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BATH RUGBY v BRISTOL BEARS

By Bath Rugby

February 23^rd, 2023

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A WELCOME FROM CEO TARQUIN MCDONALD

Welcome back to The Rec for one of our most eagerly anticipated matches in our seasonal calendar against Bristol Bears.

West Country derbies are always special occasions. Whether the opposition is Bristol, Gloucester or Exeter Chiefs, there is always a great buzz to the fixture and we are looking forward to our latest one under the lights in front of a full house.

It will be the second fixture in a row at The Rec that has sold out and we cannot thank you enough for your support. You continue to display undeniable dedication to your team and it means so much to all the staff and players.

Following tonight’s match, we have two home games and an England Under-20s fixture to look forward to at The Rec. The final match of the season against Saracens has been confirmed by Premiership Rugby for Saturday 6 May at 16:00.

We understand many of our supporters will have plans to celebrate the King’s coronation on that day and as a club, we will ensure supporters can celebrate appropriately at The Rec on what will be our final fixture of the regular 2022/23 season.

Over recent weeks we have started to welcome back some important players in our squad. The likes of Beno Obano, Quinn Roux, Josh McNally and Jaco Coetzee are all back playing their part in Blue, Black and White. A huge credit must go to our Head of Medical Services Rory Murray and his team for providing the utmost care and professionalism towards our players throughout their rehabilitation.

This week we were saddened to learn former player Ian Holmes passed. Ian was a local farmer and joined Bath in 1967, playing for the club for three seasons in the back row. He made 26 appearances before returning to play for Old Sulians. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.

Tarquin

VISIT THATCHERS

COMPEED RECOVERY JOURNEYS EP 4: BATH RUGBY AND ENGLAND PROP BENO OBANO

In Episode 4 of Compeed Recovery Journeys, we explore Beno Obano's knee injury, with expert insight from Bath Rugby Head of Medical Services Rory Murray.

The England prop shares his mindset in a fascinating watch.

SUCCESS OF FOUNDATION DAY

Where do we start?!

Foundation Day, in partnership with Dyson, was a momentous day for many reasons and so it’s hard to know where to begin with our thanks.

It was our first matchday takeover at The Rec, and in our wildest dreams couldn’t have imagined just how well our message was going to land with Bath Rugby staff, players, and supporters.

When we started planning the day, we had a vision of what it could look like, but we also realised we couldn’t do it alone.

Working so closely with Bath Rugby made that happen. We had:

One of the biggest matchday raffles we’ve ever run,
A rugby shirt auction in the hospitality suite
A kicking challenge at half-time,
Passing challenges, and
Kit sales in the fan village

The Rec was also emboldened with our new Lose the Labels campaign branding.

All of this was done to raise awareness of our cause and to raise vital funds for our education and wellbeing programmes which annually reach 3,000 of the 10,000 children and young people in our community who have the toughest start in life.

In and around Bath, one in five young people live below the poverty line. Something you wouldn’t think was possible in one of the richest cities in the UK.

Lose the Labels was designed to highlight the inequalities young people face in our community.

We want these young people to stop just surviving, and to start thriving. To stop feeling rejected and to start feeling accepted. The start feeling powerful, rather than powerless.

Through a collective effort from all of you, both Foundation supporters and Bath Rugby supporters, we spread our message to 14,509 people at The Rec. And that doesn’t include the many thousands who saw our messaging across our social media channels.

From all our activity on Foundation Day, we raised a huge total of £11,623 (£150 missing from this total).

This money will go a long way in helping vulnerable and challenged young people in our society.

But our work doesn’t stop here…

Foundation Day may be over, but our campaign to Lose the Labels lives on.

Thank you for joining us for the start of a new era for Bath Rugby Foundation. We have so many brilliant ways for you to get involved with us over the coming weeks, months, and years. Through donation, sponsorship, volunteering, and even just sharing our message on social media, we can continue our mission to Lose the Labels.

GET IN TOUCH

OBANO WINS RPA VODAFONE BUSINESS GAIN LINE AWARD

Beno Obano has been announced as the worthy recipient of this season’s second RPA Vodafone Business Gain Line Award.

