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BATH RUGBY V GLOUCESTER

By Bath Rugby

December 24^th, 2021

COVID-19 SUPPORTER REQUIREMENTS

MUST READ

This information has been updated following the Government’s announcement of COVID-19 Plan B from 15 December 2021.

All the information that you need to know before travelling to the Rec can be found via the link below.

The safety of our supporters, players, and staff remains our number one priority. Please play your part.

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ CAREFULLY BEFORE ATTENDING THE REC

WE HOPE YOU STAY SAFE AND THAT YOU HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR!

Good afternoon everyone,

Welcome to the Rec for our Boxing Day game against local rivals Gloucester, a classic derby game which will be fiercely contested by both teams.

I hope you have been able to enjoy your Christmas as planned with family and friends, and that you are all keeping safe and well, especially with the surge in Covid cases. For any of you or your families who are symptomatic and unwell, I hope you recover swiftly.

I am myself isolating at home and will therefore sadly be watching the game on TV. I know that every one of you at the Rec will be loud and passionate as always cheering the team on towards the win we all hunger.

Last week, we announced Brent Janse van Rensburg joining us with immediate effect, bringing his expertise and experience in defence to add to our coaching group for the current season. Brent has been in the training environment for the full week building up to today’s match, and we welcome him to his first game at the Rec today.

We were also delighted to announce that Johann van Graan will be joining as Head Coach next season. Johann is a world-class coach who will play a fundamental role in our future success.

He will join us from Munster having led five successful seasons at the province, before which he helped coach the Springboks to a third-place finish at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and contributed to three Super Rugby titles with the Bulls. We have an outstanding and committed group of players and staff here at the club; Johann’s experience and expertise will add significantly to this.

Our current performances have led us to challenge what we are doing in the here and now, and to seek additional expertise and experience to help us get on track delivering against our ambition to compete for trophies.

This week we announced the appointment of Edward Griffiths as Bath Rugby’s new Chairman with effect from 1 January 2022. Bruce will relinquish his current position as Chairman, whilst continuing as owner to support the club emotionally and financially, providing whatever support we all need to make the club successful.

Ed’s appointment brings valuable experience, expertise and resource. He will work with me, Stuart and our senior management to help us accelerate our plans at the club.

Off the pitch, we were delighted to confirm earlier this week that the Court of Appeal has ruled the 1922 Covenants, thought by some to be a barrier to redeveloping at the Rec, are not enforceable. The ruling provides the certainty needed to bring forward comprehensive plans for a new stadium at the Rec and work on design proposals will re-commence in the New Year.

This is an important step forward for the club and the city. Redevelopment will create new jobs and boost visitor spends, whilst helping us to provide education and support opportunities for young people who need it most.

These are significant and exciting announcements for all of us. At the same time, I must mention the recent and tragic loss of Peter Downey, lifelong supporter and so much more to the club. Peter had become a friend and confidante to me, he gave so much to the club and he will be dearly missed.

In the here and now we are of course focussed on that elusive win. We all hope it comes today at the Rec providing much needed cheer and joy as we head towards the turn of the year.

Thank you for your continued support from everyone at Bath Rugby. We hope you stay safe and that you have a happy, healthy and prosperous Christmas and New Year.

Warmest wishes,

Tarquin

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COACH'S CHECK IN: STUART HOOPER

In this week's Coach's Check In with Compeed, Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper provides an in-depth injury update.

WIN A FREE COACHING SESSION FOR YOUR SCHOOL

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Developed by teachers for teachers, Premiership Rugby Champions provides interactive themed project-based lesson plans and materials for use in the classroom and outside.

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GRIFFITHS APPOINTED BATH RUGBY CHAIRMAN

Bath Rugby welcomes Edward Griffiths as its new Chairman with effect from 1 January 2022.

Owner, Bruce Craig has decided to relinquish his role as Chairman at the end of the year.

Explaining, he said: “It is time to step aside from the role of Chairman. I will continue to support the club emotionally and financially and, do whatever I can for the club to be successful.

“Ed has played a leadership role with Rugby World Cup and Premiership winning teams and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Bath Rugby.”

Bath Rugby Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald said: “This appointment follows last week's announcement of Johann van Graan as Head Coach from next season. We will continue to invest in the resources and capabilities required to achieve success.”

VAN GRAAN TO JOIN AS HEAD COACH

Bath Rugby is proud to announce the appointment of Johann van Graan as Head Coach for the 2022/23 season on a long-term contract.

