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BATH RUGBY V EXETER CHIEFS

By Bath Rugby

March 5^th, 2021

COACH'S CORNER:

Dear supporter,

The resilience we showed last week to win what was a pretty tough arm wrestle is a credit to the team’s attitude.

I hope it was evident to people at home how much the squad dug in for that victory and, when things were not going our way in the first half we fought to stay in touch then in the second half we managed to adapt and ultimately secure an outstanding victory.

The group’s togetherness, the spirit they have, and the respect they have for each other were clear for all to see in the closing stages at Franklin’s Gardens. They showed what it means to play for Bath Rugby.

We have another West Country derby this weekend, and again we’re saddened to be without you, our supporters. We know you will be in fine voice from the comfort of your own homes and we are determined to build on the past three positive results.

Take care,

Hoops

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN: JOSH MCNALLY

Hello,

I will start by sharing that Sunday’s match in Northampton, particularly the second half, was towards where we want to be as a group.

The team’s determination and fight for each other and the Club was phenomenal, and our reward was a victory to be proud of at Franklin’s Gardens.

When you witness performances like that from the sidelines, and as I return to the squad this weekend, it gives me an enormous sense of pride to be able to pull on the Bath shirt again.

We are under no illusions that there is still work to be done. Our task remains to continue to adapt, learn and build the momentum gathered over the past three matches.

Everyone knows the threat Exeter pose as double champions. They have a physical pack and don’t shy away from an aggressive battle. We share a collective belief after a great training week, we can put them under pressure in that area.

Once again, thank you all for your support. It means so much to every single person at the Club.

Josh

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RHYS PRIESTLAND SETS NEW PREMIERSHIP RECORD

Not only did the men in Blue, Black, and White deliver a resilient display to record their third win in a row against an in-form Saints at Franklin’s Gardens, but Rhys Priestland also made Premiership history from the tee.

The fly-half used his clinical precision to secure two conversions and three penalties in the 23-22 victory over Northampton Saints. In the process, he broke the Gallagher Premiership’s longstanding record for consecutive successful kicks at goal.

Previously jointly held by Jonny Wilkinson and Mark van Gisbergen for the past 16-years, Priestland’s first kick of the day saw him draw level before he moved out on his own on the stroke of half-time.

His tally now stands at 32 in a row, meaning he hasn’t missed a kick at goal since Saturday 21st November – an incredible achievement!

The Welshman hasn’t always had it easy; swirling winds, hammering rain, and efforts from over 40-metres make the accolade even more impressive.

“I’d have given (the record) up for the win, and I genuinely mean that,” said Priestland.

“I’m pleased to get it as it shows how hard I’ve worked - it’s not something that has come easy to me. At the start of my career, it probably cost teams I was playing with; now, it’s good for me to knock them over and keep getting points.

“If I’d have missed one (vs. Northampton), we would have lost, so I’m pleased with that.”

COACHING CAMPS RETURN FOR EASTER

Our half-term camps will provide fun and engaging coaching for any budding rugby player, in addition to the perfect introduction to rugby for any child looking to start playing.

For only £30 per day, your child will develop their confidence, decision making, understanding about the principles of the game and spatial awareness. Bath Rugby are also excited to now be including an Introduction to Strength and Conditioning within our Half-Term Camps, to help teach and develop new movements On and Off the ball.

The camps are designed for boys and girls of all abilities aged U7s - U16s. Our camps comply with the RFU age grade regulations and are used to help develop participant’s confidence, decision making, game understanding and spatial awareness. Skills taught will consist mainly of handling, support and evasion skills

All participants will need to bring their own water-bottle, snacks and weather appropriate rugby clothing. This should include trainers and boots, shorts and tracksuit bottoms, warm tops, waterproof top and a warm hat (and change of clothes if the weather is wet).

FEMALE-ONLY CAMPS

In addition to our usual Mixed Rugby Camps, Bath will also be launching our brand-new female only camps during the Easter Holidays at Wells RFC (Tuesday the 6th) & Lambridge Training Ground (Friday the 9th). These Camps will be for the U13 – U16 Age Grades and will take a similar approach to our mixed camps looking to develop Game understanding, Attack and Defence Skills and an Introduction to Strength and Conditioning.

