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BATH RUGBY V LEINSTER

By Bath Rugby

January 21^st, 2022

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

VIEW DYSON V15

EPCR WELCOME MESSAGE

A warm welcome to this Heineken Champions Cup pool stage match as we anticipate once again elite clubs and top players producing the brilliance and drama which have for long been the trademarks of our truly world-class tournament.

The two fixtures this month will determine the eight clubs in each pool which will qualify for the knockout stage and continue on the road to the Marseille finals weekend, so the stakes are high.

We can then look forward to an innovative Round of 16 with home and away legs, followed by traditional quarter-finals and semi-finals which will guarantee a further series of compelling matches culminating in the 2022 showpiece final at the Stade Vélodrome on Saturday, 28 May.

In addition, the three clubs ranked ninth to 11th in each pool will have the opportunity to compete for silverware by qualifying for the knockout stage of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

We are delighted to be joined on this season’s journey to Marseille by our long-standing title partner, Heineken, as well as by our newest official partner, DHL, who are providing customised logistics solutions for both the Heineken Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup, and we would also like to thank Tissot, the Financial Times, Gilbert and Kappa for their continuing support.

We acknowledge the superb coverage provided by our TV partners BT Sport, beIN SPORTS, France Télévisions, Channel 4, Virgin Media, S4C and Sky Italia whose output is complemented by the wide range of linear and OTT platforms which broadcast the Heineken Champions Cup globally.

We recognise that these are particularly challenging times for players, club staff and supporters, however, rest assured that we are continuing to work with the leagues and unions so that as many fixtures as possible can be played safely.

We remain optimistic that this season’s tournament will be completed successfully, and on behalf of all at EPCR, 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 a compelling conclusion to the pool stage.

Yours in rugby,

Dominic McKay,

EPCR Chairman (interim)

COACH'S CHECK IN: LUKE CHARTERIS

In this week's Coach's Check In with Compeed, line-out coach Luke Charteris reacts to the club's Six Nations call-ups.

TRIO SELECTED IN ENGLAND SQUAD

Bath Rugby is delighted to confirm two members of the senior squad and a Senior Academy player have been named in England’s 2022 Six Nations squad.

Charlie Ewels and Will Stuart are amongst the forwards list, having been a mainstay in Eddie Jones’ side since their first involvement in the tournament two campaigns ago.

Blue, Black and White captain Ewels debuted for his country in November 2016 and aided England’s Test summer tour win over Argentina in the summer following. He featured in all three autumn internationals in November, taking his total number of caps to 26.

Tighthead prop Stuart has featured a further 14 times in white since earning his maiden cap in the 2020 competition. He was also involved in a successful Autumn Nations Series.

Named for the first time in an EPS squad, Academy fly-half Orlando Bailey earns his first opportunity to impress.

The 20-year-old was a key part of England Under-20s’ title-winning Six Nations campaign last term, starring at both 10 and full-back.

In 2021/22, he has stepped into the first team environment and developed significantly with his growing leadership, fearless defence and creative attack.

Another proud day for the Bath Rugby pathway which Academy Manager Craig Lilley outlines.

“We are extremely delighted of Orlando and recent achievement,” he said.

“Orlando is someone that has been in the pathway since the age of 13, so to see him get this opportunity is simply outstanding. He is one of the most diligent and hardworking players to have come through our pathway and is an excellent role model for our young players within the region.

“He has played consistently this season for the senior team and these experiences have no doubt accelerated his development.

“It is a proud day for the club and his family, and I am sure Orlando will use his time away with England to continue to grow his game.”

The Bath Rugby trio will head into camp in Brighton on Monday 24 January following this weekend’s match against Leinster Rugby five days, before regrouping at Pennyhill Park, ahead of their first game against Scotland at Murrayfield, on Saturday 5 February.

BAYLISS AND REDPATH IN SCOTLAND SQUAD

Two Bath Rugby players have received a call-up to the Scotland squad for the 2022 Six Nations.

Josh Bayliss and Cameron Redpath have both been selected by Head Coach Gregor Townsend, whose side host England in the opening round of the tournament on Saturday 5 February.

Eligible for Scotland via his Aberdeen-born grandmother, Bayliss has progressed through the Bath Rugby pathway and developed into one of the senior squad’s key players. His versatility has seen him play across the whole of the back row with his first international start coming at Number 8 in November.

Redpath returned to action in the Blue, Black and White’s match at Stade Rochelais last weekend, playing 53 minutes at fly-half. That followed eight months of rehabilitation due to a knee injury and his hard work to return to fitness has seen him included. His only cap to date was against in England in Scotland’s Calcutta Cup win at Twickenham.