The former Springboks Forwards Coach and current Munster Head Coach will join Bath for the 2022/23 season having served five successful years with the United Rugby Championship side, during which he has led Munster to two Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals, and a PRO14 final earlier this year.

Neal Hatley will continue as Head Coach through to the end of the 2021/22 season leading the coaching group, which includes Brent Janse van Rensburg in the role of Defence Coach for the 2021/22 season as announced yesterday.

Following his appointment, van Graan will be able to draw on significant expertise from the current coaching group. Specific roles and responsibilities will be communicated in due course.

Commenting on the new structure, Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald said: “We have huge ambition at Bath. Johann is a world-class coach who will play a fundamental role in our future success. He will hold full responsibility for our game, focussed on delivering winning performances. I am delighted to announce this appointment and look forward to welcoming Johann and his family to Bath this summer.”

Van Graan’s experience includes his role as Springbok Forwards Coach, winning the bronze medal in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He also played a key coaching role for the Bulls in winning three Super Rugby titles in 2007, 2009 and 2010. Throughout his career van Graan has also developed a long line of players to greatness on the international stage both in Ireland and South Africa.

Director of Rugby, Stuart Hooper added: “Johann is a phenomenal coach with a proven track record of developing teams to be successful on the pitch. He has experienced winning rugby environments at the very highest level of the game and knows exactly what it takes. We have an outstanding and committed group of players and staff here at the club; Johann’s experience will add significantly to this.”

Commenting on his appointment, van Graan said: “I am hugely excited for the opportunity to join Bath for the 2022/23 season. I see huge potential in this club, the players, coaches and staff. I am coming to Bath to work with everyone, and to achieve great success with everyone at the club. This is an exciting next step for me as a coach, and for my family in moving to a proud club and a true rugby city.”

VAN RENSBURG JOINS AS DEFENCE COACH

Brent Janse van Rensburg has joined Bath Rugby with immediate effect to oversee defence.

The experienced coach has agreed a short-term deal that will see him complete the 2021/22 season with the Blue, Black and Whites.

Van Rensburg arrived in the UK this week and will isolate for 10 days before joining the team.

Van Rensburg acquired his knowledge of the game following a coaching career so far spanning over two decades.

Starting from humble beginnings in high schools, 20 years on the field most recently culminated with the Sharks securing the runners up position in the 2021 Premier Currie Cup and finishing the pool stages of the Super Rugby top of their group in 2020 before cancellation due to Covid-19.

At the Sharks, van Rensburg led as Defence and Kicking Game coach and before that held the role of Head Coach at the Pumas, Griquas, Boland Cavaliers and EP Kings, respectively.

“We made it clear following our review outcome that we intended to bring in a specific defence coach who could add to our group immediately,” Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said.

“We are excited to welcome Brent to the club and look forward to the impact he can have on our defence.”

On joining the Blue, Black and Whites, van Rensburg said: “Bath is a great club, with a clear vision and a lot of promise for great rewards to be seen in the future.

“I am grateful to Bath for the opportunity and all the incredible people and experiences that have added huge value to my growth and journey to date. I hope to make a positive contribution to Bath in return and forge some good friendships along the way.”

STADIUM UPDATE: COURT OF APPEAL HEARING RULED IN FAVOUR OF BATH RUGBY

The Court of Appeal has today ruled that the 1922 Covenants, thought by some to be a barrier to redeveloping at the Rec, are not enforceable.

This is a significant step forward for the club, and our landlord, Bath Recreation Limited, who joined the appeal proceedings.

The ruling provides the certainty needed to bring forward comprehensive plans for a new stadium at the Rec and work on design proposals will re-commence in the New Year.

Commenting on the ruling, Chief Executive, Tarquin McDonald said: “We are delighted with the ruling and can now focus on bringing forward revised proposals for a new stadium. This is important for the club and the city. Redevelopment will create new jobs, boost visitor spends, enhance the river frontage and help to provide education and support opportunities for young people who need it most.”

VISIT YOUR RED CAR

ROAD TO 2023/24: WOMEN AND GIRLS

In May this year, Bath Rugby unveiled the club’s commitment to the growth and sustainability of the women and girls’ rugby in the region.

Since the announcement, there have been several exciting developments that will help guide the club through the three-year roadmap culminating in an application to the Allianz Premier 15s. The following four transformational objectives were established in May, which will need to be achieved by the 2023/24 season.

