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BATH RUGBY V GLASGOW WARRIORS

By Bath Rugby

December 9^th, 2022

DYSON V15 DETECT ABSOLUTE VACUUM

EPCR WELCOME MESSAGE

A warm welcome to this Round 1 match in the 2022/23 EPCR Challenge Cup in what is an historic season as the leading South African clubs make their mark in our tournaments.

The quality and tradition of the Emirates Lions and the Toyota Cheetahs will add a new layer of interest as the EPCR Challenge Cup extends its reach and attracts new fans.

For this groundbreaking season, clubs will play four pool stage rounds, followed by four knockout stage rounds, culminating in the 2023 final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Friday 19 May. The six highest-ranked clubs from each pool will qualify for the Round of 16, with two clubs from each Heineken Champions Cup pool also qualifying for the EPCR Challenge Cup knockout stage.

We are delighted to be joined on the journey to Dublin by our official partners, DHL, IHG and Tissot, by our official supporters, Gilbert and Kappa, and also by our official airline partner in South Africa, Qatar Airways.

BT Sport, beIN SPORTS and France Télévisions, who have all renewed their agreements for the new broadcast cycle, will continue to provide superb coverage of the tournament, and we welcome SuperSport in South Africa, Premier Sports in the UK and Ireland, and FloRugby in the USA, who in addition to S4C in Wales, will showcase the matches to even more viewers.

On a more sombre note, everyone at EPCR was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of our former Chairman and Board member, Paul McNaughton. Paul was a hugely talented all-round sportsman in his heyday and more recently, he proved himself to be equally accomplished as an administrator. He will be sorely missed and we re-extend our condolences to his family and friends.

We hope that you enjoy the match and best wishes to you, the fans, as well as to your club’s players and staff for what promises to be another exciting EPCR Challenge Cup season.

Yours in rugby,

Dominic McKay,

EPCR Chairman

COMPEED RECOVERY JOURNEYS: EPISODE 3 - CHRIS CLOETE

In a brand new feature for the 2022/23 season, Compeed Recovery Journeys will focus on an individual player in the squad each month, looking at their return to fitness with the Bath Rugby medical team.

In episode three, Chris Cloete chats through his broken foot and the measures taken to get him back to full fitness.

Head of Medical Services Rory Murray provides expert insight and analysis throughout the feature, discussing how the team have worked with Chris to get him back to full fitness.

TICKETS REMAIN AVAILABLE!

Why not enjoy some festive fun at The Rec on Saturday?

It's our final home outing before Christmas and we would love to have you with us for the visit of Glasgow Warriors.

Tickets range from £40 for adults, £15 for juniors and £20 for students. Kick-off is at 13:00 so plenty of time to get elsewhere after the game to watch England’s football World Cup quarter-final, if that takes your fancy! (Apologies to our Scottish fans and visitors!)

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

HILL WINS RPA 15 UNDER 23 MVP FOR NOVEMBER

Bath Rugby back row Ted Hill has been voted the RPA’s 15 Under 23 MVP for November.

The 23-year-old was an extremely popular winner, no doubt backed by all Blue, Black and White supporters as well as former club Worcester Warriors, and a deserving one too.

In his two November league outings, Hill scored twice and earned Player of the Match on both occasions. He followed up with another starring performance for Bath against Harlequins on Friday.

Following last season’s success, ‘15 Under 23’ highlights the young players who stand out each month.

The campaign started in September and will run until April 2023, with the RPA nominating six players aged 23 and under (as of Gallagher Premiership Round 1) who shine for their side in all competitions.

A system which saw Orlando Bailey and Max Ojomoh voted MVPs in 2021/22, the RPA Players’ Board will pick their 15 Under 23 from the long shortlist of which Hill is now on. The team will be announced at the RPA Awards 2023 in May.

GRIFFIN RAISING MONEY FOR TWO CHARITIES

Archie Griffin is raising money for two brilliant charities this Christmas.

The young prop was challenged by fellow front row Tom Dunn to grow his mullet until his senior debut, and after three years it finally came at the end of November.

His mane is now at a length where he can make a difference to those who need it most. Archie will be cutting his locks off – or rather Dunnie will be doing it for him! – later in December and donating the hair to the Little Princess Trust.