The RPA Vodafone Business Gain Line Award was created to support current and former players of the game in their off the field business ventures.

In the last few years, Obano has become heavily involved in film and documentary making, launching his own production company, ‘Sinnybaby Media’. He has gone on to create two documentaries, ‘Everybody’s Game’ in November 2020, and ‘Prep To Win’ in April 2022. Both have been acquired by Amazon Prime and streamed on the platform to huge success.

On winning the award, Obano said: “It feels great to be recognised for this award. You don’t really do these types of things to be rewarded for it, so it’s always nice when you do get that recognition, it’s brilliant, so thank you!”

INJURY UPDATE

Bath Rugby Head of Medical Services Rory Murray has provided an injury update ahead of Friday’s match against Bristol Bears.

Alfie Barbeary is now back in team training and will be available for selection in March.

Jaco Coetzee has recovered from his ankle injury and is available for selection.

Tom de Glanville is now available for selection following his fractured hand.

Gabriel Hamer-Webb has returned to running following ankle surgery last month.

Ted Hill injured his leg in training and will return in early March.

Ewan Richards has recovered from his leg injury and is available for selection.

John Stewart is out for the season due to a knee injury.

GJ van Velze has recovered from his shoulder injury and is available for selection.

Kieran Verden had neck surgery last week and will be sidelined for the rest of the season.

THE RECCY: FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

We are back at The Rec under the Friday Night Lights for a thrilling encounter against our West Country rivals, Bristol Bears.

In what will be a huge clash on the pitch, we have got an epic matchday lined up for you!

Here’s a reccy of what’s in store.

FROM 17:45

Happy Hour 😃
Live music from Rich Reeves 🎹
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle 🎟
Thatchers Fan of the Match 👏
Half-time Thatchers Apples 🍎
Food & beverage 🍔
Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club 🤝
Matchday Ambassadors 💬
Bath Rugby shop 🧢
Fan Radio 📻
Get your tickets to our final games at The Rec, including England U20s! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
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DARREN ATKINS NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PULMONARY FIBROSIS

Some of you may remember in September I shared my family’s story in order to raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis. Here’s a quick recap and update.

My dad was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in August 2018. The outcome of the diagnosis was there in black and white: my dad’s life expectancy was two to five years. As I’m sure you can imagine, we were all distraught. We weren’t really sure of all the signs of Pulmonary Fibrosis, nor the history of it. It is quite an unknown disease which many people aren’t knowledgeable of.

Pulmonary Fibrosis affects 70,000 people in the UK. It’s a lung disease which progressively sees your lungs scar and become stiff, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood. There is currently no cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis and approximately 8,000 people die from the disease per year.

It’s with a heavy heart that I write that after a hard-fought battle, my dad passed away peacefully with family around him on 14 February 2023. Words cannot describe the man he was. I will be forever grateful for the time and memories we shared together. I love you, dad.

I want to continue to raise awareness of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Awareness of the disease is currently so low and often people haven't heard of it, nor do they understand the severity.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis have been brilliant and the charity does so much to get the message out there. We are really grateful for the support the charity has given us over the past few years and we want to spread the word to ensure they can help other families affected.

Dad’s final wishes were to have the below petition reach 100,000 signatures. I would be grateful to everyone who can sign and share the petition which is to increase funding for the treatment for this terminal disease and help raise awareness for past and present sufferers.

My partner Isla is running the Paris marathon for Action for Pulmonary fibrosis in his honour, if anyone would like to make a donation the link is also below, thank you!

I just want to thank the club, players, staff and the fans for giving me and my family every bit of support over the past few years. My family and I are truly grateful.

Thank you,

Daz

DONATE TO ISLA'S PARIS MARATHON PF FUNDRAISER

SIGN THE PETITION

more information on Pulmonary Fibrosis

NOTHING QUITE LIKE DERBY DAY AT THE REC

As a Bath man born and bred, there is nothing quite like a West Country derby against Bristol Bears for Miles Reid.

The back row recalls of running out in The Clash at Twickenham and wins that have gone by as positive memories, but he has also been part of some tougher occasions too.

It is a head-to-head that causes conversation more than most and one the squad are eagerly anticipating.

