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BATH RUGBY V LONDON IRISH

By Bath Rugby

May 20^th, 2022

SEVEN NEW FACES IN THE PLAYING SQUAD FOR 2022/23

Bath Rugby has confirmed seven new additions to the squad for the 2022/23 season.

England international Piers Francis will join the club from Northampton Saints while Dave Attwood will be returning to the Rec from Bristol Bears.

Chris Cloete, Louis Schreuder, Niall Annett, Matt Gallagher and Wesley White will also be joining the Blue, Black and White in the summer from Munster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons, Worcester Warriors and Jersey Reds respectively.

As well as seven new faces, the likes of Jonathan Joseph, Will Muir, Beno Obano, Orlando Bailey and Max Ojomoh have all committed their futures to Bath Rugby which makes next season an exciting prospect.

Every single player has commented on how amazing the fanbase has been throughout the campaign and they can't wait to have you back for the new campaign.

Learn more about our new players

NEW COACHING TRIO: JOHANN, JP & MAD DOG

As well as seven new additions to the playing squad, Bath Rugby will have three fresh faces in the Senior Squad coaching unit for the 2022/23 season.

Johann van Graan will become the Blue, Black and White’s new Head Coach this summer with JP Ferreira also joining from Munster as Defence Coach.

Former Bath wing and club legend Joe Maddock is set to return to the Rec as the club’s Attack Coach.

The trio, alongside Neal Hatley (2022/23 Forwards Coach) and Luke Charteris (Line-out Coach), will form an experienced coaching group who share our resolve to drive the club towards the top of the league.

Supporters will, of course, play their part as they always do and coaches, and players alike, can’t wait to have a packed out Rec throughout 2022/23.

HEAD COACH: JOHANN VAN GRAAN

Johann is a world-class coach who will hold full responsibility for Bath Rugby’s game, focused on delivering winning performances.

The 42-year-old has extensive coaching experience and has spent the past five season at Munster, during which he has led the United Rugby Championship side to two European Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals and Pro14 final.

Van Graan began his professional coaching at the Blue Bulls, and under Head Coach Heyneke Meyer, with focus on forwards and attack, he helped the South African franchise win three Super 14 titles.

He moved on to become the Springboks Forwards Coach, winning the bronze medal at the 2015 Rugby World Cup before becoming Munster Head Coach in 2017.

Throughout his career van Graan has developed a long line of players who have gone on to feature regularly on the international stage for both Ireland and South Africa.

DEFENCE COACH: JP FERRIERA

Someone who van Graan has a strong relationship with is JP Ferreira – Bath Rugby’s incoming Defence Coach.

The duo have been together for the past five seasons at Thomond Park and they ‘go way back’ – they even played together once which Ferreira was surprised to learn!

Previous to his time at Munster, Ferreira carried out analysis for Currie Cup First Division side The Falcons in 2005 and two years later when he retired from playing, he stepped into an analyst position with the Lions.

Overtime, his role developed a coaching angle and when Johan Ackermann took over as Head Coach in 2012, Ferreira was named the franchise’s Defence Coach and under his stewardship, they reached consecutive Super Rugby finals in 2016 and 2017. The Lions had the best defensive records in both seasons.

Similarly with Munster, Ferreira developed the Irish province into the best defensive side in the 2018/19 Pro14 and the European Champions Cup pool stage the same season.

ATTACK COACH: JOE MADDOCK

Joe Maddock doesn’t quite need the same introduction to Bath Rugby supporters!

The New Zealander returns to the club where he made 130 appearances on the wing between 2004 and 2010 – a place he describes as ‘special to me and my family’.

Since retiring from the game, Maddock has emerged as a talented and admired coach, learning his trade in the revered Canterbury/Crusaders environment and serving as Head Coach of the Canterbury team in the Mitre 10 domestic competition.

He moved on to coach Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan and this season, they ended their main league season as the in-form team, scoring 191 points in their final five fixtures to earn a place in the play-offs.

On his return to the Rec, Maddock commented:

“I love the club and I love the city. I’m looking forward to working with such a talented group of players and contributing to an exciting new era.”

MUIR WINS SUPPORTERS' AND PLAYERS' OF THE SEASON

Will Muir was voted Bath Rugby Supporters’ Player of the Season at the Bath Rugby Annual Awards.

