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BATH RUGBY V HARLEQUINS

By Bath Rugby

February 5^th, 2021

COACH'S CORNER:

It feels great to be back at the Rec but rugby is not the same without our supporters. I really am looking forward to the future when we can return to the Rec together.

This weekend we face Quins - they will certainly come with confidence following a strong performance last weekend. They gained good momentum against Wasps and showed us just where their threats lie.

We have adapted specific things in our D this week, and are resolute that we will show a better picture of ourselves than we did against Bristol.

It has been a tough week and selection has been a battle with covid scares, injuries, and international call ups combined. However, we know that we are at our strongest when we play for each other and trust in the men by our side.

Because, when that clock goes dead and we are back in the changing room after the game, I expect each and every one of us to be able to look each other in the eye, knowing that we gave everything to the jersey for those 80 minutes and nothing was left out on the field.

Thanks,

Hoops

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN:

Our defence hasn’t been where we need it to be. We have been working on that this week and it has been a big emphasis. We must concede fewer points. The boys are still as eager as ever and it’s really important I share this with you.

If you are even 1% off against the Bristol side we faced last weekend you are going to get punished. They have the likes of Radradra, Purdy, and Piutau – they are dangerous players and we made a lot of mistakes. They capitalised on that and the result showed.

The boys came in on Monday ready to rip into this week and facing Quins. We believe in our game plan, our systems, and processes and most importantly we believe in each other.

Quins were very good last weekend, we need to be on the money to beat them, they’re a strong outfit but together we believe we are stronger.

Thank you for your support, in these times particularly, it means so much.

Thanks,

Josh

VIEW DYSON HAIR CARE PRODUCTS HERE

CHRISTIAN JUDGE TO LEAVE THE BLUE, BLACK, AND WHITE

Tighthead prop Christian Judge has confirmed he will leave Bath Rugby at the end of the season. The powerful forward will remain in the Gallagher Premiership having agreed on a multi-year deal with Worcester Warriors.

Christian expressed his “sincere thanks to the management, players, and everybody associated with the Club for making his time here a brilliant and memorable one.”

The 28-year-old joined Bath Rugby in 2019 and has since made 31 appearances with his debut coming against his new side Worcester on the 28th September 2019 in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Previously Judge was part of the Saracens side who won the Premiership in 2019 after learning his skill in the Championship and National One with the Cornish Pirates, Plymouth Albion, and the Bedford Blues.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved at Bath Rugby for giving me the opportunity to represent the Blue, Black, and White,” said Judge.

“I feel incredibly privileged not only to have played alongside a brilliant group of players but to have also worked alongside all our amazing staff that work tirelessly behind the scenes. I’d like to wish everyone all the best for the future and look forward to giving my all for my last few months before hopefully ending on a high.”

Finally, he continued, “thank you to all of our amazing fans for their unwavering support during my time here.”

Director of Rugby, Stuart Hooper added: “Chris has done a great job for us over the last two seasons. He’s really added to us both on and off the field and we’ve enjoyed seeing him develop in the Blue, Black, and White. I wish him all the best with his move to Worcester.”

CHUDLEY TO LEAVE FOR A NEW CHALLENGE

Following three successful seasons with the Blue, Black, and White Will Chudley will leave at the end of the 2020/21 campaign to face a new challenge in the Gallagher Premiership with Worcester Warriors. He joins Alan Solomons squad on a two-year deal and heads to the midlands alongside teammate and friend Christian Judge.

Having made many long-lasting friendships, Chudley admits “his memories from Bath will last a lifetime.”

“I've had three fantastic years with Bath,” said the scrum-half. “I’ve been very privileged to play for this historic Club and the friends I've made during my time in Bath will last for a lifetime."

“I'm determined to make sure I end my time here with Bath on a real high. We're are only seven games into the season and we've still got so much to play for. I'll be doing all I can to help us achieve a big finish.”

He continued, “Bath are a special club, from the boys you work with every day in training to all of the coaches, they've all made my time here so special. I've become a more rounded player and a better person from being with Bath.

“Equally, the supporters from day one have been great. At the Rec, they are always there in numbers offering you that backing. Again, I can't thank them enough for their support over the years.”