Archie has also set up a JustGiving page with donations to be split between the Little Princess Trust and LooseHeadz.

A WEE RECCY: HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT ON SATURDAY AT THE REC

Glasgow Warriors are coming and we’ve got a very festive fixture lined up for you.

Playing in our first European game of the season, we’ll be welcoming the Warriors from across the Scottish border to our home at The Rec.

Here’s a ‘wee reccy’ (😉) of what we have in store as you join us for European rugby this weekend!

FROM 11:00:

Happy Hour
Festive fan village – mulled wine, mulled cider and mince pies!
Pasties are back!
Live music
Applause for Alex Fletcher and Doddie Weir
Christmas jumpers and offers
Food and beverage
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle
Matchday ambassadors
Face painter
Your travel sorted with Centurion Travel

READ THE FULL 'WEE RECCY'

LAST ORDER DATES AND CRACKING CHRISTMAS GIFTS FROM BATH RUGBY

We have some great gifts for you to give your loved ones this Christmas.

Whether you're after a retro shirt, a replica jersey, a Christmas jumper or perhaps something for your junior Bath Rugby fanatics, we've got you covered - with offers too!

Available from the Bath Rugby Shop on Argyle Street or to purchase online, grab yourself a bargain whilst the offers last.

LAST ORDER DATES

VISIT COMPEED

"WE'RE SEEING GROWTH IN OUR GAME" - REDPATH

Despite being just 22, Cameron Redpath has developed a real maturity over the past year.

The Bath Rugby centre’s career to date has been marred with injuries which have kept him sidelined for long periods.

It would have been easy for him to jump straight into an international camp with Scotland in the summer after his latest time out, however he decided to concentrate on having his first full pre-season for a long while in order to perform well at his club first.

His performances have gradually progressed along with the team and it led to Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend recalling him in the Autumn Nations Series. By that point, he was beginning to feel himself again on the field and become a leader.

“I said at the start of the year that because I hadn’t played much last year, I needed to find my feet before I really started to speak up, lead by example and really lead by what I was saying.

“I went away to Scotland and I really found my voice and found a bit of form. I’m starting to play a lot better and I’m really happy at the minute.

“I’ve played 11 games this year and for me that’s loads. I got a good break after the autumn with a week away so I’m refreshed and feeling good. I’m confident at the minute and I’ve found some form which I hope I can keep pushing on.”

It is not just in his leadership where Redpath has pushed on. Under Johann van Graan’s stewardship, he is growing his game as a centre who can adapt to all situations as he explains.

“I’m enjoying playing for Johann; he’s been honest and I like it. He’s wanted more from me and I’m enjoying the fact he’s demanding more from me.

“You have to be adaptable to play at the best level. I’ve had to learn to be a bit more direct or put people who are more direct in the right holes. I think as I’ve got older I’m got more mature and I probably left Sale because I couldn’t do that; I’ve found I now can do that but I’ve got people around me who are better at doing it. I have to put them in the best positions to free myself up.

“It’s all about being smart and thinking of it like a chess game. You have to pick the right piece and move to the right place on the board.”

Bath Rugby’s European campaign begins at home to Glasgow Warriors and with the visitors being Scottish opposition, Redpath is aware of many of them from the international scene.

He says the Blue, Black and White are excited for the challenge and are focused on continuing their progression.

“It’ll be fun to see some familiar fans. The lads are all really excited to play in a different competition.

“They throw the ball about a bit more which is different to the more direct approach South African coaches usually take. They’re physical – every team these days are – but it’ll be an expansive game and we’ve just got to defend well and get the ball back off errors they make. It should be a good game for the neutral and hopefully one we’ll be on the right side of.

“We’re feeling really good and we’re preparing well. We’ve got the mindset of preparing the same each week and building on our performances. It’s working quite nicely and we’re seeing a bit of growth so we’ve just got to keep pushing ourselves.”

"EUROPE BRINGS SOMETHING DIFFERENT" - MADDOCK

There is always a special atmosphere when it comes to European matches, especially at The Rec.