The wing has been a standout performer ever since joining the Blue, Black and White from England Sevens, earning the Breakthrough Player of the Season award in his debut campaign.

A real fans’ favourite, the 26-year-old has scored some fantastic tries – one of which, against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate, won Try of the Season – and can create special moments with ball in hand.

His teammates recognised his effort for the side too, voting him as their Player of the Season.

Alongside ‘Horse’, there have been several homegrown players who have caught the eye, providing an insight into what next season and beyond could look like for Bath Rugby.

Academy duo Max Ojomoh and Ewan Richards have impressed hugely in their first full year of senior rugby. Ojomoh was awarded the Academy Player of the Season while Richards collected the Breakthrough Player award.

Elsewhere, longstanding wing Semesa Rokoduguni was crowned Best Back while Josh McNally earned the Best Forward accolade for a second consecutive season.

Full list of awards and videos of the winners!

PRTV LIVE TO SHOW BATH RUGBY V IRISH

Bath Rugby's final home match of the season against London Irish in the Gallagher Premiership is available to watch on PRTV Live!

If you don’t have a ticket for the match, you can watch the game via PRTV Live – Premiership Rugby’s new pilot service streaming directly to fans.

PRTV Live will show the Bath Rugby games that are not broadcast by BT Sport or ITV and started with the away win over Newcastle Falcons in February with Ruaridh McConnochie and Tom Ellis' dulcet tones providing expert analysis.

Josh McNally will be on co-commentary duty this weekend as the Blue, Black and White take on his former side. Fans can purchase via the Premiership Rugby website NOW and the match is now available to watch via desktop.

A match pass will cost £4.99, and a full round pass will cost £6.99.

WATCH US ON PRTV

VISIT YOUR RED CAR

“WE WILL GIVE EVERYTHING WE’VE GOT AND I BELIEVE THE TIDE IS GOING TO TURN”

Will Muir was extremely humbled to be recognised as the Bath Rugby Supporters’ Player of the Season in his first full campaign at the club.

Despite the club’s results, the 26-year-old has been a standout performer in Blue, Black and White and has provided some excellent individual moments including Try of the Season away to Bristol Bears.

The list of accolades, which also includes Players’ Player of the Season and potentially Top Try Scorer for the second term running, are a result of Muir’s hard work and dedication to establish himself in the XVs game following the switch from Sevens.

The wing is hugely appreciative of all the support he has been given since his debut against Harlequins in February 2021.

“I’m really grateful to everyone who voted for me and for all the support I’ve received,” he said.

“The supporters have been great with me, and it felt amazing to be recognised by them. We had just come off the back of one of the darkest moments in my career against Gloucester and it was nice to take a step back from that and appreciate that people do appreciate the hard work you are putting in.

“A lot of people say they don’t read the social media stuff, but I often find myself on there and there is a lot of positive stuff you can take from there.

"I always see loads of Horse emojis on social media and it makes me smile!

“It really does feel like the city is behind you and want what’s best for the club.”

Congratulatory messages from supporters have continued with people offering Muir their well wishes in person at the recent Walcot Warriors dinner and in the city.

It has been an extremely tough season for the Bath faithful who have continued to turn out in their numbers, something that Muir feels is incredible.

“Their support boosts you when times are tough,” he said.

“When I was with England Sevens, I never played in front of a home crowd. I didn’t play in the London Sevens so every tournament I played in was always abroad where there were a mass of Fiji or New Zealand supporters with a spattering of England fans.

“The Rec is full every week and they make a big difference. They spur you on and it makes this season surprising. The disappointment is we haven’t given a good account of ourselves despite people flooding to the Rec with their flags, face paint and merchandise.

“They show that belief every week and it’s eye-opening how much they want us club to have success. It's a big reason why I signed my new contract. I’ve never known a city that is so rugby orientated.”

Support for Muir extends further afield, nearly 300 miles north of Bath in fact.

The Northerner experienced a game like no other at Newcastle Falcons in February with over 200 of his friends from Guisborough RUFC turning up at Kingston Park to spur the team on to a bonus-point victory.

“That was pretty crazy,” Muir recalled

“There were so many familiar faces in the crowd and the noise they made meant it felt like a home match!