PLAY - To double the number of registered players across our region, supported by the appointment of a new Women’s Rugby Development Lead

SUSTAIN - To develop a sustainable and inclusive pathway to the elite game across our region for players and coaches; achieved through partnering with clubs, schools and universities, and supported by the appointment of a new Pathway Lead

PERFORM - To form a professional women’s team, partnering with Bath Rugby Ladies, with the ambition of being ready to join the Allianz Premier 15s in the next licence cycle

PROMOTE - To promote female role models and raise the profile of the women and girls’ game across our region, leveraging the club’s marketing and communication channels and those of our commercial partners to effect positive change

Read about the three-year strategy

"IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO BE ABLE TO PULL ON A BATH SHIRT AT THIS TIME OF YEAR."

Christmas at the Dunn’s has always been a family affair.

Growing up, it was Tom, his parents and brother with the occasional visit from grandma. A low-key, very chilled festive period.

Nowadays, it is slightly more chaotic with three children and partner Jen, but that family feel and Christmas spirit remains.

“It’s a little bit madder, a bit busy!” Dunn quipped following the recent arrival of his third child.

“The last couple of years have been the first the kids have really understood Christmas and been excited. This year my daughter is mad into it. We can really use the naughty list to keep her sweet – staying off Santa’s naughty list is really important to her!

“We haven’t got Christmas traditions as such but at Newbridge Primary, they do a window display where you can put a display up in your window which are generally Christmas-related. There is a trail near mine and every night we'll look at the windows. There are some really impressive ones. My missus did ours and it’s brilliant – it’s a snowman with a little winter scene at the bottom with snowflakes.

“We enjoy Santa’s Grotto, we’ve been to Longleat and enjoyed the lights there. Jen has an advent candle; her mum and dad have one too and every night we burn that together. It’s been nice.”

Tom and Jen are set to welcome both of their parents and the latter’s sister over for a fun-filled weekend with the former in charge of the turkey.

“It’ll be a full house which I’m really looking forward to; it should be class,” Dunn said. “They’re all coming to the game on Boxing Day too.

“I’ll cook the turkey on the BBQ, I smoke it. I wet brine it for about 24 hours before then I dry brine it for about three hours before I put it in the smoker. It’s a bit of work!

“Jen does all the planning and the prep. I might have a go at the prawn cocktail starter but that’s about it!”

Whilst the bread sauce and chestnut purée is prepped well in advance, Dunn’s preparation is towards the Blue, Black and White’s Boxing Day showdown with Gloucester.

Sacrifices must be made to be fully equipped for the West Country derby. No charity games at Chippenham like years gone by; no overindulging on chocolate and alcohol. It’s not something Dunn is too fazed by.

“Of course, everyone wants a bucks fizz for breakfast, a glass of red wine with dinner and a few Thatchers in the evening which we don’t get. I still enjoy myself and have the odd extra roast potato, but you stay away from the alcohol and chocolate for breakfast that type of thing.

“I don’t mind because it’s a privilege to be able to pull on the Bath shirt at this time of year. I’m not going to be able to do it forever; hopefully I’ll have a lot more Christmases than I do Boxing Day games!”

Spending time with his family is how Dunn likes to unwind from the day-to-day rigours of being a professional rugby.

It allows him to switch off and focus on other important parts of life. For many supporters attending the Rec on Sunday, Bath Rugby will be their hobby which allows them a relief from everything else that is going on in their lives and Dunn is excited to celebrate the festive period with them.

“I’m very lucky to have three really healthy kids and that will always be my priority. You come away from losing games of rugby umming and ahhing; you can watch games back three times, look at yourself and what you could do differently but having kids allows you to put your phone down, turn the TV off and spend time with family. By the time I go back to rugby, I’m in a better place as I’ve just watched my little boy fall over a log or something!

“I’m really looking forward to Boxing Day. Everyone will be in good spirits with a full belly and a full heart. It’s a good game to play in and I find it a brilliant occasion because a lot of family come to watch as they’re off work.

“The club is a big part of the fans’ lives and their support is everything to us. I just want everyone to enjoy themselves. I definitely enjoy games at this time of year and it would be great to get the win, eh?”

Bath scored seven tries as they crushed Gloucester to set up a home play-off semi-final with Leicester Tigers.

A depleted Cherry and Whites managed a four-try bonus point before they face their own play-off against Connacht for a European Champions Cup spot.