Bath Rugby begin their 2022/23 EPCR Challenge Cup campaign at home against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday, looking to build on their recent good form and replicate the successful cup season of 2007/08.

One man who was part of that playing group and has since returned as a coach is Joe Maddock, who remembers the day fondly. He also knows the impact supporters can have when Europe comes around.

“We played Worcester at Gloucester – which is not usually a place you go to where Bath can have a lot of support!”, the Attack Coach recalled of the 2008 final.

“Europe, whether it’s the Champions Cup or the Challenge Cup, is a big competition. Bath has history in both so it’ll be good to start the competition well.

“It’s a really fond memory; the history is there and there’s a lot to live up to but all we can do is prepare the best we can and put in a performance.”

He added: “Europe brings something a bit different. You obviously get travelling supporters from different places and it adds to the environment and the atmosphere. It’s hard not to get excited about it.

“The boys are excited. The home crowd always bring the noise and it gets the boys’ blood pumping on the field. When they feel that support, the boys just want to give them a little bit more so please continue to back us, cheer for us and hopefully the boys will put in a good performance!

“We want to go out and compete to try and win it. Bath hasn’t won a European game for a while so it’s a great challenge for us to get back to winning ways in Europe.”

"We want to get off the mark early. It’s important you win your home games in Europe so this week is all about the start – we want to start the game well and the competition well.”

Glasgow ended their near year-long run without an away win last week and head to The Rec buoyed by their result against Zebre in Parma.

Maddock is expecting the Scots to be expansive on their visit to the West Country, much like recent opponents the Barbarians and Harlequins.

“Glasgow are a good team and play a similar brand of rugby to Harlequins; we’re well prepped with the style they might bring having played Barbarians and Harlequins recently.

“They like to play and throw the ball around. We’re going to have to defend well and when we get our chances we need to be more accurate than we have been. It’s now about what we do and producing that better than we have.”

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.

YOUR RED CAR

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 20-15 GLASGOW WARRIORS

25 January 2015

Bath survived a desperate late assault from Glasgow to win a West Country thriller and reach the Champions Cup last eight as Pool Four winners.

Glasgow went in front via Alex Dunbar's fine converted try but George Ford's two penalties made it 7-6 at the break.

Richie Vernon's stunning try extended Glasgow's lead before Bath went ahead for the first time via a penalty try.

A Finn Russell penalty put Glasgow back in front but the power of the Bath pack earned a decisive second penalty try.

Bath: Watson, Agulla, Joseph, Eastmond, Banahan, Ford, Cook, James, Webber, Wilson, Hooper, Day, Garvey, Louw, Houston. Replacements: Burgess for Ford (65), Stringer for Cook (62), Auterac for James (49), Batty for Webber (49), Thomas for Wilson (49), Attwood for Day (55), Fearns for Houston (62), Devoto for Eastmond (15)

Glasgow: Maitland, Seymour, Bennett, Dunbar, van der Merwe, Russell, Pyrgos, Reid, MacArthur, Cusack, Gray, Kellock, Nakarawa, Brown, Vernon. Replacements: Horne for Dunbar (45), Matawalu for Pyrgos (69), Yanuyanutawa for Reid (41), Welsh for Cusack (41), Eddie for Kellock (62), Lamont for Van der Merwe (62) Not Used: K Bryce, Murchie.

VIEW RILEY ENGLAND

THE OPPOSITION

Glasgow claimed their first away win in almost a year last time out in the United Rugby Championship, defeating Zebre 45-17 in Parma.

Their record is surprising given the number of high quality international players in their squad including the likes of Scotland’s Rory Darge, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Richie Gray, George Turner, Ryan Wilson, Sam Johnson, George Horne, Ali Price and Sione Tuipulotu.

The Warriors are missing a fair few players due to injury with Johnson sidelined while Zander Fagerson and Oli Kebble picked up injuries last weekend. Ross Thompson, Cole Forbes, Jack Dempsey, Alex Samuel, Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Allan Dell, Thomas Gordon, Enrique Pieretto are also out.

