals Jonathan Joseph and Beno Obano have committed their futures with Bath Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season Will Muir also signing a new contract.

Homegrown duo Orlando Bailey and Max Ojomoh – who was awarded Academy Player of the Season - have graduated into the Senior Squad after impressive seasons which has seen both called up to England training squads by Eddie Jones.

Breakthrough Player of the Season Ewan Richards, a third to have received a full international call up, is another who has earned a new deal. Nahum Merigan, George Worboys and Frankie Read will continue their development at the club having penned fresh deals.

Experienced back row Richard de Carpentier and homegrown full-back Darren Atkins have also extended their time at The Rec.

L to R: Orlando Bailey and Jonathan Joseph

HEAD OF ACADEMY CRAIG LILLEY PROVIDES AN ACADEMY UPDATE

Academy Staffing Changes

Senior Academy Coach Mike Hill has departed to take up a position with Wales Women, but we are excited to welcome back Mark Lilley and Ryan Davis as Lead Academy Coach and Academy Performance Coach, respectively. In their roles, they will be working with our Senior Academy players as well as the University of Bath where they will work alongside Head of Rugby Aaron James, coaching the performance squad who will take part in BUCS Super Rugby. We have 15 players in our Senior Academy who are eligible to play BUCS rugby in the 2022/23 season and it will be a great opportunity for them to have more one-on-one time with coaches who have a vast amount of experience.

Elsewhere, Chris Bakker has been promoted to Academy Athletic Performance Manager while last season’s intern, Jonny Glendening has earned a full-time position as Academy Athletic Performance Coach. George Gauntlett has also been promoted and is now our Lead Academy Physiotherapist having previously been involved with the Junior Academy.

In the Junior Academy, Matt Lishman is our Junior Academy Phase Lead and will look after the DPP and age groups Under-16s and below. He will also carry on with his coaching development role within the region. Sam Nash comes in as an Academy Pathway Physiotherapist and will work with the Under-18s while Josh Richardson will work part time as our Academy Athletic Development Coach, focusing on age groups Under-16s and below.

We have assembled a really strong group of staff who have worked extremely hard in the early stages of pre-season. They have made a massive difference in terms of where the Academy programme is going and the acceleration of player development throughout the pathway.

Pathway Update

The Senior Academy came back in at the beginning of July. The newly contracted players are living at Farleigh House, have fully integrated with the Senior Squad and have all settled in nicely.

Our England Under-20s players (Tom Carr-Smith, Ewan Richards, John Stewart, Ethan Staddon and Sam Harris) will return on 15 August. We are really excited to get those boys back in and their return coincides with when the University pre-season starts at which point, some boys will switch from senior training to training at the University of Bath with Mark and Ryan.

We have a really good group of scholars who have come in and will go to University this year. We will announce them once they have received their grades in August.

The Junior Academy have also been in for a number of weeks and had a friendly with Cardiff Rugby which was an extremely positive experience for the group. Our Under-18s had a three-day residential at Farleigh House where they had workshops, team building and camped out together which was a great shared experience to bring them closer together ahead of the new season.

Two squads – Under-17s and Under-18s – will head to Malvern College for an Academy Festival and then at the end of the month, the Academy League will start with two games against Bristol Bears and then Saracens.

SEASON TICKET HOLDER BENEFITS

Save up to 30% compared to buying on a match by match basis*
Your own dedicated seat** for either 10 or 16 home fixtures, excluding knockout games
First priority on additional ticket purchases and all home knockout games
Guaranteed first refusal on your seat for the 2023/24 season
Your name displayed at the Rec on our Members Board
Ticket forwarding to friends and family when you can’t use your ticket
Young Adult, Senior and NextGen (junior) season tickets also available
Prize draw each month to win a free Hospitality upgrade for two
Sell your seat on Ticket Exchange when you can’t make the match
Upgrade NextGen (junior) season tickets to an adult ticket, match by match
Digital season ticket (paper version still available for small charge)
Pay monthly with our flexible finance scheme
10 or 16 season ticket options available

* Based on purchasing a Gold full season ticket

**Or standing position if a season ticket purchased in the Terrace

FREE CLUB MEMBERSHIP

In addition to your Season Ticket Holder benefits, in 2022/23 all season tickets will include a free Club Membership, worth £50. Relevant for all Young Adult, Senior and Adult season tickets.

Access to events (virtual & in person) and content providing member-only behind the scenes insight, opinion and footage
10% off matchday food and drink (stadium bars only)
15% off all club merchandise available at the Official Bath Rugby Shop
Free entry for England international ticket ballot (if available)
Free entry into regular prize draws throughout the season
Digital Membership card
Receive regular emails delivering exclusive access to the latest news at Bath Rugby

🦁 NEXTGEN (AGE 4-16)

In addition to your NextGen Season Ticket Holder benefits, in 2022/23 all NextGen season tickets will include a free NextGen Club Membership, worth £25.