“There has been a response in training which is needed,” Reid said following last weekend’s defeat to London Irish.

“Everyone is fired up for Friday. Under the lights at The Rec is everyone’s favourite game to play and it’s a big game we’re all really looking forward to.

“You feel the buzz in the city building up to it. People walk around the city in their Bath shirts and the atmosphere builds from the start of the week.

“It’s a game that has meant a lot more to me over the years. It’s massive! It’s a West Country derby with bragging rights against a good team. It means a lot to me and all the boys here.”

Over the past couple of games Bath have seen the likes of Beno Obano, Will Stuart and Quinn Roux return from long-term injuries while this week’s injury update cleared Tom de Glanville, Jaco Coetzee Ewan Richards and GJ van Velze for selection.

Reid notes the raised intensity in training which will hopefully stand the squad in good stead as the remaining rounds of the season commence.

“Training has stepped up in intensity this week as people are returning from injury, some who haven’t stepped on a rugby pitch for a long time.

“They are chomping at the bit and the competition has stepped up which will only push us forward.”

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ACTION: BECOME A MATCHDAY AMBASSADOR!

Our matchdays at The Rec are regarded one of the best in the Premiership. From the atmosphere in the fan village, to the cheering that echoes around the streets of Bath as the Blue, Black and White crash over the try-line – you are part of it all.

With a new Head of Rugby and a plethora of new player signings, we wanted to extend the introduction of new incentives to our dedicated supporters; Bath Rugby’s matchday ambassadors are another new addition this season.

BATH RUGBY SUPPORTING LOCAL POLICE IN IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN

A Bath Rugby matchday is an occasion for the whole city. Whether you're watching the game at The Rec or you've travelled into Bath to watch in one of the many pubs and bars.

Our fixtures see thousands of supporters flock from all over B&NES, Wiltshire and beyond to watch their team run out come rain, snow or shine.

Bath Rugby want to make sure it is doing all it can to ensure the full matchday experience is a safe space for its supporters and wider community, and this includes the journey into the city.

In a project to tackle violence against women and girls in the South West area, the club has joined forces with Avon & Somerset Police and British Transport Police to promote their campaign to put a stop to harassment.

Launching the initiative last summer, British Transport Police have outlined some of the ways in which you can be an active bystander, whereby you can safely challenge unacceptable behaviour on a matchday and when travelling into Bath.

BATH RUGBY 29-27 BRISTOL BEARS

5 March 2022

Bath secured a dramatic win over West Country rivals Bristol Bears as Tom de Glanville scored in the last minute of play!

Bears were in the lead right up to the eighty-forth minute, with two tries from Harry Thacker and one from Naulago but Bath kept themselves within striking distance with tries from club legends Rokoduguni, Faletau, and Joseph.

One more try from Joe Cokanasiga as he athletically finished in the corner opened the door for Tom de Glanville to steal a win in the final moments of the game.

Bath Rugby: 15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Clark, 11 Will Butt, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Valeriy Morozov, 2 Tom Doughty, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 4 Mike Williams, 5 Ewan Richards, 6 Josh Bayliss ©, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Lewis Boyce, 18 Ma’afu Fia, 19 Will Spencer, 20 Jaco Coetzee, 21 Joe Simpson, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Joe Cokanasiga

Bristol Bears: 15 Ioan Lloyd, 14 Siva Naulago, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Antoine Frisch, 11 Alapati Leiua, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Oscar Lennon; 1 Jake Woolmore, 2 Harry Thacker, 3 Jake Armstrong, 4 Dave Attwood, 5 Joe Joyce (c), 6 Chris Vui, 7 Jake Heenan, 8 Sam Jeffries

Replacements: 16 Bryan Byrne, 17 Yann Thomas, 18 Ashley Challenger, 19 Steven Luatua, 20 Dan Thomas, 21 Theo Strang, 22 Tiff Eden, 23 Piers O’Conor

THE OPPOSITION

Bristol are a team struggling to find a foothold in the Premiership this season. They currently sit at ninth in the Premiership table, with only four wins and eight losses. While they are above Bath, there are only three points separating the West Country rivals in the table.