Last season in Europe, Glasgow started in the Heineken Champions Cup with a loss on the road to Stade Rochelais before defeating Exeter Chiefs at home. They suffered defeats to both sides in their reverse fixtures meaning they entered the Challenge Cup. After a win away to Newcastle Falcons, the Scottish outfit were knocked out by French side Lyon who went on to win the tournament.

They enter the Challenge Cup in 2022/23 having finished second in the Scottish/Italian Shield and outside the four best overall regular season records.

ONE TO WATCH - ALI PRICE

A British & Irish Lion tourist in 2021, Price played in all three Test matches against South Africa and made a further four appearances in the famous red jersey.

The scrum-half was born in King’s Lynn and came through the ranks at English outfit Bedford Blues, having also demonstrated skills in cricket, hockey and athletics while attending Wisbech Grammar School in Cambridgeshire.

Since signing as part of Warriors’ Elite Development programme in the run up to the 2013/14 season, he has gone from strength to strength in Scotland and made his international debut in 2016. He remains one of the northern hemisphere’s most impressive nines and has 58 caps to his name to date.

MEET SCOTT KIRK

School: Michaelhouse (South Africa)

Club: Sandy Bay RFC

Position: Loosehead Prop

What have been your favourite moments in the Bath Rugby pathway?

Making my senior debut for the club in the Premiership Rugby Cup this season.

What are your dream goals in rugby?

Playing rugby at an international level.

What do you get up to outside of rugby?

Focus on my studies and spending time with my mates.

Who has had the biggest impact on your development?

My dad for believing in me and encouraging me to achieve my dream.

What do you want people to say about you at the end of your career?

"He was a skillful and dynamic player who never took anything for granted."

BEECHEN CLIFF LOSE OUT IN ACE FINAL

Beechen Cliff’s ACE League season came to an end on Wednesday as they suffered a defeat in the final against Hartpury College.

After going 19-0 down, they fought back to bring themselves within seven points with 10 minutes to go but Hartpury retained their title with a late score to win 24-12.

The RFU ACE League pits the partner state schools or colleges of all the Premiership clubs against each other in a National League of exceptional quality. Hartpury College are affiliated to Gloucester Rugby.

Beechen Cliff have had a strong season, dominating their Phase Two group, collecting 14 out of 15 points available, but it was unbeaten Hartpury who got off to a flying start at Cheltenham Tigers RFC.

On eight minutes, they snuck under the posts for their opening score and moments later Hartpury’s loosehead picked from the base of a ruck to go over. A third first-half try followed as they flung the ball to the right wing to cross.

Just before half-time, Beechen Cliff began their comeback. Henry Bartlett received possession after a lovely step and break from James Short, and the wing dived over under pressure.

After the break, the Bath Rugby partner school rallied and a beautiful kick inside from Number 8 Kacey Pike was pounced upon by fellow back row Connor Treacey who finished with aplomb.

Beechen Cliff had 10 points left on the clock to complete a phenomenal turnaround and try as they might, they were undone in the closing stages as Hartpury scored a fourth try to become champions once again.

An incredible effort and season from Beechen Cliff. One the players should be proud of.

TEAM BATH UP TO SECOND AFTER CARDIFF WIN

Nine Bath Rugby Academy players contributed to the University of Bath’s 27-21 win over Cardiff University in BUCS Super Rugby on Wednesday evening.

Archie Stanley, Jasper Spandler, Mackenzie Graham, Eddie Erskine and Thompson Cowan all formed part of the pack while Tom Carr-Smith, Sam Harris and Louie Hennessey featured in the backline. Birthday boy Byron Lloyd-Gilmour was among the replacements.

Continuing his fine scoring form, England Under-20 hooker Spandler crossed from a driving maul in the first half with Harris’ penalty seeing Team Bath take a one-point lead into the interval.

Spandler crashed over from a pick and go in the second half for his second of the game and Alfie Garside added another for the visitors.

Cardiff brought the game back to one point and with five minutes to go and under pressure, Team Bath secured victory as Duncan Hood broke away from the back of a line-out to cross.

Backs Coach Ryan Davis said: "It was a messy game which was a hard-fought contest throughout. We were frustrated by losing momentum due to penalties and turnovers and we were disappointed to cross the line on three other occasions, only to be held up.