Chudley has enjoyed strong competition for the Blue, Black, and White jersey with Ben Spencer, Max Green, and Ollie Fox working hard alongside him. The Club’s ambition to see a 50% homegrown squad by 2023 also sees a young Tom Carr-Smith learn every day from the high-quality group.

Director of Rugby, Stuart Hooper shared his thoughts on Chudley’s departure; “Chuds is a talented leader and has had a hugely positive impact on our environment here at Bath. We all wish him well for his future at Worcester.”

BATH RUGBY TEAM UP WITH CRX COMPRESSION

CRX Compression Ltd specialises in providing athletes with premium, high-quality compression garments focused on improving recovery, preventing injury, and maximising performance.

The new relationship will see CRX become Official Suppliers of Bath Rugby, supplying the team with a range of compression products to support performance and recovery protocols.

PJ Wilson, Bath Rugby’s Head of Strength and Conditioning, said: “Recovery is a critical part of the game and more important than ever in this compacted season. We are really impressed with the quality of CRX’s compression garments and look forward to working together.”

VIEW THATCHERS CLOUDY LEMON

ZACH MERCER DEPARTS FOR MONTPELLIER

Bath Rugby confirmed this week that Zach Mercer will be leaving the Club at the end of the season and will join TOP14 side Montpellier.

Academy graduate, Mercer has made the decision to leave English shores to continue his career with French giants, Montpellier. The skilful forward, who is known for his strong ball carrying and is a well-known favourite of Blue, Black and White supporters, will leave the Club when his contract runs out.

Mercer said: “It has been a long-standing dream of mine to play in France - the game is physical and will suit my playing style. I feel like I am able to offer the TOP14 something different and that is what I am looking forward to.

"I’ve spent a huge part of my career with the Blue, Black and White and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities this has brought me."

“I found it impossible to say no to the offer of a long-term contract with Montpellier and I’m very grateful to have had respectful and honest conversations every step of the way with Hoops (Stuart Hooper). There is a brilliant group of players and staff at Bath and I know they will go on to achieve great things together.

"I’ve spent a huge part of my career with the Blue, Black and White and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities this has brought me."

REVISIT THE MATCH REPORT FROM SEPTEMBER

WELCOME HARLEQUINS

Harlequins head into Round 8 of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season sixth in the table, fresh off the back of a record-equalling away win against last season’s Premiership finalists, Wasps, claiming a 49-17 thriller in Coventry.

Quins began their season with a tough opening game defeat against reigning Premiership and European Champions Exeter Chiefs in November, hosting the first game of the new season at their Twickenham Stoop Stadium in South West London.

Despite the early defeat, Quins went on to secure successive away victories over Northampton Saints and Gloucester Rugby. Leading the way in Harlequins’ return to winning ways were their halfbacks, who epitomise the Club’s blend of youth and experience.

Smart tactical kicking mixed with opportunistic attacking intent came to the fore through the halfback pairing of elder statesman and former England man Danny Care at scrum-half and up and coming fly-half Marcus Smith.

Also key to Harlequins change in fortunes was their new Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen, who has proven to be a key player for the South West London team. However, a red card for the physical South African inside centre would see Quins without their star summer signing for four fixtures. With further injury issues thrown into the mix, Harlequins’ results soon went south, with the club suffering defeat at home in the Premiership to playoff contenders Bristol Bears, preceded by back-to-back losses in Europe against Munster Rugby and Racing 92.

A draw with London Irish at home and a COVID-19 outbreak within the Harlequins team, that would see their away fixture against Worcester Warriors cancelled, with the home side awarded four points to Harlequins’ two, preceded the parting of ways with their Head of Rugby, Paul Gustard, last month.

With General Manager Billy Millard taking a temporary caretaker role to help guide the coaching team of Nick Evans (Backs and Attack), Adam Jones (Scrum), Jerry Flannery (Lineout) and Charlie Mulchrone (Kicking), Harlequins have shown an initial glimpse of a return to form, with the men in the Quarters on the hunt for successive Premiership wins at The Recreation Ground this weekend.

GENERAL MANAGER - BILLY MILLARD

General Manager Billy Millard arrived at Harlequins in June 2018 and is responsible for all aspects of delivering the rugby strategic plan including strength and conditioning, medical, analysis, psychology, sports science, recruitment, Academy and Pathway, our Women’s program, player welfare, budgeting and operations.