BRAND-NEW SEND CAMPS

Bath Rugby will be launching our first ever Community SEND Rugby Camp during the Easter break with this taking place at The Recreational Ground on the outfield on Monday the 5th of April. This camp will be supported by the Bath Foundation Coaches and will aim to teach the basics of Rugby, as well as developing individual skills and working on some functional movements during our Strength and Conditioning Block. This camp has been designed to help support those who consider themselves to have SEND. We are able to host participants with learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

FIND OUT MORE

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PRESIDENT’S LOUNGE KICK-OFF WITH INSPIRATIONAL EVENT

On Wednesday the first in a series of President's Lounge events took place virtually, with key stakeholders from across the city coming together, sharing in the experiences of the inspirational young people who took part in the Andes Challenge.

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In partnership with Bath Rugby and Bath Rugby Foundation; Farleigh Performance co-founding partner Graham Abbey and Bath Rugby President John Hall hosted the event, which highlighted the work of the President’s Lounge with a particular focus on the cycling challenge.

Joining John on the virtual stage to kick-off proceedings was Bath Rugby Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald, who explained his vision for the Bath Rugby Presidency.

“It really came about back in the spring of 2019. We were in transition mode at the club, preparing for Stuart Hooper to take over as Director of Rugby ahead of the 2019/20 season; there was change in the air and it felt like the right time to evolve the President’s role. David Trick had been fantastic and really helped evolve the relationship between the club and the foundation but we both felt it was time for a change. We wanted to deepen the routes and create a stronger connection within the community.

“John was the standout candidate. What was very evident was John’s passion, commitment and dedication to the Club and the city. We were aligned on the role and what it could mean to the club, and really importantly, he was very dedicated to the time and commitment that we felt would be required in order to make an impact”.

McDonald also explained the purpose for Bath Rugby, and how the themes of community, togetherness and inspiration reflect the work of the President’s Lounge.

“There are probably three parts to the purpose of Bath Rugby that we want to create. The first part is around inspiring the community through a thriving and successful team, the wider Club, and the Bath Rugby Foundation. It’s about a team that’s rooted in the community, that’s homegrown and born out of this place.

“The second part is around coming together. We have a very diverse and sadly unequal city, while at the same time, a huge amount of potential; like the team that we saw on Sunday that’s being knitted together to become something greater. It’s not just about the 80 minutes of the game, or the 15,000 supporters, or 16 matchdays; we believe that the club can help create and curate in bringing together opportunities across the city.

“Finally, we’re committed to this city, to playing in its heart and we’re committed to doing more. Across the network of rugby clubs, the business community, the Foundation, developing new opportunities such as tonight with the President’s Lounge – it’s about inspiration, coming together and creating something very special.”

Next up on stage, Graham Abbey introduced the three pairings who took part in the Andes Challenge, which as John Hall explained, was focused on helping young people realise their potential.

“It was a six-month programme for those that hadn’t had the greatest start in life. We wanted to help them focus on getting fit, mentally and physically while focusing on teamwork and confidence building, culminating in a two-week cycling challenge in the Andes. It was really about helping to build some resilience in these young people through a unique experience.”

Telling the story of their 300-mile-long cycle through the Chilean Andes, three of the ten Bath Rugby Foundation HITZ students who took on this gruelling challenge told their stories.

Joining them on the journey were individual mentors who were on hand to support their partner throughout training and the cycle itself, building their self-esteem and confidence.

First onto the stage was Jade and her mentor, Francie. One of the common themes that developed throughout the evening was the cold weather, as Jade explained:

“Going to another country, experiencing the culture and the scenery; it was incredible. The hardest part was definitely how cold it was on the first day and adjusting to the terrain because the first day there was gravel and going uphill, so the bikes just kept slipping".