“There were people who I have played with at Guisborough through the years, really good friends and hearing them spur us on was great. I know a lot of the lads said they have never seen support like that on an away trip. They said they’re going to do it every year!”

No doubt they will make a trip south to the Rec soon too to join the masses in Blue, Black and White who Muir wants to reassure the future will be brighter.

“We are honestly working hard and doing everything we can. There’s obviously going to a shift in the coaching setup and there are new players coming in so we’re all very optimistic about getting a good pre-season under our belts and hitting the ground running.

“We will give everything we’ve got and I believe the tide is going to turn.”

ROAD TO 2023/24: WOMEN AND GIRLS

In May this year, Bath Rugby unveiled the club’s commitment to the growth and sustainability of 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

BATH RUGBY WOMEN'S SEVENS REACH PLATE FINAL

Bath Rugby Women’s Sevens took part in their first ever tournament on the weekend and delivered a promising set of results.

As the first Women’s team to be formed at Bath Rugby, the Newbury Sevens tournament saw the squad meet some strong and well-established teams in Pool A, including Army Reds, Lionesses and Samurai RFC.

Bath took on a tough side in Army Reds in the opening round and took a lead into half-time with two tries from captain Thea Thompson. In the second half, they faced a re-energised Army outfit who quickly got a foothold in the game to secure a 31-12 win.

Up next for Bath were the Lionesses, where the team fought to victory and saw them secure their first win of the tournament scoring 17 points to the Lionesses’ 12. Welsh speedster Bethan Wakefield scored two tries with Megan Barwick adding a third.

In Round Three, the Blue, Black and White came up against a tough Samurai RFC side who showed their experience in the Sevens game. Wakefield was able to make a break to score her third try of the day but it proved a consolation in a 42-7 loss.

Bath were awarded a 21-0 walkover with an opponent failing to show and combined with their win over the Lionnesses, it advanced them into the Plate semi-finals against the Wooden Spoon Marauders. Maria Crowfoot’s side produced a spirited, five-star display with Barwick, Wakefield, Robyn Price and Thompson all crossing the whiteash in a well-deserved 31-15 victory.

Progressing to the final, Bath went head-to-head against a dominant and solid Savvy Panthers.. Despite the girls’ best efforts, the Panthers were too tough to breakdown and saw the final go the opposition’s way ending in 24-5.

For a team who were grouped together a month ago, Bath showed pride, passion and a lot of cohesion throughout the whole tournament. Women and Girls Rugby Development Lead, Crowfoot, was proud of their proud of their performance.

“Hopefully what comes through in our performance is a team that really enjoys their rugby,” she said.

“We’ve scored some really good tries and that’s what we want. We want every game to be as enjoyable as possible.

“When you think this team has been selected off the back of one, maybe two trials and only had a short period of training time, they’ve really gelled and stuck together.

“History has been made. To reach a Plate final is a great effort from a team who has only played together a handful of times. All of this will help us progress as we head to the South Island Sevens this weekend.

“This is just the start for this Bath Rugby team – watch this space!”

BATH RUGBY 26-13 LONDON IRISH

Bath Rugby produced a measured performance to advance to the Challenge Cup semi-finals with a 26-13 victory over London Irish.

The Exiles crashed into an early lead through Agustin Creevy, but it took just two minutes for the hosts to level through Josh McNally who scored off the back of a well-executed maul.

Man of the match Mercer later kick-started a fantastic team try as he picked superbly from the base of a scrum and carried 30 metres before offloading out the backdoor to Taulupe Faletau.

The Wales Number 8 then produced a majestic piece of skill on the run, chipping over the top of the Irish defence. Joe Cokanasiga slid in to regain possession before sending the ball wide to allow prop Will Stuart to muscle over for his first.

Not content with one try to his name, Stuart barrelled over the line once again just eight minutes later to score his second of the game, after an offloading showcase from Beno Obano and Cokanasiga took Bath into striking range of the Irish try line.

Bath then had to wait until the 67th minute for Zach Mercer seal the result after he extended the home sides lead with Bath’s fourth of the night. With a 26-13 win over Irish, Bath progressed into to the last four of the Challenge Cup.

