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BATH RUGBY V HARLEQUINS

By Bath Rugby

December 1^st, 2022

DYSON V15 DETECT ABSOLUTE VACUUM

A WELCOME FROM TARQUIN MCDONALD

Hello everyone and welcome back to The Rec after a two-weekend break from Gallagher Premiership action.

Reflecting on our last league outing, it was incredible to witness such an outstanding finish to the game against Leicester Tigers. The team proved they are now tough to beat, they never gave up or stopped believing, and what a climax! The Rec was absolutely bouncing and there is no doubt that you and all of our supporters played a massive part in lifting the team towards that victory.

Following that memorable night, the unique visit of the Barbarians was a fantastic occasion for everyone involved. Hosting the BaaBaas and welcoming back the likes of Matt Banahan and Elliott Stooke to The Rec was a special occasion. The match lived up to everyone’s expectations, despite Bath ending up on the wrong side of the result courtesy of All Black Damian McKenzie’s last-minute drop goal.

We had the pleasure of announcing our newest signing Alfie Barbeary on the pitch at half-time and we are delighted with the reception he was given. We are confident he will be a great player for the club over the years to come.

We’re set for another exciting clash this evening as we face Harlequins in Round 12 of the Gallagher Premiership in front of a sell-out Rec. To have 14,500 of you cheering us on will make all the difference and on behalf of the players, coaches and staff, I’d like to say thank you for all your support.

We understand the trials and tribulations that come with having a game on a Friday night. As a club, our preferred time to play has always been, and remains, Saturdays at 15:00. We have been lobbying hard, and will continue to do so, with Premiership Rugby and BT Sport on a return of games at our preferred time, and we are really pleased we have been able to deliver on this for our home matches in Europe against Glasgow Warriors next weekend and Toulon in the New Year.

Over the past month, it was great to have Cameron Redpath, Joe Cokanasiga and Will Stuart represent their countries on the international stage. For England, it was a disappointing autumn, but congratulations must go out to Will for his heroic two-try display which salvaged a draw against the All Blacks. It is extremely frustrating that he returns to us with an injury, and we wish him all the best in his recovery.

Finally, we end on the sad news that rugby favourite Doddie Weir sadly passed away last Saturday.

Doddie is a rugby legend. He embodied everything good about the sport and following his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis, he tackled every hurdle head on and raised unbelievable sums for MND research. He faced his tragic decline with laughter and determination, and to honour his life, there will be a minute’s applause before kick-off.

Thank you once again for all your support and enjoy the game. COYB!

Tarquin

VISIT THATCHERS

COMPEED RECOVERY JOURNEYS: EP 2 - TOM DE GLANVILLE

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 two, Tom de Glanville chats through his hamstring injury 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 Tom to strengthen the area.

INJURY UPDATE WITH COMPEED AHEAD OF HARLEQUINS

Bath Rugby Head of Medical Services Rory Murray has provided a squad injury update.

Quinn Roux - Quinn suffered a knee injury against the Barbarians. He requires surgery and will return at the end of February.

Will Stuart - Will returned from his knee injury for England against New Zealand. A week later against South Africa, he suffered a dislocated elbow which does not require surgery. He will not return for at least eight weeks.

Sam Underhill - Following his shoulder surgery, Sam has been integrated back into full training. He is set to return in mid-December.

Alfie Barbeary - Alfie had hamstring surgery at the end of September. As he has only just arrived at the club, we are working with him to establish where he is in his recovery. He will return this season.

SEE OUR FULL INJURY UPDATE

ROUNDS 17 & 18 CONFIRMED!

After confirmation from Premiership Rugby, we can confirm the Blue, Black and White will host London Irish at The Rec on Saturday 18 February for Round 17 of the Gallagher Premiership. This fixture will be part of the 10-game season ticket.

We'll also welcome our West Country rivals, Bristol Bears, on Friday 23 March for Round 18 and to decide who wins the derby bragging rights. Join under the Friday night lights once again for a tasty West Country battle.