Following Paul Gustard's departure in January 2021, Millard was tasked with overseeing club coaches Jerry Flannery, Nick Evans and Adam Jones.

In his previous coaching positions, Millard spent four years as the Head Coach of the Australian Sevens team before holding key coaching roles at the Melbourne Rebels, Connacht, the USA Eagles Men’s team. Before his move to Harlequins, Millard transitioned from coaching into Rugby and Performance General Manager roles with USA Rugby and Cardiff Blues.

ONES TO WATCH...

Marcus Smith

A schoolboy prodigy spotted at the young age of 16 training at Brighton College by England Rugby Head Coach Eddie Jones, subsequently called into a senior national training squad as an ‘apprentice’ at just 18, 21-year-old fly-half Smith has established himself as one of the most threatening standoffs in England over the last four years.

Closing in on 100 Club appearances this weekend as he plays his 95th Harlequins match at The Recreation Ground, Smith is a sprightly attacking force to be reckoned with, equally capable of stepping through defences as playing a patient territorial kicking game from behind his pack.

Louis Lynagh

Son of Australian great Michael, Louis Lynagh burst onto the scene for Harlequins during the final weeks of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season as an attack-minded outside back unafraid of putting in the hard yards off the ball.

A member of Harlequins Senior Academy setup, Lynagh has spent the last few years honing his game under the tutelage of Mike Brown, a fullback in possession of the record appearances of all time for Quins and the most capped in his position for England in history.

An ambitious youngster, Lynagh showed what he is capable of in Harlequins’ record-equalling 49-point away win to last year’s Premiership finalists Wasps last Sunday, claiming an intercept try and setting up a score for scrum-half Danny Care in his most impressive senior appearance to date.

Will Evans

Big shoes were left to be filled in Harlequins’ seven jersey following the departure of Club legend and former England captain Chris Robshaw at the end of the 2019/20 season, with the 66-times capped England flanker heading to San Diego for a stint in the MLR in the USA.

23-year-old openside flanker Will Evans has been the man to step into this void for Quins. Trading Leicester Tigers for Harlequins at the end of the 2018/19 season, Evans has fast become renowned for his tenacity and a prolific turnover rate at the breakdown, as well as work as one of the Club’s best defenders.

Currently leading the way for turnovers in the league - 14 with Bath’s Josh Bayliss second behind him on 8 – Evans’ performances belie his moderate size of 6ft as a modern-day back row player. With an admirable appetite for work in attack to add to his defensive skill set, Evans is perhaps Quins most potent weapon whilst the opposition are in possession.

Alex Dombrandt

Number eight Alex Dombrandt has fast become a fan favourite amongst many in England, let alone those supporting Harlequins. A dynamic number eight often seen marauding through opposition defences in the manner of a strike-running centre, Dombrandt has become one of Harlequins most important attacking figures over the last three years.

Arriving from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2018, Dombrandt rose to immediate fame after a season of barnstorming performances, voted Adidas Supporter’s Player of the Season, the Player’s Player of the Season and named in the BT Sport Team of the Year at the end of his first campaign for the Club.

Recently handed the responsibility of captaining Harlequins in the absence of injured and now fit again captain Stephan Lewies, Dombrandt has also become a key leader within Quins' setup.

MATCH PREVIEW

Bath Rugby welcome Harlequins to The Rec on Saturday afternoon for Round 8 of the Gallagher Premiership. Kick-off is at 14:15 with the game being aired live on BT Sport Extra 3*.

Harlequins are coming into this game after an away trip to Wasps in Round 7 of the Gallagher Premiership. At the Ricoh Arena, Harlequins put six tries past the home side and pushed on to seal the win with a 49-17 victory. This is Harlequins third win away from home and sees them sit sixth in the Gallagher Premiership with 19 points.

Bath Rugby are fully focussed on getting back to winning ways following a disappointing performance in Round 7 against their local rivals, Bristol Bears. However, Bath Rugby currently have the bragging rights over Harlequins from the 19/20 season with home and away Gallagher Premiership wins. An impressive away performance that provided 41 points at the Twickenham Stoop, including that interception try by Lewis Boyce, and a tight affair at The Rec sealing a hard-fought victory 19-12 in February 2020.

Harlequins are currently under the control of General Manager of Rugby, Billy Millard after the departure of Paul Gustard. Harlequins will be looking to build on last week’s performance however they will have to face a Bath Rugby team that will be determined to reverse recent results and return to winning ways back at the Rec.