With one point dividing Bath and Bristol in points scored this season, the Bears have scored a total of 286 and Bath just edging a lead on 287. In defence, it’s Bath who have also conceded fewer points, with Bristol conceding 39 more points than Bath.

While Bears fans may be disappointed in their current league position, Bristol look to be improving in the latter stages of the season. With plenty of positives to be drawn from their last two games, there is still time to fight for a play-off spot.

Having recently beaten Newcastle Falcons 30-12, arguably Bears best performance is a 20-19 loss away from home to Saracens. While the game ended in a loss to the current Premership leaders, it took the hosts up to the 80-minute mark to eventually steal a win from Bears.

ONE TO WATCH - STEVEN LUATUA

A player Bristol’s Pat Lam has built his squad around, Steven Luatua has been an integral part of Bear’s resurgence in the Premiership in recent years, exemplified by his appointment as club captain.

Having captained Bristol on more than thirty occasions, Luatua is described as becoming “one of the club’s modern greats”. Both teammates and fans have acknowledged his influence by awarding him with the club's Player's Player of the Season award two years in a row as well as the Supporters Player of the Season award in 2020/21.

With 15 All Blacks appearances to his name, Luatua is an established international, bringing a wealth of experience and talent with him to the Premiership.

WOMEN & GIRLS' ELITE SEVENS TRIALS

Our Women’s Sevens team will return for another summer competing in top-flight Sevens tournaments.

The formation of the first ever elite Bath Rugby Women’s side in 2022 proved a significant milestone in the club’s history, continuing its commitment to growing the women and girls’ game across the region.

Bath Rugby Women is seeking to identify and develop talented athletes in its region to join the squad and is encouraging players new and old to register their interest in team trials. But be quick! Registration closes 26 February.

Successful applicants will be invited to trial on Saturday 4 March at Farleigh House.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

SAM HARRIS: THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK, MAKING WAVES IN THE U20 SIX NATIONS

Sam Harris is a piano-playing, light-hearted character with a sense of adventure. He is also pretty good at rugby.

Growing up idolising the never-say-die attitude and commitment of Tennis’ Rafael Nadal and the talent of All Black Beauden Barrett, Harris always had it in his mind he would like to succeed in sport.

His driven nature saw him earn a contract with Bath Rugby at the end of his Under-18s campaign and helped him deservedly represent his country at Under-20 level in 2022 despite having not long turned 18-years-old.

Since then, the young, versatile back has debuted for the Blue, Black and White at senior level, scoring in the Premiership Rugby Cup at Exeter Chiefs, and is now a consistent figure in England Under-20s’ U20 Six Nations backline.

He kicked four conversions and a penalty in England’s opening round win over Scotland and followed up with 12 points against Italy including a try which saw him slice through the Azzurri defence.

On featuring with the red rose adorned on his chest, Harris said:

“There’s nothing quite like it tell you that; singing the anthem is incredible. It’s a really proud moment every time I get to do it.

“Not just for me, but for my family and my coaches, whether from when I was younger or now. It reflects on all the hard work they have put in as well.

“I didn’t get to play the U18 Six Nations (due to Covid) so I was really looking forward to the start of the U20 Six Nations. I hope play as many games as I can; it’s really exciting.”

It is the second time Harris has been in the England Under-20s camp having first appeared in the Six Nations Summer Series in 2022.

He is enjoying being himself in and around new teammates, and those he has come across previously, and is hoping the experience will help him become a more well-rounded person on and off the field.

“I enjoy meeting new players, and again reconnecting with those that you've already known, maybe be for like, through the Under-18s and beyond. So really, really enjoyable.

“All clubs have their own different way of playing, but coming here, you kind of experience how other people play, and then kind of try and combine to create how we want to play as England Under-20s.

“I just try to enjoy everything I do. I think you can learn from everyone around you. You can adapt what you do. You can learn from what other clubs do and apply what you do at Bath. I'll take things on and off the field from here and look to improve how I am as a person off the pitch and the player I am on the pitch.”

Bath Rugby will be hosting England Under-20s’ final U20 Six Nations fixture against France on Friday 10 March (kick-off 20:00).