TICKET RELEASE INFORMATION

THANK YOU, ARANOS AND JAMIE!

Aranos Coetzee and Jamie Shillcock have both left the club after their short-term loan spells.

The pair joined us earlier in the season as injury cover and have been assets to the club.

Aranos made his debut in the opening game of the season against west country rivals Bristol Bears, and Jamie made his debut in Bath Rugby's winning game against age-old rivals Leicester Tigers.

Everyone at the club wishes them all the best!

THE RECCY: FRIDAY NIGHT FUN!

After beating Harlequins at home last season, we're welcoming them back to The Rec for another battle and looking for victory once again.

The occasion this Friday will also be highlighting the brilliant work Restart do in supporting rugby players when they need it most.

FROM 17:45

Happy hour - £1 off pints! 🍺
Restart x Bath Rugby Foundation raffle 🎟
Land Rover teepee 🛻
Festive Thatchers Bar at Double Tree Hilton 🌳
Live music from Rich Reeves AND a DJ! 🪩
Wide range of food and beverage 🌯
Thatchers Fan of the Match - win a crate of cider! 🍎
Retail outlets, including our Christmas range! 🎄

Read the full reccy here

VISIT TRIBUTE

YOUR RED CAR

"I'M HAPPY HERE" - LAWRENCE

From the outside, it is hard to comprehend how difficult the past few months have been for the players, staff and supporters of Worcester Warriors.

The situation seemed to worsen every day as details of owner antics were played out in the open, but the questions of those that mattered went unanswered.

The end was devastating for all involved. It was a dark day for Rugby Union. Ollie Lawrence had to live through it.

“It was an emotional time and it’s really difficult to put into words,” he said.

“We’d all been part of Warriors for a long time. I’d grown up in the Academy and my family had ties to the club, so it was a really sad feeling and one that none of us saw coming. When I look back, I try and look back with good memories rather than what’s happened in the past six months. It shouldn’t cloud what we did as a team and what we did as a club over the past four or five years.

“There’s a lot of frustration with the way the things were handled. The way they came out and said it was the fans’ fault, the players’ fault, it left a sour taste. I don’t think I can ever forgive the owners for what they did as we were really building a squad there.

“I just feel sorry for the fans and the players who haven’t managed to pick up clubs as that was our job. We were obviously paid to do what we loved to do but that was taken away from us.”

Despite the ambiguity surrounding their situation, Worcester started the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership campaign, but it came to a point where they knew their final match was approaching.

Newcastle Falcons would provide the opposition, though it didn’t matter who it was; it was always going to be a special send off for every single Warrior.

Lawrence explained: “Before the Newcastle game, we went into it knowing we were probably going to be suspended and that it would be our last together.

“Going into that week everyone was clearly very emotional and there was a lot of uncertainty of what we were going to do next. I remember going into the club thinking it was going to be the last time and I just needed to take it all in with the fans, the players and luckily, we were able to put a performance in and get a result for everyone.”

For Lawrence, he learned a lot in a short amount of time.

He realised that he could use his voice and profile for the good of his teammates. He became a leader in a torrid situation.

“I’ve had to grow up quite quickly over the past few years, especially the past season.

“I think it made me realise that rugby can be taken away from you in a moment. I was hopeful that rugby wouldn’t be over for me and that I would have another opportunity to play in the Premiership again.

“I knew for a lot of those boys it wasn’t going to be the case. We were finding things out on twitter and there was a moment where it was enough is enough and I said the owners needed to step up and say something because we hadn’t seen them in months and months.

“I had to step up, I had to use my voice to speak for the team.”

An opportunity did come for Lawrence who initially arrived at Bath Rugby on a short-term injury cover loan before converting his temporary switch into a long-term permanent one.

Ted Hill, Fergus Lee-Warner, Valeriy Morozov, Jamie Shillcock and Billy Searle have also joined the Blue, Black and White following their exit from Worcester, and all six have provided an injection of energy into the squad.

