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BATH RUGBY v LONDON IRISH

By Bath Rugby

February 17^th, 2023

A WELCOME FROM TARQUIN MCDONALD

Welcome to The Rec for the first time in 2023.

It feels like a long time since the rain-soaked New Year’s Eve match against Newcastle Falcons, so it’s great to be back at home in front of another full house.

I know you will be passionate and vocal as ever cheering on the team against London Irish with everything to play for in a congested league where a couple of good results would see us quickly climb up the standings.

A new year presents new opportunities and a chance to look forward, not only on the field but off it too.

Last week we were delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Varney who joins as Non-Executive Chairman following his 23-year tenure as Chief Executive of global attractions operator Merlin Entertainments, during which time he built Merlin into a global brand.

Nick brings outstanding leadership and business experience to Bath Rugby. I look forward to working closely with him on the significant opportunities ahead of us, not least the transformation of our stadium facilities on the riverside here in the heart of Bath.

As you know, in October 2022 the Supreme Court determined that the 1922 covenants were not a barrier to redeveloping The Rec, paving the way for the club to bring forward proposals for redevelopment.

We are working on comprehensive proposals for the new stadium with a view to submitting a planning application later this year in the summer. We have begun re-engaging with stakeholders on the project, not least our supporters, and we will be communicating more with you on the project over the coming weeks and months.

The start of the Six Nations has brought some eye-catching moments and I am sure you were all as delighted as everyone at the club to see Ollie Lawrence excel in the centre for England with a Player-of-the-Match [TM1] performance against Italy.

Ollie has been a fantastic addition to our club since arriving in October and we are proud his efforts have been recognised by Steve Borthwick and his staff.

It was also exciting to see Finn Russell’s Player of the Match performance, lighting up the second half as he inspired Scotland to a famous victory against Wales. It is hugely exciting looking ahead to Finn joining the Blue, Black and White next season.

Whilst we continue to build on the field with our men’s side, our successful Women’s Sevens programme, led by Women and Girls Development Lead Maria Crowfoot, will return this summer. The talent discovered and developed by Maria and her team showcased the appetite for elite women’s rugby in our region.

We are investing in women’s and girls’ rugby participation across our region whilst also continuing to build a regional pathway - our Sevens programme being a key part of that pathway. Meanwhile we are in detailed discussions with the RFU and Premier 15s in terms of entry into the Premier 15s from 2024/25.

Finally, we were devastated to hear the recent news that Sue Rowell, wife of Jack, sadly passed away. Sue was charming, intelligent, warm and welcoming – this is a tragic loss. Our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy go out to Jack, family and friends.

Tarquin

A WELCOME FROM BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE, LYNNE FERNQUEST

On the face of it, everything looks rosy in Bath. The impressive Georgian architecture. The swanky cars and bars.

You’d label it one of the most affluent cities in the UK.

But this isn’t the real story. Or the real Bath.

Dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover that the gap between rich and poor has never been wider. This is a deeply divided community of have and have nots. Where inequalities of income, education and opportunity are profound and unjust.

Almost 10,000 young people in and around Bath are officially classed as vulnerable. These youngsters, mainly from disadvantaged families, or who have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities, feel marginalised and judged. Some are even labelled ‘hopeless’, ‘disruptive’ or ‘difficult’.

Every year since 2003, Bath Rugby Foundation, has supported between 3-4,000 youngsters to help break this cycle.

We use classroom learning, along with all kinds of sport and activities, to stimulate and build confidence. We mentor and nurture trust. We teach life skills to foster independence, sociability and to build positive relationships with adults.

Young people who once felt helpless get back their hope and aspirations. They are able to tear off the labels society has slapped on them and face the world with renewed selfworth and confidence.

There are other youth charities, but we’re the only one that’s deeply connected to a Premiership rugby team and its army of fiercely loyal fans.

What makes us special is our collective potential.

If Bath Rugby, Bath Rugby fans and Bath Rugby Foundation commit to breaking the cycle for every challenged young person in our community together, we could actually do it.

My plea to Bath Rugby supporters today, on Bath Rugby Foundation Day, is dig deep, and donate £10 a month so together we can change even more young lives.