“I reached a point where I was so cold, and it carried on raining, and I think I was close to giving up. But thanks to the support from everyone and all the mentors pushing me, I got back on the bike and carried on.”

Francie explained how she first met Jade and the clear attributes she displayed straight away.

“We met way before this challenge, during training. Really from the outset, Jade was somebody who rather than being pushed and carried along by mentors or the group, was very much a leader.

“I have to say, I’d never been on a mountain bike before I arrived at Bath and was put on the most uncomfortable machine I’ve ever had the displeasure of sitting on. I couldn’t get the thing up the hill and Jade was pushing me up. This was the first outing with the person I’m supposed to be mentoring and she’s the one pushing me up the hill!

“I knew from the outset that she had great leadership skills and she motivated others throughout. Mature beyond her years and a very focused person.”

Joining Jade and Francie next were Todd Burge and mentor Sir James Fuller.

Todd, who coined the now-famous saying of the trip “turning butterflies into dragons” explained his motivation for signing up for a 300-mile cycle when he couldn’t ride a bike!

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to ride a bike and previously, I couldn’t do it. I didn’t have the help available. When I saw the opportunity, I just grabbed it!”

“The best part was pretty much all of it, there was no negative, including the weather! But one of the best parts was going into the hotel room in Pucon and opening the window and seeing a volcano just on the other side".

After some technical challenges, much to Todd’s amusement, Sir James Fuller joined the virtual event and couldn’t praise his mentee highly enough.

“For me, it’s been a life-changing experience. Taking us all out of our comfort zones and giving someone an experience to push and challenge themselves. It was an inspiration to travel and take us all into a country we’d probably not been to - and I found Todd! Someone who puts himself up in front of everyone despite not being able to ride a bike. With all the adversities in front of us, Todd was incredible…He put himself out there and gave it his all. He’s an inspiration to everyone, I can’t say otherwise.

Last up onto the stage were Stan and Richard who described their experience on the Andes Challenge.

“Building up to it in the nine months, I didn’t have hope of being able to do it.” commented Stan.

“It was one of those things where I’d wake up and think ‘I’ll go in but I’m not really feeling it’, then as it got closer and closer it hit me that it’s going to happen. And I wasn’t going to turn back now".

“I carried on going to sessions and it was getting harder but I always had someone there to tell me I could do it, and I wasn’t going to quit.

Stan’s mentor, Richard Freeman, described the Stan he met all those months ago and how changed he now is, saying:

“In the room when we all first met were probably about 20 people and there was one very, very noisy person, and he kept talking; he was quite aggressive. Someone told me he was my mentee and I thought ‘oh!’.

“What we’ve seen is a boy growing into a man. He’s gone through all those periods where he’s angry, where he thought the world owed him a living, a job, an education but what we see now is a man who had worked hard, knuckled down, and come out mature, articulate, and a thoughtful person. I think it’s been a fantastic journey and I played a small role in that.”

Finally, Lynne Fernquest, CEO of the Bath Rugby Foundation explained the process behind putting the event on.

“We presented the opportunity to a large group of Bath Rugby Foundation HITZ students; they had to put forward their reasons for wanting to be part of it. We were looking for confidence, people who were coachable and looking to learn. It wasn’t a case of picking the best cycling or the people who were really into fitness, there was a really mixed group of people.

“The magic was in having a diverse group of people come together to create something remarkable".

We look forward to working with you to develop a better Bath for future generations.

If you would like to join us for the next challenge, learn more about the President’s Lounge and get involved in helping to deliver opportunities for the city’s young people,

SIGN UP HERE

The President’s Lounge, hosted by Bath Rugby President John Hall, was born out of a shared desire with Tarquin McDonald to help connect diverse groups across the community, improving their lives now and for the future.

REVISIT THE MATCH REPORT FROM THE LAST TIME AT THE REC VS EXETER

Confidence is high in the Bath Rugby camp heading into Round 12 of the Gallagher Premiership following three consecutive wins in the competition.

Kick-off 15:00 live on BT Sport 2.