Steve McColl crossed twice for the visitors, who led early on.

But converted tries from Kyle Eastmond, George Ford and Sam Burgess put Bath in control at the break and they eased to victory in a pulsating second half.

BATH RUGBY V GLOUCESTER

One of the oldest local derbies in the Premiership, Bath Rugby v Gloucester returns to the Rec on Boxing Day in front of a sell-out crowd.

It is the final Premiership game of the calendar year and there is no better way to end it with a hard-fought encounter against the Cherry & Whites.

The Rec comes alive for fixtures like these, and that passion is unrivalled. There will be even more added to the occasion with families and friends coming together to celebrate the festive period in Blue, Black and White.

The match is also an opportunity to thank you, our supporters, for sticking with us throughout everything this past the year. It has been difficult with results not going our way, but you have stayed with us and supported the club through thick and thin.

We hope you have a Merry Christmas and an even better New Year.

Full Preview

HEAD TO HEAD

In the past 10 meetings at the Rec in the Premiership, Bath Rugby have come out on top in six of them (D1, L3).

They are usually pretty tight encounters between the two sides with last season’s match in Bath proving so as the Blue, Black and Whites ground out a 16-14 victory.

Semesa Rokoduguni and Tom Dunn are big fans of the fixture, scoring seven and six tries respectively while Billy Twelvetrees has collected 66 points for Gloucester.

Taulupe Faletau has four tries while Anthony Watson, Max Clark, Lewis Boyce, Will Stuart, Ruaridh McConnochie and Ben Spencer have also crossed against the Cherry & Whites.

ONE TO WATCH: LOUIS REES-ZAMMIT

A whippet. Louis Ree-Zammit has extreme pace and has caught the eye at club level and on the international scene since breaking through in 2018.

The wing has had a meteoric rise, earning British & Irish Lions recognition in the summer as well as scoring five tries in 12 Wales appearances.

In the Gallagher Premiership, his try record is impressive too. The 20-year-old has crossed for 18 tries in 29 appearances, including three in five this term.

BATH RUGBY UNSEEN | EP17: RUGBY AT CHRISTMAS

In episode 17 of Bath Rugby Unseen, powered by Dyson, Lewis Boyce and Jacques du Toit reveal what it's like to be a rugby player Christmas!

CHRISTMAS QUICK FIRE

Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Max Ojomoh and Orlando Bailey answer some quick fire Christmas questions!

MID-SEASON ACADEMY UPDATE

It has been an extremely busy period for the Academy who have been all systems go since restrictions were lessened at the end of the summer.

Here is a full Academy update of everything that has occurred since September.

DPP

Following restricted DPP activity due to Covid it has been great to get our developing player programme re-launched this season. We have extended our DPP sites to five by adding our Swindon DPP site at Supermarine RFC to go along with sites in Dorset (Swanage and Wareham RFC), Wiltshire (Chippenham RFC), Bath (Stothert and Pitt RFC), and Somerset (RNAS Yeovilton). This has allowed us to engage more players and coaches within Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset than ever before, with around 450 players from Under-14 to Under-16 and 45 coaches involved in our pathway.

Players have taken part in blocks of training that are designed to provide a sequence of deliberately developmental experiences that aim to enhance their skills, knowledge, behaviours and physical qualities, in order to support the development they get through their schools and clubs. We have also enjoyed the return of some internal DPP festivals with our Under-16 and Under-15 DPP sites competing against each other to test and apply the skills they have explored in training.

U16 PDG

Following a positive pre-season which finished with an excellent performance against Bristol Bears Under-16s, the U16s PDG squad have continued to train weekly to develop their skills and understanding alongside the rugby they get within their club and school environments.

The U16s have benefitted from the opportunity to come into Farleigh House on set weekends throughout the last term to further their development both on pitch and off pitch, making use of the outstanding facilities and the wider aAademy staff to support them.

The U16s will take part in a series of development fixtures (which began last weekend v Gloucester) with games planned for the New Year against London Irish, Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins.

U18 PDG

Since October 2021, the U18s PDG squad have been training once a week to prepare for the Academy U18s League that commenced on Friday 17 December against Bristol Bears. Also during this time, our U18s PDG squad enjoyed a two-day Residential Camp at the impressive Marlborough College for some extra team bonding and preparation.