DYSON V15 DETECT ABSOLUTE VACUUM

VISIT THATCHERS

WOMEN'S SEVENS TO RETURN THIS SUMMER

Bath Rugby is proud to confirm its Women’s Sevens team will return for another summer competing in top-flight Sevens tournaments.

The formation of the first ever elite Bath Rugby Women’s side in 2022 proved a significant milestone in the club’s history, continuing its commitment to growing the women and girls’ game across the region.

Led by Head Coach and Bath’s Women and Girls Development Lead, Maria Crowfoot, the Blue, Black and White competed at the 2022 Super Sevens Series, finishing fifth in their debut season.

They were supported by the Southern Academy of Sport who partnered as specialists in athlete performance and their mission is to help athletes of all levels fulfil their potential by optimising physical performance and rehabilitating injury.

The Chippenham-based company are on board for the 2023 campaign and will provide strength and conditioning, sports science, nutrition and mental fitness support to the squad throughout.

As well as featuring in the Super Seven Series again, Bath Rugby Women will take part in the EggChaser Sevens and Bournemouth Sevens’ Elite Cup. Participation in further tournaments is expected.

The club will also hire a Team Manager for the side who will work with Crowfoot and Southern Academy of Sport to deliver a high-quality programme across the tournament schedule.

Bath Rugby Women is seeking to identify and develop talented athletes in its region to join the squad and is encouraging players new and old to register their interest in team trials.

Successful applicants will be invited to trial on Saturday 4 March at Farleigh House.

register your interest to trial

DATE FOR THE FINAL DAY CONFIRMED

The date and kick-off time for Bath Rugby’s final Gallagher Premiership match against Saracens.

The Blue, Black and White will host the Londoners on Saturday 6 May with a kick-off of 16:00.

Tickets are priced from £25 for adults and £15 for juniors. Celebrate the final day of the regular 2023/24 season with us at The Rec!

VARNEY APPOINTED NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Bath Rugby is delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Varney as its new Non-Executive Chairman.

Varney is a long-standing supporter of the club and brings a wealth of business experience, having held the post of Chief Executive at global attractions operator Merlin Entertainments for 23 years, until his retirement at the end of 2022.

Of his appointment, Owner Bruce Craig said: “Nick has outstanding leadership and business experience having built Merlin into a global brand during his tenure. He will play an invaluable role in the future success of the club.”

READ THE FULL NEWS

THE RECCY: FOUNDATION DAY

We're returning to The Rec for a huge clash between Bath Rugby and London Irish, and to highlight the important work of Bath Rugby Foundation at Foundation Day in partnership with Dyson.

Join us as we return to the home of Bath Rugby for Round 17 of the Gallagher Premiership.

In what will be a special day for our charitable arm, Bath Rugby Foundation, we'll highlighting the great work the Foundation do in Bath and beyond for vulnerable and challenged young people.

What will you find when gates open for Foundation Day in partnership with Dyson? Take a look at our reccy!

FROM 13:00

Happy Hour 😃
Cheers for Charity 🍻 donate to Bath Rugby Foundation!
Live music from The Sundowns 🎤
Bath Rugby Foundation Raffle - with HUGE prizes 🎟
Pre-loved kit sale 👕
Half-time charity kicking challenge with some club legends 👟
Fan village kick-pass activation, hosted by Bath Rugby Foundation 🏉
Food and beverage 🌯
Bath Rugby Supporters' Club 🤝
Matchday ambassadors 💬
Bath Rugby shop 🧢
Get your tickets to England U20s! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

READ THE FULL RECCY

VISIT TRIBUTE

YOUR RED CAR

"IT'S GOING TO BE AN EXCITING TEAM TO WATCH" - RUSSELL

If you watched Round 2 of the Guinness Six Nations, you would have been wowed by the performances of two Bath Rugby-associated players.

Current Blue, Black and White centre Ollie Lawrence dazzled in the England midfield as they overcame Italy, earning rave reviews and Player of the Match.