A shed load of resilience and spirit contributed to the Blue, Black and White’s 23-22 victory over Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens last time out, with a courageous defensive effort in the closing stages displaying the players’ pride in representing the club and the city.

Bath will be looking for more of the same energy and grit when a similarly united side in Exeter Chiefs visit the Rec on Saturday.

Double winners last year and a high number of homegrown talent to boot, Rob Baxter’s men do make the trip having lost their last two outings

Last time out, controversy surrounded the end of Chiefs’ match up at Sale Sharks. Byron McGuigan and Facundo Cordero exchanged early tries before Sean Lonsdale put Exeter in front. Exeter had Jack Yeandle sent off for contact to the head after 26 minutes and Sale's Bevan Rodd scored just before the break to level at 15-15.

Sam Simmonds put Exeter back in front for his 12th try in a sizzling campaign but Curtis Langdon's 70th-minute try helped seal Sale's victory. Chiefs were unlucky not to receive a penalty for a man being taken out in the air in the dying embers of the game, though the losing bonus point confirms their place in the top four with a lThe team’s determination and fight for each otot of rugby still left to play.

READ PREVIEW IN FULL

WELCOME EXETER CHIEFS

With two defeats on the spin, there is no doubt Exeter Chiefs will come out firing at the Rec on Saturday.

Rob Baxter’s men have been edged out in both games by just one score. Two weeks ago, it was a one-point deficit at the hands of Northampton Saints and under the Friday night lights of the AJ Bell Stadium, they slipped to a 25-20 loss to Sale Sharks.

The two losing bonus points collected mean the Chiefs remain second in the Gallagher Premiership, ahead of Harlequins, with Bristol Bears in top spot and a lot of rugby still left to play.

Exeter, who have won two out of three west country battles so far this term, were represented by four players in the last round of the Six Nations: Henry Slade, Jonny Hill and Luke Cowan-Dickie (England) and Tomas Francis (Wales).

HEAD COACH ROB BAXTER

Whenever you think of Exeter Chiefs, Rob Baxter's name is too far behind. He has a remarkable 34-year association with Exeter having joined as a young colt in 1987. In his 16 years as a player, of which 10 he was captain, he amassed over 300 appearances before becoming head coach in 2009, leading the club to promotion to the Premiership in his first season.

Since then, Baxter has been at the forefront of Exeter’s success as Director of Rugby. The Chiefs have established themselves as top-four side in England, winning the Premiership twice and the European Cup last term, as well as a couple of Anglo-Welsh Cup successes. A fantastic list of accolades which Baxter and Chiefs will be keen to add to.

ONES TO WATCH...

FACUNDO CORDERO

Exeter Chiefs replaced club favourite Santiago Cordero with younger brother Facundo ahead of the 2019/20 season and it didn’t take long for the Argentine to make an impact, scoring on his debut away to Saracens.

Fleet-footed and with a real turn of speed, the winger adds a real spark of energy to the West Country outfit’s backline as proved by his moment of magic last time out as he creatively stepped past several Sale Sharks defenders before using his electric pace to round the covering Marland Yarde to dot under the sticks.

At 22-years-old, Cordero certainly has a positive future ahead of him.

JOE SIMMONDS MBE

Devon born and bred, Joe Simmonds proved an extremely influential figure for Exeter Chiefs last season.

The 24-year-old kicked 25 points across both the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup finals to help the Chiefs to an historic double.

Simmonds is a key cog in the Exeter machine with his cool decision making and tactical nous a vital component in his side’s success.

SAM SIMMONDS

Sam Simmonds is in the form of his life as he heads into this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership clash against Bath.

The Number 8, who is the current European Player of the Year, has scored 12 tries in 11 league matches for the Chiefs with the latest coming via blindside snipe, catching the Sale Sharks unaware.

An Exeter Academy graduate, Simmonds has power, pace and a clinical edge which has seen fans and pundits alike question his admission from Eddie Jones’ England squad.

TACKLING COVID-19 WITH MEDICAL ADMINISTRATOR HELEN SHAND

COVID-19. A phrase we’re all too familiar with, longing for the day when it’s used in the context of past tense. It’s changed our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined only 12-months ago and yet, like so many businesses across the globe, Bath Rugby has quickly adapted to the unique challenges it presents.