“I managed to get a few of them over the line with a few nudges to Johann!” Lawerence quipped. “I’m glad they’re here; it’s always nice to see familiar faces in the squad.

“It’s been weird as we’re used to going to training in Worcester together and now we’re commuting to Bath together. It’s been interesting but it’s been fun at the same time. We seem to be getting a lot of craic from the rest of the boys as we seem to gravitate towards each other! It’s been really good and the boys have settled in really well.

“We’ve been fortunate to have one of the places on site at Farleigh to stay in. It’s been working for now but hopefully we’ll find places in the city soon, settle down and start our futures here.”

Lawrence has hit the ground running for Bath and has starred in the midfield, heavily contributing to victories over Northampton Saints, Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers.

It has been like the 23-year-old has been at The Rec for years rather than a matter of weeks and he insists he has had to throw himself into the thick of things – it is paying dividends.

“Coming here, I had to throw myself into it and give it everything I had. I think I’m enjoying my rugby the most I have in a long time. I was lucky to get an opportunity to play at this club and I wanted to grasp it with both hands. I’ve settled in really nicely; the boys have been really welcoming and my main focus was to get on the field and put my best foot forward. I've still got a long way to go here but I’m enjoying the journey.”

He added: “Bath is a club that I knew had a lot of history. I have a lot of mates here that play here who set the culture and I knew where the club is set in the city which is quite exciting. I was in contact with Johann and meeting him sold it for me.

“His vision over the next few years is one I wanted to be a part of. He obviously had success at Munster and I knew coming here I was going to become a better player. I didn’t really want to hold out and fight with other teams.

"I wanted to find a club where I knew my future would be for the next few years and Bath is the one that suited me the most. I’m happy I’m here.”

"BELIEF IS BUILDING" - SPENCER

It seems an age ago since Will Butt dived over in the corner with the clock in the red to secure Bath Rugby an epic last-gasp win over Leicester Tigers.

It was a special night and atmosphere for everyone involved, none more so than Ben Spencer who returned following a two-month spell on the sidelines due to injury.

The club captain has been supporting at games as a water carrier during his time away from the field and has kept up his off-field leadership duties throughout what has been a successful period on the pitch for the Blue, Black and White.

He believes the playing group are in a good space following three league wins in a row and belief is growing.

“It wasn’t the ideal start of the season for me, getting injured in the second game but I’ve worked hard to get back,” Spencer said. “I loved being back against Leicester and I’m just happy to kickstart my season.

“The Rec was pumping that night and it was nice to get a win in the final play of the game. A few games this season haven’t quite gone our way in the last play, so it was nice to be on the right side of the result.

“It’s amazing what a few wins can do. There is definitely more belief amongst the squad now and we’re heading in the right direction. The belief is starting to build within the squad. The more we can keep putting in good performances we know we’ll be in the right place.”

Champions of two season ago Harlequins visit The Rec on Friday night, a match which Bath won under the lights last term.

The home support was buzzing that night, something which Spencer acknowledges, and the team will need another vociferous Bath crowd again this weekend.

“Ever since I’ve been at the club, the support has been unbelievable with fans turning up week in, week out. It’ll be another great occasion on Friday night in front of a sell-out crowd against tough opposition.

“Harlequins have a lot of good players throughout their team. They have a strong offloading game and a very good attacking game; we have to control the tempo of the game and try and nullify their strengths.”

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ACTION: BECOME A MATCHDAY AMBASSADOR!

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

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

BATH RUGBY SUPPORTING LOCAL POLICE IN IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN

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

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

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

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

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

BATH RUGBY 21-17 HARLEQUINS

28 January 2022

Bath Rugby produced a fantastic, spirited performance to beat Premiership Champions Harlequins at The Rec.

Dino Lamb grabbed the opening try for Quins who were pegged back to a point by Ben Spencer’s boot, but Cadan Murley crossed on the stroke of half-time to give the visitors a healthier lead.