MATCH PREVIEW IN FULL

Jaco Coetzee, born in Pretoria, will join the Club as Mercer’s replacement bringing vast experience alongside his impressive stopping power and physical play at the breakdown. Coetzee brings significant attacking capability as a destructive ball-carrying No. 8 and will add further dominance to the squad as it evolves its attacking game.

The 24-year-old forward has spent much of his career in South Africa, most recently with Super Rugby side, The Stormers. The No.8 made his debut in 2017, the same year he helped Western Province to Currie Cup glory.

Stuart Hooper commented: “With Jaco’s arrival, we feel we have an unbelievably exciting addition to the squad who will be available to play for the Club for the full season. He’s an intimidating ball carrier and will cause huge problems for our opposition no matter where he is on the field. I’m looking forward to seeing him compete with our current group of strong back rowers to get on the field for us.”

South African hooker Jacques du Toit has joined the squad with immediate effect from Toyota Cheetahs and will begin training next week.

Hooper is building a squad with a core of passionate homegrown men, interspersed with world-class talent and the signing of Jacques du Toit is further reinforcement of his strategy.

On the addition of du Toit, Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper, said: “We are really pleased to welcome Jacques and his family to Bath Rugby. Jacques came to our attention after some impressive performances in South Africa. After speaking with Jacques and understanding his motivations we concluded that he is exactly the right type of person and player that we want to add to our squad.

“Jacques is a physical forward who is able to use his skills to keep play alive with his handling ability and explosive running. He will fight for a shirt with the Blue, Black and White and adds to our depth in the position.”

The 27-year-old came through the ranks at Toyota Cheetahs, representing them at all age groups at both junior and senior levels. du Toit had been preparing to captain the Southern Kings having moved from the Cheetahs last season before the club fell into liquidation. He made an immediate return to the Toyota Cheetahs and had since been playing for them in South Africa's Currie Cup competition.

Bath Rugby are pleased to welcome South African playmaker Tian Schoeman to the Club. The fly-half made the move from PRO14 side Cheetahs and has already been in training with the squad for 2 weeks after completing a strict self-isolation process since arriving in England.

The 29-year-old joins the Blue, Black and White on an 18-month contract and will support Rhys Priestland, whilst also helping to develop younger players, in particular Orlando Bailey.

On securing the signing of the talented fly-half, Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper, said: “Tian brings a wealth of experience from his time in Super Rugby and also in the PRO14. Of all the options considered during our scouting and recruitment work, Tian showed to have the attributes both as a person and a player to be a success here in the UK with Bath.”

“He has solid fundamentals with his kicking and tactical awareness but also the speed to challenge defences with the ball in hand.”

The South African joined the Toyota Cheetahs in 2018 ahead of the Currie Cup and 2018/19 Guinness PRO14 season. Schoeman had previously been playing for Bordeaux in the French Top 14 during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Between 2013 and 2016 he represented the Blue Bulls in 29 matches and the Bulls in 35 Super Rugby matches.

BATH RUGBY’S AASE PROGRAMME AT BEECHEN CLIFF SCHOOL

Whilst our partnerships are relatively young, our commitment to developing our people and homegrown players rely heavily on our investment in them, alongside our wider player pathway and relationships with clubs and schools across our region.

Our partnerships maximise our influence over the training and competition environments of many of our best young players. We ensure that there are progressive approaches to coaching, athletic preparation and individual development to underpin the development of home-grown players.

Bath Rugby deliver the rugby development programme and an evidence-based approach to coaching and athletic preparation at Beechen Cliff. The Club also deliver a focused talent development environment for potential elite players through the AASE programme. Beechen Cliff provides the academic programme for Bath Rugby Pathway players. The programme is challenging both on and off-field and exposes high potential players to the demands and expectations of the senior game.

This week BBC Radio Bristol’s Geoff Twentyman featured our AASE Programme at Beechen Cliff School on his drivetime show, The Scrum.

Listen again to the interview which featured Academy Manager Craig Lilley, homegrown utility back, Tom de Glanville and Andrew Davies, Head of Beechen Cliff School.