We spoke to Helen Shand, Bath Rugby Medical Administrator and one of the key staff members responsible for implementing the COVID-19 protocols, on how the club has adapted to the new environment.

“It’s challenging, particularly when thinking back to the restart in June. We have learned a lot. At the beginning of the process, everything was pretty unknown, and we relied on the RFU, Premiership Rugby, and DCMS for guidance and support. We took the information and what was required of us and made sure we adhered to the standards.

“We are also fortunate in that our doctor – Dr. Guy Evans – works across a few different sports, so we’ve been able to benefit from his knowledge of how other professional bodies are managing COVID and draw on any key learnings.”

Bath’s understanding of the processes required to limit the spread of COVID-19 has rapidly developed and, as Helen says, the Club continues to take a rigorous approach to ensure player and staff safety.

“We’ve been doing this nearly a year now, so our processes and checks are much more refined; we know how to deal with any issues in an efficient and safe way. Our approach all along has been to do whatever is required to protect our players and staff. In the few times, we have seen positive cases, we have been very stringent on how we respond. Our response has always been very conservative.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky in Bath so far in that while we have had cases, they’ve been isolated and haven’t led to further outbreaks. That’s in some part down to the rigorous processes we have in place, and it’s also a reflection of where we are in the country, and the rate of infection in the county versus other areas.”

While some aspects of match week remain unchanged, the virus has undoubtedly had a significant effect on how the club operates to ensure a safe environment. From testing on a Monday, through to the final whistle, strict protocols have been introduced as Helen describes:

“It can vary week-to-week but typically, we start on a Monday morning by testing everyone. That includes the squad, management, and any staff involved with the team on a matchday. We don’t get the results back until the following day, so everyone has to be super vigilant. Social distancing, masks, regular sanitizing, and no contact.

“On Tuesday we get the results from the testing back and, if everyone is negative, training will resume as normal. Off the training field, however, the same rules in regard to social distancing apply even when all players are negative. A test only really tells you your status at the moment of testing, and everyone needs to act as if they could have the virus in order to protect themselves and everyone else.

"...we know how to deal with any issues in an efficient and safe way"

“The day prior to the fixture, where we need to travel the night before, we have had to make a few adjustments. Players now room by themselves rather than in pairs to maintain social distancing, and only essential staff travel the night before.

“On match day, entry into the ground is very tightly controlled, because you’re entering the ‘red zone’ which is effectively the area where the team, management, and support staff are; the pitch, the tunnel, changing rooms, dug-out areas. You have to be tested to be in the red zone and are required to wear a mask, fill out a questionnaire, and have a temperature check.”

We’ve become familiar with seeing empty stadiums on our television screens since rugby returned last year, with numerous changes required on a matchday to facilitate the games.

“There are a few differences: anyone coming onto the pitch such as medical staff, water carriers, have to be in protective equipment, water bottles have to be individual to the players, and players have to remain socially distanced when not on the pitch. So the bench or any travelling players can’t sit next to each other. The rule is if you don’t need to be in contact – I.E not on the pitch – then you must maintain social distancing.”

Crucial to combating the virus is working together, and in this case, working with the opposition to identify any potential transmission should a player test positive after the fixture.

“After the game, if a player were to test positive on a Monday morning during normal testing, we would instruct them to isolate and then go about contact tracing. We work with the player to identify anyone they’ve been in close contact with, including reviewing the match footage. We go through all the information we have to determine what action then needs to be taken, working with the opposition club.”

There is light at the end of the tunnel, with vaccines now rolling out at pace across the country and the dream of crowds back at the Rec now a real possibility.

Until then, Helen and the rest of the players, management, and staff continue to put safety at the forefront.

“It’s all about maximising people’s potential"

Bath Rugby Academy is on a mission. A mission to produce a 50% homegrown squad by 2023, developing a team with the city and its community at the core. Despite the pandemic, the Senior Academy has continued to charge towards that goal, delivering a detailed programme of training and development.