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

A LOOK BACK AT ORLANDO'S DEEPER WHY

After his selection in the England Six Nations squad, we take a look back at Orlando Bailey's Deeper Why.

My name is Orlando Bailey and this is my Deeper Why.

Childhood plays a big role in what aspirations you have. My family have always supported Bath; my dad and brother would go to games and as soon as I was of age, I would go along too with my old Thatchers shirt on.

We’d play in the garden a lot and I started playing rugby when I was five-years-old so it was always a passion from a young age. I always had a goal to be a professional rugby player and I don’t know where it came from. I had a goal of doing Architecture at Bath university and to play for Bath – I don’t do Architecture, but I am at the university studying International Development and I am playing for Bath.

I’m quite a competitive person so once I’d set my goal and realised rugby, something I really enjoy doing every day, was a potential career path I wanted to give it everything.

Neither of my parents are particularly pushy. They supported me immensely but didn’t make me do anything. They didn’t make me do my school homework; they didn’t make me do any extra training.

They were very open minded, allowed me to do what I enjoyed and restrained from putting too much pressure on me. They gave me the balance in my life and I was allowed the freedom to explore the avenue I wanted to pursue, and it made me realise that if you give everything in the direction you want to go in, you can make it happen.

As I was growing up, I learned things off my older siblings. My brother, Caspar, who is four years older than me, was in the Bath Academy and I’d always be at his games. Watching him play was probably one of the biggest drivers for me as I wanted to be as good as him and I didn’t want to let him down when we were practising in the garden! I wanted to be playing with the big boys all the time and I wanted to be where he was at.

It was natural for me to look up to Caspar. We talk about everything; we’re best mates and we now call most days. He was in the Academy until he was 18 and there was a potential path for him to play professional rugby, but he has forged his own path, choosing to go down the graphic design route. His potential path in rugby inspired me to try and gain that same opportunity; it influenced my move to Beechen Cliff Sixth Form for their awesome rugby programme, where I gave it everything.

My parents and my siblings have helped give me the drive to be my own person, push as hard as I want to and not achieve my goals for anyone else.

From a rugby perspective, I have had some truly inspirational coaches such Mike Sprules (Dorchester RFC) and Ryan Davis (Beechen Cliff and Bath Rugby) that have helped me enjoy my rugby throughout the age groups by coaching an exciting brand of rugby which I am passionate about, which could improve my personal skills and game every day.

My why is probably a mixture of things as a result. Rugby is always something I’ve known and enjoyed. I love the city of Bath and I’ve always wanted to play for Bath, to represent the city and the Blue, Black and White.

With that, a huge goal of mine is to win the Premiership with Bath and become one of the best players in the Premiership. It will be a long old journey but I’m lucky to have a good support network around me to be able to express myself, follow that path and give everything to it.

BATH RUGBY V LEINSTER

With a low fog causing visual and temperature issues in La Rochelle, along with a cancelled flight, the team were very happy to return to the clear, warm Bath temperatures of five degrees on Sunday afternoon.

Three tries in five second-half minutes showcased the Blue, Black and Whites’ attacking ability. All three scores were a result of positive defensive moments - a Charlie Ewels charge down, a Will Spencer strip and Josh Bayliss maul steal.

Johannes Jonker and Joe Simpson benefitted from the first two moments for their first Bath Rugby tries while there were also key contributions from Will Butt, Jacques du Toit and Will Muir.

All five of those names are relatively early into their time at the Rec but this weekend is set to be an exciting milestone for a long-standing member of the squad. If selected, Jonathan Joseph will make it 150 appearances for Bath since joining from London Irish in his early 20s.

Recently called up England trio Charlie Ewels, Will Stuart and Academy fly-half Orlando Bailey could all be involved as well as Bayliss and Cameron Redpath who have been selected by Scotland. The latter made his long-awaited return from injury last weekend.

Full preview

ONE TO WATCH: JOSH VAN DER FLIER

Josh van der Flier was in fine form last weekend, scoring two tries in Leinster’s win over Montpellier.

From 10 carries, he made 86 metres and beat eight defenders. The Ireland back rower was key in defence too, making 15 successful tackles.

The 28-year-old has 35 caps for his country since debuting in 2016. He is beginning to add flair to his game and potency as a ball carrier whilst also proving a hard working grafter.

SCREEN TIME W/ GABRIEL HAMER-WEBB, TOM DE GLANVILLE & CAMERON REDPATH

U18S MAKE IT TWO WINS IN A ROW

Bath Rugby Under-18s earned a second win in a row as they defeated a decent London Irish Under-18s side 19-14 at Chippenham RFC.

