Welcome back to The Rec for a fixture full of history as we host Leicester Tigers in Round 10 of the Gallagher Premiership.
It has been over 100 years since Bath first played Leicester and there have been many enjoyable occasions notwithstanding the 1994 Pilkington Cup final and, more recently, the 2014/15 Premiership semi-final.
Facing the reigning champions at home is a great challenge for us and it is extremely positive to be heading into the game following back-to-back league wins against Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons. The squad has been progressing steadily since Round 1 and we are now seeing their hard work transfer into victories.
Whilst injuries continue to impact team selection, we are also now seeing players returning from injury and tonight we are delighted to see Ben Spencer and Orlando Bailey starting for Bath.
The availability of players is a more significant issue this time of year with the fixture overlaps during the Autumn International window, as it is again later in the season during the Six Nations. We are always delighted for our players when selected for their nation, the opportunity for them to represent their country, the test match experience they gain.
However, these proud moments for our players should hold their own space in the calendar without overlapping the club game. This was the direction of travel pre-Covid. As Premiership Rugby works through the solutions for the sustainability of the club game, there is the opportunity to address this issue as part of a holistic solution for rugby considering league size, fixture calendar and overlaps, player welfare.
Last month we were absolutely delighted the Supreme Court refused an application seeking to appeal the ruling of the Court of Appeal of 4 February 2022, which means we can proceed with our planned redevelopment of The Rec.
This is a significant moment in the history of the club, and although it has felt drawn out and at times been frustrating for ourselves, our supporters and the city, we finally have the certainty we need as a club to bring forward comprehensive proposals for a new stadium in the heart of Bath.
Next steps will be discussed in due course and we will reengage with stakeholders across the city – including you our supporters - regarding the development, as we bring forward and share our plans.
Another historic moment for the club will be next week’s match against the Barbarians and we are delighted to welcome back Matt Banahan and Elliott Stooke for the fixture – we hope they go well, but not too well!
The match will be an incredible opportunity for our supporters to see their club go up against one of the most famous and entertaining sides in rugby and we look forward to seeing many of you there on 20 November.
Further enhancing the use of The Rec, we will host England Under-20s’ U20 Six Nations fixture against France in March 2023.
Over the years it has given the club great pride in seeing so many of our Academy players represent their country at age-grade level and it gives us great pleasure in playing our part in promoting the development of England’s Under-20 players by bringing one of their matches to our home.
It will be a brilliant occasion for the City of Bath and I’m sure everyone will get behind this exciting spectacle.
This week we were deeply concerned to learn that Levi Davis, who played for the club from 2016 to 2020 was reported missing. We have supported the campaign for information as have our staff and players. Our thoughts are with his family, and we hope that he is found soon and back safely with friends and family.
Lastly I must report on the sad loss of Brendan Perry this week. Brendan was a great servant of the club, and a true gentleman. On a personal note Brendan was always incredibly welcoming to me early in my time at the club, sitting perched on his bar stool in the corner of the President’s Lounge – “his spot” – at our home games. Always a friendly grin and a warm welcome. Our thoughts are with Betty, Matt and all of Brendan’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Today’s fixture is one I know Brendan would have relished and he would definitely want every one of you to enjoy today’s game against Leicester - COYB!
Tarquin