Fans have seen the impact the 23-year-old has made in a Bath shirt and are just as excited for the prospect of him linking up with the majestic talents of Scotland star Finn Russell.

Arriving at The Rec in 2023/24, Bath supporters have been keeping a keen eye on the talismanic Scot and it is no wonder they are enthusiastic.

He was good in Round 1 in Scotland’s win over England with Sunday Times journalist Stephen Jones awarding him a 9/10 rating stating:

“If I were a follower of Bath, I would get my season ticket for next term confirmed this morning. He was superb.”

Could he back it up in Round 2 against Wales? Of course, he could; of course, he did.

Russell was majestic. He delivered three try assists – the first Scotland player to do so in a Six Nations match – which included cute kicks to the wing and a gorgeously outrageous flick pass out the backdoor.

It is a little bit of a catch 22 that the better Russell does for his country, the potentially later date it will be before he is seen in a Bath jersey. The fly-half will link up with Johann van Graan’s squad once his country’s journey in the 2023 Rugby World Cup is over.

Until then, Bath supporters can watch the countless amounts of Russell showreels with eager anticipation!

Tagged as a maverick, Russell has much more control to his game than he is perhaps given credit due to his skill to create something out of nothing.

A lovely passing range, an ability to exit well and fantastic awareness to put people in the right positions, he is certainly exciting to watch.

On joining the club, the current Racing 92 outside half told BT Sport: “I’m really happy to be going to Bath next year and I’m looking forward to it. Getting over to Bath will be a good change and it’s something we’re all looking forward to.

“I went over and spoke to Johann and had a really good chat with him. I think what he wants, is trying to create at the club and how he sees me fitting into that was really exciting for me and something I really wanted to be a part of.

“I asked him what my impact would be on the squad and how I would influence the attacking system and he said he plays to the strengths of his team. He has been really positive about how he is going to want us to play. You’ve got Cam, you’ve got Ollie Lawrence and some other exciting backs, and some good forwards who are coming in, and others who are already there. I’m hoping for a quick and expansive style next year!

“The backline is really exciting. Chatting to Johann about the boys they’ve managed to re-sign and the boys that they’ve brought in for next season means it’s going to be an exciting team to watch.”

We certainly hope so, Finn.

BACK TO A SUNNY REC

It has been an unusual mini break from Gallagher Premiership action for Bath Rugby with the last match against Sale Sharks coming three weeks ago.

It has provided a natural breather for the squad and coaches going into an important block of the season which will hopefully see the Blue, Black and White advance up the table following some positive on-field displays.

Head of Rugby Johann van Graan has outlined how the past few weeks have looked in the build-up to this weekend against London Irish.

“We had a week where players and staff got a week away from rugby which provided balance and was nice for everyone to spend some time with the family.

“We then came back and had a good week of training and now we’re looking forward to this next five-week block of games.”

Another strange circumstance means that it has taken six weeks into the New Year for Bath to play at The Rec in front of the home support!

“The last one was the rain against Newcastle!” van Graan recalled.

“The weather the past few weeks has been class so hopefully we’ll get good weather, good pitch conditions on Saturday and two teams that want to play.

“The fans at The Rec have supported us well every game this season and I believe we’ll be close to a sellout which is pretty normal for us at The Rec!

“Hopefully we as a group can perform to their and our expectations, we really want that 80-minute performance.”

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 27-24 LONDON IRISH

21 May 2022

Orlando Bailey's late kick secured Bath Rugby a memorable home win to celebrate the final game for some club legends. In a 27-24 win over London Irish, Max Clark, Taulupe Faletau and Semesa Rokoduguni all started their farewell match at the Rec with Tom Doughty and Bailey also coming in to start.

Mike Williams and Ben Spencer's converted tries cancelled out two scores from Irish's Ben Loader and Kyle Rowe.

Hooker Agustin Creevy scored either side of half-time to put the Exiles back in front but Will Muir's finish and Bailey's boot turned the match in Bath's favour.