In a competitive first half, Arthur Green and Sam Harris crossed for the junior Blue, Black and Whites who went into half-time two points adrift following a strong Exiles comeback.

But a positive defensive display in the second period allowed Bath to clinch victory with George Timmins grabbing the all-important try.

Bath began a frosty contest with impressive phase play and their attacking intent forced Irish to concede an offside penalty which was duly nudged to the corner. From there, the forwards took control and a powerful maul led to replacement Number 8 Green dotting down on his return from injury.

A similar tactic almost resulted in further joy for the hosts but London Irish were wise to the power game, thwarting a fast-moving trundle towards success. However, Bath were aware of the stoppage and moved quickly to the short side – the backs linking up nicely with Harris proving the beneficiary.

At 12-0, Irish came back into the game with a line-out error leading to a turnover which resulted in outside centre Alex Enright scoring, and they completed their comeback to take the lead – fly-half Rory Taylor claiming the finish.

Just before the interval, the visitors had a promising opportunity to extend their advantage. Putting a lot of pressure close to the Bath line, Nathan Catt and Louis Messer’s team held firm with fantastic defence.

That is the way they defended for the remainder of the match too, following a half-time message to be physical in the opening stages of the second period.

Their strength in contact proved crucial as back row Timmins profited from another maul.

Towards the end, Irish held a lot of the ball in search of the score that would at least see them draw level. They moved the ball well to the fringes, but Bath’s resolute set-up kept them out to seal victory.

“It was really physical battle and the boys had to show high levels of resilience to come out on top,” Academy Manager Craig Lilley.

“The whole squad displayed quality throughout the match. Billy Sela was immense on the gainline with his carrying and defensive shots. George Timmins worked tirelessly and put in a huge effort for the team. It as also great to see Arthur Green come back from injury and play to a high level.

“Raff Weston deserves credit for managing the game well. His exit game was good throughout and it’s great to see it developing. Rory Crum came in late for Will Parry and as a 17-year-old against a team that like to push the ball wide, we were pleased with his defensive efforts to contain them.

“It’s much easier to analyse ourselves after a win and there are a number of facets we need to improve. However, I’m extremely proud of the boys for staying in the fight and coming out with the result. The win gives them massive momentum going into Harlequins.”

BATH RUGBY U18 SIDE V LONDON IRISH U18

15 James Redman (Beechen Cliff School | Walcot RFC), 14 Byron Lloyd-Gilmour (Marlborough College | Salisbury RFC), 13 Rory Crum (Beechen Cliff School | Bournemouth RFC), 12 Sam Harris (Millfield School | Hertford RFC), 11 Max Ashton (Beechen Cliff School | Chippenham RFC), 10 Raff Weston (Beechen Cliff School | Walcot RFC), 9 Ieuan Davies (Millfield School | Neath Athletic RFC); 1 Tom Hill (Wells Cathedral School | Wells RFC), 2 Max Pearce (Millfield School | Chippenham RFC), 3 Billy Sela (Beechen Cliff School | Royal Wootton Bassett RFC), 4 Eddie Erskine (Millfield School | Dorchester RFC), 5 Will Jeanes © (Beechen Cliff School | Taunton RFC), 6 Jack Haythornthwaite (Beechen Cliff School | Chew Valley RFC), 7 George Timmins (Millfield School | Market Harborough RFC), 8 Max Jenkins (Millfield School | Reeds Weybridge RFC)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Tommy McLean (Beechen Cliff School | Bath RFC), 17 Scott Kirk, 18 Ellis Baker (Millfield School | Arabian Knights RFC), 19 Abdul-Khalik Akenzua Al Kareen (Downside School | North Dorset RFC), 20 Arthur Green (Sherborne School | Frome RFC), 21 Sam Curwen (Millfield School), 22 Harry Carson (Millfield School), 23 Kamoto Kamanga-Dyrbak (Millfield School | KCB Kenya)

LOOK FOR THOSE WHO ARE HELPING

BRF Voice by CEO Lynne Fernquest

When I was younger and my world was rocked by awful events on the news, my mother would say to me – ‘Look for the helpers. You’ll always see people who are helping’.

Although my mum was quoting from a 1960s parenting book, it was a code she lived by and a phrase that has continued to comfort me during the many lows of the last two years.

My mother was the first to put her hand up to help everyone, from the school PTA to the chapel and was a helper in the many and varied clubs she joined.

I can still hear her saying ‘there will always be people running towards the problem. Concentrate on them, and if possible, be one of them.’