Exclusively for this edition of the digital matchday programme, we spoke to Academy Manager Craig Lilley on developing young talent, the loan system, and why homegrown is so important to the Club.

Tell us about the Bath Rugby Academy programme…

The academy programme runs from under 15s all the way up through under 23s with selected players then progressing into the senior team.

We work within our region – Dorset and Wiltshire and part of Somerset – through the Developing Players Programme (DPP) to connect with clubs and schools in identifying emerging talent. From there we select the players with the greatest potential to join our under-15s Bath academy programme, working with our best coaches to help develop them through to the under-18s programme.

At that point, they would progress into the Premiership Rugby Under 18 League and, for those players with the potential to play at a higher level, into the senior Bath Rugby Academy squad.

"...you have a shared experience that we believe creates a unique bond."

How does a player get that call-up to the senior squad from the Academy?

Hoops and I are in regular conversation about the players in the senior academy squad, and how we progress them into the first team. We’re aligned on where the gaps are in the current squad, where the requirement is, and what opportunities we can give those academy players to maximise their development.

We’ve seen recently a number of players who have made that transition, with both Orlando Bailey and Kieran Verden making their debuts back in September in the home win against Worcester Warriors. Ethan Staddon and Ethan Richards are also the latest in a line of home-grown players to make their senior debuts. Ethan is now the youngest ever Bath Rugby player to play in the Premiership at just 18 years and 156 days old, which is an outstanding achievement.

For players who aren’t necessarily ready or required to make their debut in the first team, the loan system offers an opportunity to gain valuable rugby experience. How has that been impacted by Covid over the last 12 months?

Over the last year, due to Covid, we haven’t been able to loan out a huge number of players but when we have utilised that opportunity, it’s proved really beneficial. We have typically worked closely within the BUCS league (British University and College Students) to increase player’s game time for those in their first or second year of the academy programme while year three players, such as Ollie Cattel who is currently on loan to Ampthill RFC, would spend time with a second-tier club.

Fortunately, we have a few international players on duty so that presents a great opportunity for our senior academy players to have exposure to the first-team environment, which is accelerating their development.

The biggest frustration for our young men is the lack of competitive fixtures. With there being no Championship, National 1, BUCS Super Rugby, or Premiership Cup / Shield Competitions it has been very tough to replicate match practice.

However, what the RFU has done with the England U20s, is put on lots of activities for those players to take part in. They’ve arranged fixtures and training, so those guys have been able to go off and get some exposure and play against people their age and stage of development, in addition to training with the club.

"I think it's just as important to continue creating a real love for the game"

What’s the benefit of the loan system?

We believe it’s a helpful life experience, exposing them to different environments, coaches, players, and processes. It gives them crucial game time in a senior training environment that we might not be able to offer them at that moment.

We talk to any loan players regularly throughout the week and review the footage of any games they’ve played in to see how they’re getting on. We also keep in contact with the coaches of that club to get their opinion of the player; what they’re doing well, what they can improve on. And of course, we make sure we’re across any strength and conditioning work they need to be maintaining and work with the loan club to co-ordinate programmes.

What’s the best part of helping to develop these players?

For me, it’s all about maximising people’s potential. If we get that right, and they put in the work required to get there, we’ll see results. Obviously, it’s great when academy players progress into the first XV, but it’s also really rewarding seeing players who don’t necessarily progress into senior-level continue their rugby journey within their local clubs.

I think that's just as important to continue creating a real love for the game and keeping players involved, whether that’s playing for your country, professional club, university, or local league. And if we can nurture that passion for the game within Bath and the wider community, that’s a huge bonus.

The Club has outlined its mission for 50% of the senior squad to be local to Bath by 2023. Why is that so important?

We believe it’s important for the club to help develop players who, in addition to skill and rugby ability, have a deeper emotional connection to Bath.

If you know the players around you, if you’ve grown up with them or with similar surroundings, you have a shared experience that we believe creates a unique bond. It develops a powerful affiliation to the club and a desire to pull on the Blue, Black, and White to represent your home and the people around you.

BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION APPEAL FOR HELP FROM SUPPORTERS

Bath Rugby Foundation is raising funds to ensure they can continue running ‘BreakOut’ - a vital programme providing families in and around Bath with nutritious hot food, food parcels, craft and sports activities, and essential signposting to additional support.

With an ambitious target of £4,200, our Foundation needs your support. These funds must be raised; therefore a month-long Aviva Community Crowdfunder Campaign’ has been launched to help achieve this vital fundraising goal.

HOW CAN YOU SHOW YOUR SUPPORT?

Like, Donate, Share

‘Like’ - Please ‘like’ and save Bath Rugby Foundation's Aviva Community Fund Crowdfunder Campaign link. This will show your kind support and ensure that a much larger audience can see their campaign.

‘Donate’ - Please support in any way that you can by donating. Every single penny is greatly appreciated.

‘Share’ - Please help to spread the word! If our Foundation can reach 4,200 people and each person donated £1, they would quickly reach their fundraising target.

Thank you as always for your support.

To find out more or to pledge your donation,

CLICK HERE

WERE YOU THERE WHEN….

It’s in the nature of all supporters no matter what sport their team might play that when they get together they like to reminisce about great games that stick in the memory. As Bath supporters we’ve had so many of those moments down the years. Stuart Barnes’ drop goal with 10 seconds remaining to win the Pilkington Cup in 2002, the home semi-final against Tigers in 2015 and, of course, that day in Bordeaux in 1998 are just a few that spring to mind.

There are some interesting parallels with those matches and the last three that the boys in BB&W have played. Two of them were late wins by one point and all three showed the grit, determination and sheer “dog” that were the hallmarks of the great Bath teams of the past. Covid sadly means that we can’t be there in person to get behind the boys but I’d argue strongly that the performance last Sunday at Franklin’s Gardens would have been right up there with all the other “were you there” memories!

Last week a number of supporters took part in a series of focus groups which gave us a welcome opportunity to talk to the Club about a number of issues including the Membership schemes and Season Tickets for the 21/22 season. One thing that came out very clearly in the group that I was part of was the sense of pride that we feel as Bath Rugby Supporters. I don’t know about you but my pride in the team hit new levels on Sunday. Every member of that squad put absolutely everything out there for their mates, the shirt and us. There were so many outstanding performances but for me the sight of a battered and bloody Tom Dunn challenging the Northampton pack to go for another scrum right on our line just about sums it up.

Of course, I’ve also got to say something about Rhys Priestland. A horrible, wet and windy Friday night at the Rec and we need Rhys to land a 48-metre penalty to win the game. No pressure there then! We all knew how good his kicking and game management have been for us but I wasn’t aware how close he was to overtaking Jonny Wilkinson’s record for consecutive successful kicks but he knocked that out of the park at Franklin’s Gardens! Many congratulations Rhys. His calm, assured presence on the pitch provides the ideal balance when the going gets tough. And you know he meant it when he said he would have happily foregone the record if it meant that Bath won the game. We’re going to miss him.

Talking of missing people, we recently lost Dave Egerton to Covid. It’s a horrible virus which has hit so many people so badly. This week it’s a year since the last time we were all at the Rec and as we pass that milestone we should perhaps just pause for a moment to think about those who sadly won’t be with us next time we all get together to support the boys.

Meanwhile, at BRSC we completed counting your votes for our January Try of the Month competition. The winner was Cameron Redpath for his try against Wasps at the Rec on 8th January with Ben Spencer’s try against Leicester coming a close second. Well done Cam; we all wish you well in your recovery and are looking forward to seeing you scoring some more!

You should also have recently received our latest “Newsflash” with a great article in it written by one of our overseas members in Japan. We’re already working hard on the next one!

So it’s Exeter today. That’s always a tough game and they’ll be looking for a win following two losses on the bounce. But do you know what? I fancy this one as another to add to the growing “I wish we could have been there” list for this season. We can do this!