Bath Rugby: 15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Clark, 11 Joe Cokanasiga, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Valeriy Morozov, 2 Tom Doughty, 3 Will Stuart,, 4 Mike Williams, 5 Charlie Ewels ©, 6 Miles Reid, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Beno Obano, 18 Ma’afu Fia, 19 Ewan Richards, 20 Jaco Coetzee, 21 Joe Simpson, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Will Muir

London Irish: 15 Tom Parton, 14 Kyle Rowe, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Benhard van Rensburg, 11 Ben Loader, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Nick Phipps (c); 1 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 2 Agustin Creevy, 3 Ollie Hoskins, 4 George Nott, 5 Adam Coleman, 6 Ben Donnell, 7 Tom Pearson, 8 Sean O’Brien

Replacements: 16 Matt Cornish, 17 Facundo Gigena, 18 Marcel van der Merwe, 19 Chunya Munga, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 22 Ben White, 23 Henry Arundell

VISIT RILEY ENGLAND

RILEY 30 SECOND CHALLENGE

John Stewart and Nahum Merigan took on the Riley 30 Second Challenge. Do you think you would pot more than them?

THE OPPOSITION

In recent years, London Irish have become a difficult team to track in regards to form. While they currently sit in seventh place in the Premiership table, they have shown glimpses of brilliance this season.

Their last Premiership game against former Champions Harlequins saw the Exiles storm to a six-try victory against their London rivals. Included in their thrilling derby day victory was a half-time hattrick from young wing, Michael Dykes.

Arguably their biggest win this season came in Round 13 against formerly unbeaten Saracens. Having won 12 out of 13 games so far this season, the Exiles are the only team to have a victory over the former European Champions, beating them 29-20 at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Despite some huge victories to their name, London Irish still sit at the lower half of the Premiership table. With five wins and eight losses, they are only three points off a play-off position.

ONE TO WATCH - BENHARD VAN RENSBURG

Having joined London Irish ahead of the 2021/22 season, Benhard van Rensburg has been a vital member of the Exiles squad for the last two seasons. He mad an immediate impact after joining last season, with his contributions leading to him coming second in the London Irish Supporters’ Player of the Season for the 2021/22 campaign.

This Premiership campaign, van Rensburg’s contributions have been as equally impactful, with the versatile back regularly topping the charts in individual statistics.

With three tries to his name across thirteen games, van Rensburg is third in minutes played in the Premiership this season, with only Olly Woodburn and fellow Exile Ollie Hassell-Collins with more game-time to their names.

In his 1029 minutes of Premiership Rugby, van Rensburg has made the most ball carries for Irish, with an impressive total of 116 across his 13 games. Having played most of his minutes at centre, he has also contributed the most try assists for London Irish, having successfully assisted four tries so far this season.

BATH RUGBY U18 CONTINUE WINNING RUN V GLOUCESTER

Bath Rugby Under-18s continued their unbeaten run with a fine 27-12 victory over West Country rivals Gloucester.

Hooker Max Dorrington scored a hat-trick while Henry Bartlett and George Timmins were also on the scoresheet in Bath’s fourth league win in a row.

Heading into the game following a friendly win over Northern Conference leaders Northampton Saints, Bath got off to an excellent start at Chippenham RFC.

In typical Blue, Black and White style, Dorrington threw in at the line-out and was marched over by his pack via a maul which was joined by a couple of backs too. A team effort.

Gloucester replied through Jack Cotgreave moments later, but it was Bath who ended the first half in strong fashion to take a healthy lead into the break.

In carbon copies of the opener, this time on the left flank, Dorrington went over twice in the space of 10 minutes from the back of the maul to add tries two and three to his collection.

Just after half-time Steff Gibson reduced the gap for Gloucester but it proved in vain as Bath secured a bonus point on 56 minutes and added a fifth try towards the end of the contest.

First, Billy Sela and Ieuan Davies combined nicely to set Bartlett on a sprint up the left and the wing’s excellent leg drive saw him score on the stretch.

Ending a very positive afternoon, Charlie Ward embarked on a rampaging carry and when he was tackled just before the line, he showed great awareness to offload off the deck for Timmins to go over.