BATH RUGBY V LONDON IRISH

Bath Rugby return to the Rec after two weeks without a fixture for the final home game of the season against London Irish.

The fixture represents one last opportunity for the players and staff to thank the Bath faithful who have stuck by the team throughout what has been a disappointing campaign.

Head Coach Neal Hatley’s message to fans is one of thanks.

“We appreciate all the support you give us. At home we get full stadiums and you’re still coming out to support the players and supporting the team. We couldn’t be more grateful for your support. Thank you.”

Saturday will also be a final goodbye for several long-standing Bath players. Taulupe Faletau, Max Clark, Semesa Rokoduguni and Anthony Watson have all spent a significant period of time at the Rec with Watson giving praise to the fans for their unwavering support.

“The fans have been amazing since minute one. Seeing how you support the lads throughout the highs and lows is inspiring.”

FULL PREVIEW

HEAD TO HEAD

Bath Rugby has an impressive home record against London Irish, having won their last eight meetings at the Rec against the Exiles.

The Blue, Black and White’s last home fixture against Irish was a hard-fought victory in the 2021 Challenge Cup quarter-final, which saw England international Will Stuart score a brace of tries to help Bath win the game 26-13.

The Bath pack in particular appear to enjoy scoring tries against Irish at home with seven of the last nine tries coming from Bath forwards. Alongside Stuart, Tom Dunn is the other pack-member to have scored a brace across the last three fixtures at home, with Josh McNally also contributing.

ONE TO WATCH: HENRY ARUNDELL

Perhaps not the first name you think of when combing through the London Irish squad, Henry Arundell’s recent performances are certainly beginning to push the young fullbacks name into the spotlight.

Arundell has been a member of the London Irish Academy since he was 14-years-old and has featured in several England U20 fixtures, including a 41-24 win over Scotland this year.

In his recent player-of-the-match appearance against Wasps, Arundell came off the bench in the 60th minute to help pull London Irish out of a 39-14 deficit, taking his team to a 42-point draw.

In his 20-minute appearance, Arundell beat four defenders and scored a solo try that was nominated for the Gallagher Premiership Round 24 Try of the week.

His recent performances have also earned the Exiles full-back recognition from the Rugby Players Association as he was nominated for the RPA’s 15 Under 23 MVP of the Month (April), ultimately losing out on the award to Bath Rugby’s Orlando Bailey.

With nine tries in 16 games, Arundell is a player who can turn the momentum in his teams favour at any moment of a game.

A DAY IN THE LIFE: BATH RUGBY RESIDENTIAL CAMPS

“A JOB WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING TOGETHER."

BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION WELCOMES TEAMS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO THEIR MIXED-ABILITY CUP 2022 TOURNAMENT

On Saturday 30 April, 16 teams from across the UK gathered at Walcot RFC to compete in this year’s highly anticipated Bath Rugby Foundation (BRF) Mixed-ability Cup 2022 tournament.

It was a day to celebrate the many success stories of the season coming from every team that participated. For BRF, we’re proud that several of our Walcot Warriors and Bath Ladies Trojans, who were present at our launch training session in 2017, played in this year’s Mixed-ability Cup tournament.

It's exciting for us to think that the first session we ran in 2017 had around 15 players present. Fast forward to Saturday and we welcomed over 250 players to the tournament - maths doesn’t need to be your strong point to see the incredible increase in participation here!

Excitingly, this year’s team sign-ups were double those of last year. This meant we were able to run two tournaments alongside each other (touch and contact) offering opportunities to those who are very new to the game, as well as those looking for something a little bit more competitive within the tournament.

The spirit of rugby was truly alive throughout the entire day. The place was abuzz with players, coaches, supporters and spectators all enjoying a great day of rugby. It was great to see families making the most of the fun zone in between matches with players taking the opportunity to refuel in the supporters’ tent and Walcot RFC clubhouse.

An unstoppable and vitally important community is building within Bath Rugby Foundation and the mixed-ability clubs we support – Melksham Stags, Walcot Warriors, Bath Ladies Trojans, and Yeovil Mixed-ability. We’ve also met with wider community clubs multiple times throughout the season, including Worcester, Longlevens, Dragons, Berkshire, and Wasps Community Team.