Our partnership schools have enjoyed some very impressive seasons, with Millfield School going the whole season unbeaten against top quality schools such as Whitgift and Sedbergh. Sherborne School have also shown their dominance on the school circuit by reaching the School Cup semi-final by beating strong outfits

Beechen Cliff

Beechen Cliff’s ACE Programme had the introduction of two new coaches in Nathan Catt and Louis Messer for the 2021/22 Season with Nathan taking charge of forwards and defence, while Louis taking the lead on backs and attack.

A very slow start to the ACE campaign saw the young squad narrowly miss out on the opportunity of playing in the Tier 1 play-off against the league’s North counterparts on points difference. From here, Beechen Cliff went on to win five games on the bounce to win the Tier 2 final against Worcester’s ACE partnership school Stourport High School.

University of Bath

Bath Rugby signed a new two-year partnership with the UoB at the start of the season which saw Mike Hill brought in from Worcester Warriors to lead the programme alongside Aaron James.

Mike has been working hard with all our Senior Academy players this year on their Individual Development Plans and a number of the Senior Academy squad have trained and played for UoB this year in the BUCS Super League. Archie Stanley and George Worboys have led the way with some of their performances.

At Christmas the Uni sit sixth in the Super BUCS table with the joint most try bonus points. This represents where the Uni is at with their development of their style of play.

The squad has been able to test their strength in depth having used 44 players within the first 11 games. Moving into to the second half of the season, this should lead to some real competition for places within the squad.

Senior Academy

We are very proud that a number of our Senior Academy players have been involved in various matchday squads both domestically and in Europe. Max Ojomoh and Orlando Bailey have been outstanding this year and have helped lead the team both on and off the field this season. Although the results have not gone their way, the experiences they have been through will be invaluable for their long-term development.

Gabe Goss will be going away with Great Britain Sevens in January. We feel that this opportunity will be excellent for his development.

Ethan Staddon and Archie Griffin are recovering well from rehab. We are looking forward to getting them back in action.

Frankie Read has been on loan to Clifton and was named on the bench for the Stade Rochelais match before it’s postponement, and Nahum Merigan has been playing in the Championship with Hartpury.

England U18s

Millfield’s Sam Harris and Sherborne’s Arthur Green have both been involved in this season’s England U18 camps after enjoying some game time with the squad against Italy U18s back in August 2021. Ieuan Davies, also of Millfield, and Will Jeanes of Beechen Cliff School have also enjoyed brief spells with the England U18 squad throughout the 2021/22 season.

International U20s

John Stewart, Jasper Spandler, Mackenzie Graham, Josh Dingley, Tom Carr Smith, Ciaran Donoghue, Jordan Venter and Ewan Richards were all called up to an England U20 internal fixture last weekend with the aim of EPS selection ahead of the U20 Six Nations.

Tom Cowan has been on three Wales U20 camps and was involved agaisnt Scotland in a development fixture last weekend.

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP MATCH PREVIEW: BATH RUGBY v EXETER CHIEFS

Bath Rugby and Exeter Chiefs have met twice in the Premiership Rugby Cup while a further six meetings have taken place in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

The last two encounters have taken place at Sandy Park with Exeter running out victors each time but the 2019 match saw Max Ojomoh, Tom de Glanville, Nahum Merigan, Arthur Cordwell, Ollie Fox and George Worboys all make their senior debuts for the club.

The Blue, Black and Whites enjoyed wins over Chiefs in 2012 and 2013, recording a 31-3 victory on the road before back-to-back wins at the Rec (16-6 and 37-15).

Of those still involved at the club, Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper and Academy coach Nathan Catt played in both fixtures while there were also appearances for Will Spencer, Semesa Rokoduguni, Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph.

Five Senior Academy players debuted for Bath in the opening round of the Premiership Rugby Cup. Hooker John Stewart and scrum-half Tom Carr-Smith helped England Under-20s to the U20 Six Nations title in the summer while wing Gabe Goss possesses lightning speed.

A Bath Rugby pathway player since he was 15, versatile Josh Dingley earns his chance to impress as does Ciaran Donoghue, a utility back who recently signed a contract with the club after excelling the senior environment during pre-season.

Scrum coach Mark Lilley continues to lead the Premiership Rugby Cup team, assisted by line-out coach Luke Charteris and skills coach Ryan Davis.

CHIEFS IN THE PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP

Exeter have played twice in the competition this season, taking on Bristol Bears at Sandy Park before travelling to Gloucester.