LIP READING CHALLENGE: ENGLAND U20 V FRANCE U20

Our current England Under-20 internationals Sam Harris and Josh Dingley go head-to-head in a England v France themed lip-reading challenge. Give it a watch to find out who wins.....

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CHAMPIONS EDUCATION APP

Premiership Rugby is aiming to inspire the current generation of primary school pupils with the launch of its new Premiership Rugby Champions education app.

Available on iOS and Android, Premiership Rugby Champions provides primary school teachers with free resources tackling health, numeracy, and character, with digital literacy development the heart of the content. Developed by teachers for teachers, Premiership Rugby Champions provides interactive themed project-based lesson plans and materials for use in the classroom and outside.

Aims

Develop primary school children’s digital literacy skills
Use the inspiration and role models of Premiership Rugby clubs to connect pupils’ learning to the world around them
Improve educational outcomes for young children, increasing their digital know-how, self-esteem and raising their aspirations

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE

LOSE THE LABELS

We're using Foundation Day to launch our monthly giving campaign, Lose the Labels.

Labels stick. But only if you let them. We want to break the cycle for disadvantaged children and level the opportunities offered to children in our community.

For just £10 a month, we can change their future together.

BECOME A REGULAR SUPPORTER

WHAT IS BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION AND WHY IS FOUNDATION DAY IMPORTANT?

MEGA MATCHDAY RAFFLE

We've supersized our matchday raffle for Foundation Day and we would LOVE for you to get involved!

Prizes include

A SIGNED Bath Rugby 2022/23 jersey, donated by Bath Rugby
A round of golf for 4 at The Manor House Golf Club, donated by Stonewood
A £50 St Austell Brewery voucher, donated by St Austell Brewery
A signed West Ham football shirt, donated by Huboo Fulfilment
An 18 crate of Thatchers Gold, donated by Thatchers
A Thatchers cider farm tour for two, donated by Thatchers

To take part in this brilliant raffle, with prizes donated by Bath Rugby partners, find our helpful volunteers as they walk around the fan village. Tickets are £2 each or 3 for £5!

Or better yet - purchase yours online!

GET YOURS NOW

WILL MUIR BECOMES A FOUNDATION PARTICIPANT FOR THE DAY! WATCH HIM TAKE PART IN HI5! DANCE & FITNESS

MEET OUR MASCOTS!

To celebrate the thousands of children and young people the Foundation help each year, we've invited 12 of our brilliant participants to join the Bath Rugby team as they head out of the tunnel to the roar of The Rec.

Our 12 mascots are all inspiring individuals who have overcome diversity and exclusion. Through being part of our programmes, each individual continues to find themselves and they confidence grows day by day. Learn a little more about our mascots..

Maeve participated in Project Rugby, a project run by secondary schools by Bath Rugby Foundation in partnership with Premiership Rugby and Gallagher. Maeve has enrolled in the new formed girls' rugby section of Combe Down RFC, which has been supported by the Foundation via Project Rugby.

Ella takes pride in being part of the Bath Rugby Ladies Trojans Mixed Ability Rugby team. From attending training, Ella has developed both physically and socially. Ella can be very hard on herself but is determined to be the best she can be through continuing to learn new skills.

Jiuma took part in Project Rugby engagement sessions at his school, which he enjoyed so much he transitioned to Mixed Ability Rugby at Walcot Warriors.

Morgan has been with the Foundation since he was seven years old. Being part of the Foundation's programmes has opened doors for Morgan he was not aware of before. Through encouragement, success and friendship, Morgan has been able to not only build his confidence but be aware that he is doing so.

Jack joined Bath Rugby Foundation a year ago and had since taken part in Hi5! under-16s, a club for young people with additional learning needs. Whatever the weather, Jack has attended every session and loves being around his Foundation coaches.

Alice is a popular participant at the Foundation and is passionate about everything she does. Alice has loved the opportunities given to her through the Foundation and has made lots of strong friendships in which she continues to make memories.

Josh is part of many of the Foundation's programmes. After attending a Project Rugby session at school in 2019, Josh built up his confidence and as since become a part of Walcot Warriors along with many of the other mascots.