For the City of Bath, which has never hosted an international U20 Six Nations match, it will be special but for the likes of Harris, and fellow Academy player Josh Dingley, it will be even more so if they can represent their country at the home of their club.

“That would be unreal!” Harris said.

“I think the atmosphere will be incredible. I know having run out there before, the fans are incredible. And honestly, I can think of anything better!”

Tickets for England Under-20s v France Under-20s remain on sale for just £15 an adult, £10 a student and £5 for a junior.

Enjoy watching the future of English Rugby against back-to-back World Rugby U20 Championship winners France!

BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR ENGLAND U20 V FRANCE U20!

LIP READING CHALLENGE: ENGLAND U20 V FRANCE U20

Our current England Under-20 internationals Sam Harris and Josh Dingley go head-to-head in a England v France themed lip-reading challenge. Give it a watch to find out who wins.....

BATH RUGBY U18 WIN THRILLER ON FINALS DAY

George Timmins scored four tries helped Bath Rugby secure victory over Newcastle Falcons in a fantastic match at the Under-18s Finals Day.

The flanker opened with a double, one of which was converted by Under-16 half-back James Linegar, before Ben Redshaw brought Newcastle back into contention with two scores of his own.

Falcons captain Jacob Oliver and Bath vice-captain Ieuan Davies traded converted scores in the first half ahead of Charlie Ward dotting down.

But when Kane James and Tom Burton scored for Newcastle, it looked like the win was going back to the North East. Even more so when Redshaw’s penalty edged them ahead following Toby Lock’s try for Bath.

However, Timmins was on hand to ensure a brilliantly contested encounter went the way of Bath with two additional finishes late on.

The win means Bath end the U18 Academy League season in ninth.

full report

ACADEMY TRIO TO FEATURE IN ROUND 3 OF THE U20 SIX NATIONS

Sam Harris and Louie Hennessey will go head-to-head in Round 3 of the U20 Six Nations while Eddie Erskine is also involved in age-grade international rugby.

All three players have featured in their country’s matchday squads for the opening two rounds of the tournament.

Harris, who has 23 points to his name in the competition to date, will continue his starting role at full-back for England Under-20s, a position he has held in their two wins over Scotland and Italy to date.

Wales’ Louie Hennessey has made the 13 jersey his own and has impressed despite Wales suffering defeats against Ireland and Scotland. His offloading ability was picked out and commented on by All Black legend Sonny Bill Williams in Round 2.

England Under-20s take on Wales Under-20s in Colwyn Bay on Friday 24 February at 19:15. The match will be broadcast on BBC iplayer, S4C and BBC Cymru.

Meanwhile, Erskine’s Scotland are buoyed by their win over Wales – their first in 16 matches.

The young lock came off the bench for his Under-20s debut in Round 1 and is named a replacement once again as his side prepare to take on France on Friday at 20:00. The match will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

PANCAKE DAY CHALLENGE!

It was Pancake Day in the week!

Niall Annett hosted a Pancake Day Challenge between fellow forwards Richard de Carpentier and Josh McNally. Who are you backing to win?

DEFENDER PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP

The longstanding Defender Premiership Rugby Cup festivals (previously Land Rover Premiership Cup) return this season with Bath Rugby hosting the annual grassroots rugby event for youngsters on Sunday 30 April 2023 at North Dorset RFC.

This is a Grassroots Tournament for Under-11 & Under-12 boys.

For all U11 and U12 team entering the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup, there is the chance to win an exclusive trip to the Premiership Rugby Final, at Twickenham Stadium on May 27th 2023.

Land Rover has been supporting rugby at all levels in the UK for nearly two decades; from the grassroots to the elite. Land Rover support for grassroots rugby in the UK is typified through the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup, a nationwide series of rugby festivals for U11 and U12 teams.

SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW

THANK YOU COVENTRY BUILDING SOCIETY!

At our amazing launch of the Lose The Labels campaign last Saturday on Foundation Day, Coventry Building Society were joined by Bath Rugby player Ted Hill to present Bath Rugby Foundation with an immensely generous donation of £45,692.06.

To make this even more amazing, they've donated a further £17,000 to the Foundation's work, bringing the amount to over £62,000!