Firefighters, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and police officers have been joined by scientists, teachers, carers, charity workers and supermarket staff on the growing list of superheroes. I am so grateful for all of them, for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make for us. Add to that roll of honour the many thousands of incredible volunteers and fundraisers who have stepped up during the pandemic and I dare you not to feel proud.

Every one of these workers and volunteers has renewed my faith in humanity, especially since our world turned upside down.

Like every charity across the UK and across the world, Bath Rugby Foundation is blessed with volunteers who give their time freely to make our community stronger – and in our case help provide a safe space and opportunities for the growing numbers of children and young people who are struggling to find their way in life.

In the UK alone it’s estimated volunteers add £70bn worth to our economy, and it is mind blowing to think volunteers do this day in and day out and with a smile on their faces for the thousands of causes they believe in.

Our volunteers are wonderful and tell us they get as much from their contribution as they give. They say benefits include a sense of belonging and being part of a community, lots of fun, learning new skills, meeting new people, and taking on new challenges. Some have even told us it has helped support their own mental health during uncertain times.

It’s that uncertainty that now surrounds us, and fear has found its way back into our lives. It’s difficult not to feel overwhelmed by the tidal wave of negativity that greets us every time we turn on the TV, however the positives are there if we look for them.

Incredible people are all around us and, although they don’t wear capes, they are the superheroes.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

AN EVENING WITH THE BATH LEGENDS

Join Bath Rugby Foundation for an evening with the Legends

Bath Rugby Foundation will take a trip down memory lane as they are joined by Bath Rugby legends at their annual fundraiser.

Gareth Chilcott, Nigel Redman and Lee Mears are set to make an appearance alongside Welsh favourites, Richard Webster and Rhys Priestland as well as some special guests popping up throughout the evening.

An Evening with The Bath Legends

Thursday 24 February | 18:30 onwards | Bath Forum

Book your tickets NOW!

"IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE SHOWING OUR SUPPORT."

A massive welcome to the Rec from Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club (BRSC) and after all the difficulties and heartaches of the past 12 months, it is brilliant to have the return of Heineken Champions Cup rugby back in Bath.

Our last home match in the Gallagher Premiership, against Worcester Warriors, was rather ‘nail biting’ at times but in the end, it saw a welcome return to winning ways for the Blue, Black & White and we all rightly celebrated the victory. But more importantly, it provided a great boost of confidence and helped overcome the phycological barrier for our ‘boys’. Congratulations to all at Bath Rugby for the 'W'.

Turning our attention to European games, we saw a spirited second half performance last weekend yielding three good tries. Today we are delighted to welcome Leinster Rugby and the Official Leinster Supporters’ Club (OLSC) to The Rec. for what I’m certain will be a competitive and hard-fought contest. We were rather ‘shown the way’ at the Aviva Stadium back on 11th December 2021, but that was last year, before our confidence boosting win and prior to establishing our 100% home record in 2022.

It is now so important to continue showing our support to the B, B & W and especially to the younger members of our squad who we have seen grow in stature over the first half of the season, contributing some tremendous performances and spectacular tries that have delighted us all.

Your BRSC Committee continues to work hard, behind the scenes, and we are excited to confirm the arrangements which have been put in place with Centurion Tours Limited (CTL) for the provision of supporters’ coaches to selected Bath Rugby away games, which is in response to a number of requests from supporters.

The first away coach trip will be the Saracens match on Saturday 5th February followed by the Wasps game the following Saturday 12th February. For full details and to be able to book your seat(s) on-line please visit the BRSC website, ‘allez-bath.co.uk’ or the Bath Rugby website. BRSC Members, Bath Rugby Season Ticket Holders and Club Members will benefit from preferential coach ticket prices – another great reason to become a Member of Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club with annual subscriptions from only £10.

Did you know that Centurion Tours Ltd. also provides coach travel to Bath Rugby home fixtures? Again, visit the BRSC or Bath Rugby websites for full details.

2022 sees the 25th Anniversary of BRSC. Obviously, with the current Covid-19 situation and respecting the health of our fellow supporters, our celebrations so far, have unfortunately had to be somewhat restricted. However, the BRSC Committee is presently in the planning stages of reinstating and combining the 25thAnniversary celebration Dinner with our traditional Annual Players Awards Supper, which we are intending to hold in August 2022.

BRSC also has representation in the Stadium. At each home match you can visit us at our Gazebo which is located behind and opposite the ‘Big Screen’, just along from the First Aid Centre towards the William Street entrance. You will always be assured of a warm welcome, so come along and see us for a chat and at the same time you can also purchase your BRSC Membership. We are there from ‘Gates Open’ until 30 minutes before kick-off.