Jaxson became involved with the Foundation through a bespoke lifestyle project, Move With Bath, in partnership with Wiltshire Council. The project uses sport as a tool to engage and introduce key messages around health, nutrition and mindset.

Isabella participated in Bath Rugby Foundation's bespoke holiday activity food project 'Breakout' with focuses on support for young people during the schools holidays by providing a consistent and affordable provision for children who receive free school meals.

George recently joined Corsham Rugby Club after discovery rugby through the Foundation. His confidence has grown exponentially and with his new found self-esteem, George has delivered games and activities at his 'Engage' sessions with real passion and leadership.

Teegan has participated in Bath Rugby Foundation's bespoke secondary school project 'Tackle' which focuses on the Foundation's values of collaboration, trust, hope, belief and compassion.

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING DINNERS

In what is one of our biggest fundraising events of the year, we'd love for you to join us as we celebrate a year of Bath Rugby Foundation work and raise funds to continue to change young lives across Bath and beyond.

Happening on 27 & 28 April 2023, individual seats or the purchase of a full table are available now!

In what is always a fantastic event, you'll enjoy a three-course meal, an auction with huge prizes, live entertainment and more.

FLY TO FUNDRAISE - PORTUGAL 2023

We're flying to Portugal to fundraise, and want YOU to join us!

Mediterranean sun, a luxury apartment and an award-winning chef are just some of the components that will make up a superb weekend in the name of Bath Rugby Foundation.

Taking place from September 28th to October 2nd 2023, choose whichever type of holiday you like, from cycling, golf, hiking, water sports or to simply relax at the Boavista Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in the heart of the Algarve.

LEARN MORE

RUN BATH HALF FOR BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION!

If you're looking for something to work towards throughout 2023, or perhaps you want to break your own boundaries, then why not run Bath Half in the name of Bath Rugby Foundation? The funds raised will go towards helping children in our community and break the cycle of disadvantage experienced by those in poverty.

What you'll get:

Limited edition running vest
Training sessions
Massages to ease your training and on the day of the race
Secure bag storage
Food and drink
Ongoing support

BOOK YOUR PLACE

MIXED ABIILTY RUGBY CUP 2023

Mixed Ability Rugby is for anyone and everyone, no matter your rugby ability. Whether you want to meet new people, return to playing rugby, or simply have a bit of fun, mixed ability rugby is the answer.

This format of rugby takes the same format as any other rugby team, but in mixed ability rugby, there's no such things as not enough experience or not being good enough.

Taking place this April, registration is now open for team entries to our Mixed Ability Cup 2023!

🗓 Saturday 29th April 2023

📍 Walcot RFC, Bath, BA1 9BJ

🕚 11am - 5pm

LEARN MORE

WELCOME TO FOUNDATION DAY!

It feels like a long time since we were all gathered at the Rec, not helped by the postponement and relocation of the match against Toulon.

We received our first warning of the bad weather that went on to wash out the planned match against the legendary French side when we sat through a remarkably wet game against Newcastle Falcons on New Year’s Eve.

Those of us who normally enjoy our rugby without the encumbrance of a roof regretted our decision before the match had even begun; it was one of the wettest and wildest games I have sat through in many years.

A few weeks later, another spell of extreme rain meant parts of The Rec were under water. I was unable to attend the rearranged game at Kingsholm the next day, but the turnout from Bath fans who had travelled up the M5 was – inevitably – impressive.

Turning to BRSC matters; on February 22nd we are hosting an exciting evening in aid of Bath Rugby Foundation. David Trick, Jeremy Guscott, Simon Halliday, Nigel Redman and John Hall will be with us at the clubhouse at The Rec.

We have just passed the 25th anniversary of our European glory in 1997, so this event will be an opportunity to dwell on golden moments in Bath’s past. If any tickets are still available, you can grab them at allez-bath.co.uk.

We are also busy working to organise our always popular event ‘Ask the Ref’, an evening with refereeing veteran Tony Spreadbury. Since our last event with him, he has moved into the important role of Head of Match Officials at EPCR. It is always insightful and entertaining to listen to Spreaders – keep an eye out for emails and social media posts about booking a space.