LISTEN HERE FOR THE FULL REPLAY

(Available until 1 March 2021)

OR READ THE FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE

BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION LAUNCHES ‘FAB CAMPAIGN’

Bath Rugby Foundation has launched its FAB campaign for lockdown, which supports families entitled to receive free school meals along with those who are significantly impacted by the economic challenges of the pandemic.

This initiative aims to reduce anxiety for families during this difficult time by providing food provisions, activity ideas, resources and consistent support.

Families can sign up on the Bath Rugby Foundation website to receive their regular FAB (Family Activity Box) which include:

Food provisions for the week along with supplies for a FUN food-based activity for the whole family
Weekly resources - recipes, equipment, sports equipment, printed resource materials
Guidance on play sessions for creativity, fine motor skills, and fun
Weekly challenges - physical exercise and mental health challenges for the whole family
Weekly Facebook LIVE - Afternoon wake-up/shake-up and cook-along - Every Thursday during lockdown - 2pm (approx.45 mins)

Our brilliant BRF team and army of wonderful volunteers will be making up FABs each week at Camerton Community Hall, and will then be out and about in the community delivering them.

Bath Rugby Foundation CEO Lynne Fernquest said: "During a year when we have been forced apart, BRF’s focus has been on connecting people. We know how many families are struggling financially and our FAB campaign has two objectives, to connect people and to provide nutritious food to support a whole family’s physical and mental wellbeing. We also add a huge dollop of fun to the mix.”

Tune in to BBC Points West on Monday 8th February to find out more.

SIGN UP TO FAB CAMPAIGN

Coach Dan receiving a lovely thank you picture from one of our FAB recipient families.

Bath Rugby mascot Maximus offering a helping hand to the FAB team.

A sea of FAB boxes all lined up at Camerton Community Hall, ready to be delivered to local families.

Big smiles from this family, thrilled to receive their FAB (Family Activity Box), packed with food and craft activities.

BRSC - “TO STRIVE... AND NOT TO YEILD”

The full quotation is “to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield” and it comes from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem Ulysses, but to anybody of my age, born and bred in Devonport, it will always be better known as the inscription on the Scott Memorial which stands proudly on Mount Wise overlooking Plymouth Sound.

Captain Robert Falcon Scott CVO RN was also born in Devonport, (albeit just a few years earlier than me!) and generations of us were taken to Mount Wise and told about his exploits so that they pretty much became part of our cultural and historical DNA. Scott and his compatriots on that last fateful expedition to the Antarctic have become bywords for tenacity and perseverance against the odds and we all need some of that these days, not just as Bath Rugby supporters but also in our daily lives as we all strive against everything that the Covid -19 pandemic has brought.

For many of us supporting our team provides a much-needed emotional outlet and a welcome distraction when so many aspects of our normal lives have had to be put on hold. It therefore comes all the harder when the results aren’t going the way we would hope and the game at Ashton Gate on 29th January was hard to take and that’s no disrespect to Bristol who are playing exceptionally well just at the moment.

So when the going gets tough, what do we do? I’m sure the players and the coaches will continue to strive and search for success and they certainly won’t be yielding and nor should we as supporters. Adversity can be a positive experience when it strengthens bonds – so let’s continue to make sure that the boys in the BB&W know that we’re keeping the faith!

Our most recent Newsflash should have arrived in BRSC Members’ inboxes just over a week ago. This one was a “Special Edition” announcing the results of the BRSC Awards for season 19-20. We’re sorry that the announcement has been delayed, but Covid made it difficult for us to finalise the Awards process. As most of you will know we normally present these at our “flagship” Awards Supper event but of course, we couldn’t do that this year. Nevertheless the trophies have been engraved and the usual Bath Aqua Glass mementos safely delivered to Farleigh for the winners.

We’re delighted to announce the following BRSC Awards for season 19-20. Warmest congratulations to all of them!

Academy Director’s Award: Gabriel Hamer Webb
Personality of the Season: Tom Dunn
Unsung Hero: Elliott Stooke
Try of the Season: Ruaridh McConnochie
Young Player of the Season: Tom de Glanville
Player of the Season: Tom Dunn
Stone King Award for Outstanding Services: David Trick

It’s another important challenge today against Harlequins and we know the boys in BB&W will be up for it. Our best wishes go to all the Bath Players wearing international jerseys this weekend. Go well, boys! That said, the match at the Rec today is huge. We’ll strive to give the boys all the support we can. We don’t yield!