The Chiefs have also used the tournament to blood youngsters, and despite two losses, they have seen a host of their Academy flourish against strong opponents.

Against Bears, Aussie fly-half Jack Walsh bagged a brace of tries, whilst prop James Kenny also got in on the scoring act, alongside a further 12 points from the boot of Josh Hodge. All three players are under the age of 23.

Hodge and Walsh also grabbed points via conversions in the defeat to Gloucester, with Rus Tuima and Arthur Relton (another two 21-year-olds) also on the try-sheet.

A VERY MERRY AND SAFE CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL FROM BRSC

It has been a tough season, but if anything can encourage the Bath team to put in the kind of performance we have all been waiting for, a home game against Gloucester on Boxing Day should do it.

It has been another festive period where celebrations have been somewhat curtailed. It is in challenging times like these when I find comfort in the things that mean the most to me. As for all of you, that means support for the team that I love, Bath Rugby.

The performance against Exeter Chiefs lifted my spirits slightly, despite feeling bruised by the try a few minutes from the final whistle which took the result away from us. I felt for the players; they would have been boosted by the spine-tingling sound of a packed-out Rec singing ‘Come on you Bath’ in the mist and murk of a cold November evening, only for a last gasp score to consign us to another loss. With a terrible run of injuries, Covid cases in the camp and the postponement of the La Rochelle game, December has thrown up even more challenges for everyone at Bath Rugby. The imminent arrival of Johann van Graan is a bright point at the end of a difficult year; we look forward to welcoming him.

Our Secretary Ian Rooney travelled to Dublin to support the team in our opening match in the European Cup, where he met with members of the Official Leinster Supporters’ Club. It was always going to be a hard task to play against a team with nine players from the national side that had recently beaten New Zealand and it proved to be the case. As ever, a bright spot was seeing fans clad in Blue, Black and White in the crowd who undoubtedly enjoyed the local hospitality.

We held our first live event this season (the ever popular ‘Ask the Ref’ evening with Tony Spreadbury) in October. Tony’s explanation and interpretation of the laws of rugby was as enlightening as it was entertaining. Our second planned event was a victim of rising Covid cases; regrettably we have had to postpone our Christmas quiz. We hope to run this in the New Year, so keep your eyes open for the new date. The Committee would like to wish all Bath Rugby supporters a very merry and safe Christmas and thank all BRSC members for their support now and in the past.

Nicola Curtis, BRSC

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD

During the Christmas holidays Bath Rugby Foundation and its partners will be hosting day camps for children whose families have been hit hardest financially by the pandemic.

Winter BreakOut hubs will focus on food and fun and relieve some of the pressure on parents whose children who would normally receive free school meals.

Inevitably the ‘don’t have kids if you can’t afford them,’ narrative will rear its ugly head, as it always does when the subject of children going hungry is talked about.

There are many things wrong with this line of thought, not least my amazement that anyone would think it’s not a good idea to feed a hungry child.

Firstly, it completely disregards the fact that only the smallest minority of people could predict what their family income will look like for the next 18 years. It also ignores that a family that was once financially secure could suffer physical or mental health problems, job loss, death…or a global pandemic that causes 6.5 million jobs to be lost this country alone.

Even without the argument that you can never predict your financial future, impoverished families are not all lazy, feckless parents who didn’t think before having a child. Actually, the statistics tell us the vast majority are hard-working families who have been affected by policy changes that have made low-paid, insecure jobs their only option.

More than 70% of children growing up in poverty have a parent who works. Many of these workers have kept us healthy, safe and able to shop for essentials during the pandemic.

Poverty is not a lifestyle choice, it’s caused by a number of factors, centring on rising housing costs, low pay, zero-hour contracts, unreliable working hours, and the second most expensive childcare costs in the world (New Zealand tops the chart).

The pandemic has highlighted that hardship can happen to anyone as well as magnifying flaws in the existing system. For many years the budgets of low-income families have been squeezed as average wages have stagnated, housing and childcare costs have risen, and work has become increasingly insecure. Infact, this is the fourth year that Bath Rugby Foundation has stepped into the holiday hunger space.

Studies reveal one in three working families are only one payday away from losing their home. The same study by Shelter and YouGov found that almost half of working people who rent are in the same position.

Bath Rugby Foundation and its partners are proud to be helping any families who have been forced to choose between feeding their children and keeping their home and we will continue to add our voice to those who are calling for societal change in an increasingly unequal society.