“The character to find a way to win through adapting and varying our attack and set piece, as well as defending hard for multi-phases to get turnovers, was pleasing for all.

“Our focus now turns to a vastly improving Leeds Beckett at home for the final game before the Christmas break."

‘TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE GLASGOW...

Scotsman D'Arcy Rae gives you the perfect Christmas story ahead of our meeting with Glasgow Warriors!

FEBRUARY FIXTURE DEDICATED TO THE FOUNDATION

Bath Rugby have dedicated their London Irish fixture on Saturday 18 Foundation to us Bath Rugby Foundation and we're very excited to share our stories with thousands of Bath Rugby supporters.

We have a presence at each home game through a matchday raffle, but a full Foundation Day allows us to highlight the obstacles and challenges children and young people experience in our area.

From emotional support to alternative educational needs, the Foundation changes lives and this is a great occasion to showcase the vital support the we give to vulnerable children and young people.

"Having a matchday dedicated solely to the work of the Foundation will do so much in telling the people of Bath our story," said Lynne Fernquest, Chief Executive at Bath Rugby Foundation.

"One in five children in Bath live on the poverty line, and for some, the Foundation is the only means of emotional and physical support available to them. Without enough funding these children go without education, some without even a hot meal before bed.

"We'd like to thank everyone at Bath Rugby for dedicating the London Irish fixture to the Foundation's cause and we know it'll be a great day to raise vital funds for children and young people throughout our community."

Tickets for this fixture are now on sale for Season Ticket Holders and Club Members, with general sale opening up on Monday.

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS AND MEMBERS TICKETS HERE

WELCOME, GLASGOW WARRIORS

A huge welcome to Glasgow Warriors’ fans who have made the long trip south for today’s game. We hope you enjoy your time in the City of Bath and we offer you a warm welcome to The Rec.

An evening with Rosco and Flouw

Bath Rugby Supporters' Club (BRSC) kicked off the season with our first members event at The Rec on 24 November where we gathered for an 'Evening with Ross Batty and Francois Louw'. Approximately 75 BRSC members spent a very entertaining evening in the clubhouse being regaled with stories from two legends of the Blue, Black and White.

This was the first of a number of events planned for the 2022/23 season by BRSC, so if you missed out, do please keep an eye on your emails for the next announcements. We already have two more events in the diary and two more in the planning phase. On 24 January 2023 we have our annual charity quiz and on 14 March 2023, the ever popular “Ask the Ref” with the return of Tony Spreadbury.

Full details of these events and how to attend will be published on our website in due course. These events are restricted to BRSC members only.

Try of the Month

You voted for Miles Reid as the winner of October's Try of the Month, for his try against Northampton Saints on 22 October. He narrowly beat Cameron Redpath for his try in the same match. All those who voted, and are members of BRSC, will be eligible to win a £25 gift voucher.

Bath Rugby Ladies

Bath Rugby Ladies have three teams playing out of Lambridge training ground as well as a mixed ability side. The teams cater for players of varying abilities and commitments, and offer a vibrant social atmosphere to both players and spectators.

BRSC is proud to announce that we are sponsoring two of the Ladies players as part of our commitment to the growth of the women’s game. Look out for Enya Lackie and Leah McGoldrick, two very talented players with international prospects.

The Ladies first team play at the highest amateur level and currently sit top of the league with seven bonus-point wins out of eight games.

BRSC 100 Charity Lottery - limited tickets available!

The “100 Club” will allow BRSC members and Bath Rugby supporters the opportunity to purchase a ticket and win an amazing money can’t buy prize, each month. Tickets are £10 each and you will be entered into 5 monthly draws.

Prizes available include:

Hospitality for two in The President's Lounge at The Rec at a game during the 2022-23 season
Signed Bath Rugby shirt (2021-22)
Tour (for 4) of Bath Rugby training facilities at Farleigh House.
A pair of tickets to the BRSC annual awards dinner (usually held in August)

All proceeds will go to charity and the members exclusive window to purchase tickets ends this weekend. Please see our website for full details and how members and non-members can purchase tickets. Please note, tickets are limited to 100 and we have already sold over 70%, so do not delay!