We cannot thank Coventry Building Society enough for their support. This money will go so far in helping disadvantaged young people Lose The Labels society has given them.

MAKE A DONATION

WILL MUIR BECOMES A FOUNDATION PARTICIPANT FOR THE DAY! WATCH HIM TAKE PART IN HI5! DANCE & FITNESS

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING DINNERS

In what is one of our biggest fundraising events of the year, we'd love for you to join us as we celebrate a year of Bath Rugby Foundation work and raise funds to continue to change young lives across Bath and beyond.

Happening on 27 & 28 April 2023, individual seats or the purchase of a full table are available now!

In what is always a fantastic event, you'll enjoy a three-course meal, an auction with huge prizes, live entertainment and more.

FLY TO FUNDRAISE - PORTUGAL 2023

We're flying to Portugal to fundraise, and want YOU to join us!

Mediterranean sun, a luxury apartment and an award-winning chef are just some of the components that will make up a superb weekend in the name of Bath Rugby Foundation.

Taking place from September 28th to October 2nd 2023, choose whichever type of holiday you like, from cycling, golf, hiking, water sports or to simply relax at the Boavista Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in the heart of the Algarve.

LEARN MORE

RUN BATH HALF FOR BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION!

If you're looking for something to work towards throughout 2023, or perhaps you want to break your own boundaries, then why not run Bath Half in the name of Bath Rugby Foundation? The funds raised will go towards helping children in our community and break the cycle of disadvantage experienced by those in poverty.

What you'll get:

Limited edition running vest
Training sessions
Massages to ease your training and on the day of the race
Secure bag storage
Food and drink
Ongoing support

BOOK YOUR PLACE

MIXED ABIILTY RUGBY CUP 2023

Mixed Ability Rugby is for anyone and everyone, no matter your rugby ability. Whether you want to meet new people, return to playing rugby, or simply have a bit of fun, mixed ability rugby is the answer.

This format of rugby takes the same format as any other rugby team, but in mixed ability rugby, there's no such things as not enough experience or not being good enough.

Taking place this April, registration is now open for team entries to our Mixed Ability Cup 2023!

🗓 Saturday 29th April 2023

📍 Walcot RFC, Bath, BA1 9BJ

🕚 11am - 5pm

LEARN MORE

WELCOME BACK FOR DERBY DAY!

One of the greatest pleasures of being from both the Southwest of England and being a Bath Rugby fan is our abundance of proper rugby derbies. Tonight, when we welcome our nearest neighbours, I wonder who we consider our biggest rivals?

Traditionally rivalries are about localism and civic pride but ask the person sat next to you who they'd most like to see Bath beat and I wager that there will be an even split between Bristol (12 miles) Gloucester (51 miles) and our friends from Welford Road (101 miles!)

Is it all about how close we are to each other or is it something else that gives rivalries the ‘bite’ and ‘spice’ that make them special? Moving away from the oval ball, The Boston Red Sox v The New York Yankees (215 miles) or Real Madrid v Barcelona (320 miles) suggest its more about competition, history, familiarity, perceived injustices, grudges, and painful humiliations that really make a great rival.

For those of us that can remember Bath's ‘imperial era’ it could be argued that the big one is Leicester Tigers as we duked it out at the very top of the tree through the 80s and early 90s. This is fuelled by more than a few on-field ‘differences of opinion’. Then there’s Gloucester, there's always been Gloucester and there always will be Gloucester, but with recent results I am just going to leave it at that.

Considering tonight's visitors, whilst we have shared the same air space for much of the last 40 years, it's fair to say that we have enjoyed the lion's share of success and good fortune, and a sizeable chunk of time in the Championship for Bristol meant that both sets of fans were deprived of the frequency of playing each other.

What a difference a few years make. The frequent forlorn trudge out of both Ashton Gate and The Rec, for Bath fans proves that times are changing. If rivalries are about perceived injustices or painful defeats, then we have got a bucket load to take into tonight's game. I wager that if you ask a Bath fan under the age of 30 who the big one is they will say tonight's visitors.

As if we did not need any more motivation, we find ourselves once again looking up, not down on the rest of the League. A Friday night derby against a bona fide rival? Come on You Bath!