At the start of the second period, Will Muir jinked his way to the line and Spencer’s outstanding conversion turned the game around.

Muir then went over for his second in superb fashion before George Hammond’s unconverted try made it a tense finish. But Bath remained resolute and saw out the match with Spencer deservedly kicking the final three points.

Bath Rugby: 15 Semesa Rokoduguni, 14 Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Will Muir, 10 Max Ojomoh, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Arthur Cordwell, 2 Jacques du Toit, 3 D'Arcy Rae, 4 Josh McNally (c), 5 Mike Williams, 6 Tom Ellis, 7 Ewan Richards, 8 Nathan Hughes

Impact players: 16 Tom Doughty, 17 Will Vaughan, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Will Spencer, 20 Jaco Coetzee, 21 Joe Simpson, 22 Will Butt, 23 Tom Prydie

Harlequins: 15 Tyrone Green, 14 Nick David, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Tommy Allan, 9 Danny Care; 1 Santiago Garcia Botta, 2 Jack Walker (c), 3 Will Collier, 4 Matt Symons, 5 Hugh Tizard, 6 Dino Lamb, 7 Luke Wallace, 8 Viliami Taulani

Replacements: 16 Sam Riley, 17 Jordan Els, 18 Simon Kerrod, 19 George Hammond, 20 Archie White, 21 Lewis Gjaltema, 22 Oscar Beard, 23 Louis Lynag

VIEW RILEY ENGLAND

THE OPPOSITION

Having played eight games so far this season, Harlequins currently sit third in the Gallagher Premiership table, with five wins and three losses to their name. Consistent in form, last season the London side finished their 2021/22 campaign third in the Premiership table.

Harlequins visit The Rec with three consecutive Premiership wins, equal to Bath’s current form. With wins over Gloucester, London Irish and Sale Sharks, their last defeat was in October in a 19-27 loss against Leicester Tigers at home.

Bath fans will remember Harlequins previous visit to The Rec fondly. Down 6-12 at half-time, the home side fought back to win the game 21-17 in a thrilling game against the former Champions. With two tries coming from fan favourite Will Muir, and 11 points being kicked by current club captain Ben Spencer, Bath fans will be hoping for a repeat of that exciting game.

ONE TO WATCH - CADAN MURLEY

Described by Harlequins as “one of the quickest runners in the squad”, Cadan Murley is having one of his best seasons to date. Having joined their academy full-time in 2017, the Harlequins wing is fast approaching nearly 100 appearances for his club and has quickly become a key member of the London team.

The Harlequins back is currently third in tries scored in the Premiership this season, with seven tries in seven appearances. He is also second in metres made, reaching an impressive total of 587. Level with Ollie Hassell-Collins in clean breaks, Murley is also second in clean breaks, totalling 15.

At only 23 years old, Murley has represented England U18s and England U20s and has already won his first Premiership title in 2021, where he started on the wing against Exeter Chiefs.

MEET WILL JEANES

School: Beechen Cliff School

Club: Taunton RFC

Position: Lock/Back row

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

My favourite memory would be playing against Bristol at Chippenham under the lights with a great crowd behind us.

What are your dream goals in rugby?

I would really like to play for England U20s and stay on with Bath Rugby.

What do you get up to outside of rugby?

I’ve just started a Sports Performance course at University of Bath so that keeps me quite busy. I also like to spend time with my friends and family.

Who has had the biggest impact on your development?

I think it would have to be Nathan Catt. He was one of my coaches at Beechen Cliff and Bath Rugby U18s and without him I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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

After I finish my career I want people to remember me for being a good player on the field and a good person off it.

VICTORY FOR BEECHEN CLIFF IN FINAL ACE LEAGUE GAME OF 2022 SEASON

Beechen Cliff played their final ACE League fixture of the 2022 season last Wednesday with a comprehensive 38-0 victory on the road to Brooksby Melton College.

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.

Brooksby Melton College are affiliated to Leicester Tigers. The game was played for high stakes, with the winner most likely guaranteed a spot in the 2022 ACE National Final.

READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT

SPANDLER SCORES BUT TEAM BATH DEFEATED

Team Bath’s unbeaten BUCS Super Rugby away record came to an end against Exeter on Wednesday as they suffered a 44-17 defeat.

Nine Bath Rugby Academy players were involved with Archie Stanley, Jasper Spandler and Archie Griffin starting in the front row.

Lock Eddie Erskine, flankers Thompson Cowan and Ethan Staddon also featured in the pack while centre Louie Hennessey and back-three player Byron Lloyd-Gilmour were in the backs. Scrum-half Tom Carr-Smith was named on the bench.

Spandler continued his rich vein of scoring form with a try in the first period and an Alfie Garside penalty saw Team Bath go into half-time level at 10-10.

However, despite Harry Breeze’s converted score, Exeter built momentum in the second period to earn victory.

It was a disappointing result for Team Bath who have two games left this side of Christmas to end their first block on a high.

VOLUNTEERING WITH BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION

Graham Binns has been a volunteer at Bath Rugby Foundation for many years, and finds the two days a week he spends with the students at the Foundation Hub deeply meaningful.

In Graham's own words, the ethos of the Foundation is close to his own.

"I really do feel at home on my days with the Foundation. I have the flexibility to need to tend to my own personal matters when needed, and I'm blown away by the professionalism and the commitment of the people I work with, as well as the sheer determination of the students.

"Being just a small part of, what for them, is a life-changing journey feels so special. I must have two or three conversations each week when I talk to others about the Foundation and the success stories that come from its amazing work."

The Foundation changes young lives in Bath and wider area. One in 10 young people in Bath are living on the poverty line and our aim is to shrink this statistic and give all young people a fair chance in life.

If you want to help change the lives of vulnerable children and young people, then volunteer with us today.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

BECOME A MATCHDAY FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER

We're also looking for matchday volunteers who can help us with our matchday raffle and spread awareness of the great work Bath Rugby Foundation do in the community.

This season, we've partnered with other charities such as the 4Ed Slater campaign, the Royal British Legion and this week we're working with Restart - the charity of the Rugby Players' Association.

You'll receive training and development to assist you in your volunteering role, as well as great opportunities to meet people in the community.

BECOME A MATCHDAY VOLUNTEER

BRSC ANNOUNCE SPONSORSHIP OF TWO BATH RUGBY LADIES PLAYERS

The impact of a good run of form on a sport fan’s mood is remarkable.

After a disappointing start to the season, we have now won the last three Premiership games in a row. The wins don’t have to be spectacular; the “W” on the match report is the only statistic that matters.

That said, the manner in which we beat Leicester Tigers will live long in my memory. If Matt Gallagher’s pin-sharp kick to set up an attacking line-out wasn’t enough to get me on my feet, then Will Butt’s acrobatic try in the corner to snatch the win certainly was.

There are few more beautiful sights than The Rec erupting after securing a win that looked as though it was slipping away. It reminded me why I love live sport.

In BRSC news, last week we held the long-delayed evening with Francois Louw and Ross Batty.

During the height of Covid-19 restrictions, we held a virtual Q&A session with Francois, and he kindly returned to an in-person event alongside the ever-popular Ross Batty.

This evening was free to our members; we work hard to host fun and engaging events and free entry is one of the many benefits of membership.

Over 70 of us were treated to an entertaining talk from Francois and Ross, who provided insights into their time playing for Bath Rugby, and updates on what they spend their time doing now they have retired from the game.

The evening also allowed us to let our members know about a new initiative. We want to be an inclusive organisation that support all our teams across the city that play in blue, black and white.

We are particularly keen in becoming advocates of the women's game in Bath. With this in mind, we are excited to commit to building closer ties with Bath Rugby Ladies.

Our first action is to announce our sponsorship of two Bath Rugby Ladies players: Enya Lackie and Leah McGoldrick. We are delighted that you have accepted our offer of sponsorship and look forward to cheering you on!