A special thank you to Worcester, Berkshire and Wasps for welcoming us to their festivals earlier in the season. Our teams made some very special memories and we were delighted to be able to return the favour.

Another big thank you goes to all the volunteers and staff who made the day such a great success, with more than £1,500 raised through kit, catering, programmes and raffle ticket sales. This money will be reinvested back into our mixed-ability teams for the coming season.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to all who took part in the tournament. For many it was their first time to step up and participate which took great courage - this bravery didn’t go unnoticed by our coaches. We’re extremely proud of everyone who stepped on the pitch and are pleased that they could all walk away with a medal and goodie bag, kindly provided by Irwin Mitchell.

A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MIXED-ABILITY CUP 2022 WINNERS

Mixed-ability Cup 2022 Contact Champions - Walcot Warriors

Mixed-ability Cup 2022 Touch Champions - Yeovil Mixed Ability

Bowl Champions - Worcester RFC

Contact Player of the Tournament - Jonny Flower (Melksham Stags)

Touch Player of the Tournament - Rhodri (Dragons Allstars)

Thank you to…

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP RUGBY

BATH RUGBY

WALCOT RUGBY CLUB

IRWIN MITCHELL

JOLLY JUMPERS

BRISTOL FUN FOR HIRE

ROAR SOUNDS

PAUL GILLIS PHOTOGRAPHY

SOMERSET REFEREES SOCIETY

MILSTED LANGDON

EVO CLOTHING

MARSHFIELD FARM ICE CREAM

If you would like to be part of the Bath Rugby Foundation Mixed-ability Cup 2023 tournament, or are interested in setting up your own mixed-ability team within your grassroots rugby club located in the Bath/Wiltshire/Somerset area, please get in touch with us – lauren.butcher@bathrugbyfoundation.com.

PRESIDENT'S LOUNGE: FRANCOIS LOUW

This week's President's Lounge sees John Hall catch up with Bath Rugby legend, and stand-in President for our match against Irish, Francois Louw.

A WARM WELCOME FROM BRSC FOR THE FINAL HOME MATCH OF THE SEASON

A warm welcome to all for the final Bath Rugby home game of this rather torrid season and in the words of Tony Blair and the 1997 election 'Things can only get better'. On the pitch that year Bath Rugby was having a 'poor' season! Scoring an average of 51 points each home game and 25 points each away game, they finished the 1996/97 league as runners-up to Wasps. The team was studded with internationals, including a Mr P de Glanville and a Mr S Ojomoh.

1997 will also be remembered for the formation of BATH RUGBY SUPPORTERS’ CLUB (BRSC). Our dedicated members have kept us going, through thick and thin, for 25 years. Many teams and players have come and gone over those years and we, as supporters, appreciate and thank them for the moments of joy, entertainment and even despair they brought into our lives. One constant, however, remains at the heart of this city, Bath Rugby Club, our club, the only club that matters. BRSC is the official and independent supporters’ club for Bath Rugby, its past, present and future.

Originally, BRSC was formed to bridge the divide between the amateur and professional era. Bath Football Club, as it was originally known, was a members “owned” amateur club, run by volunteers. It was that spirit which led to the formation of the supporters’ club and today we exist to provide activities and services for the benefit of those who support Bath Rugby. BRSC enjoys a close working relationship with the club which fully supports our efforts to foster supporter-club relations.

The 1996/97 season was the first year of professional rugby; it was also the last of 10 years sponsorship of English rugby’s top division by Courage. In those 10 years Bath Rugby finished league champions six times. Sadly since then the trophy cabinet has mostly remained locked at the end of the season.

It was inevitable that following the season we have just experienced, several changes would need to be implemented and the appointment of Ed Griffiths as Chairman is by far the biggest change the club has undertaken in several years. We welcome all the new faces for the 2022/23 season, in their attempt to solve the Premiership’s biggest conundrum!

One aspect of the club that has constantly been at its best is the Bath Rugby supporter attendance. Over the years, Bath Rugby has consistently filled. The Rec. to 96%-98% capacity, demonstrating remarkable loyalty from the fans, especially in these lean times. More good news is that it looks as if the long battle to redevelop The Rec. is coming to an end, with what appears to be the last legal hurdle cleared. Our academy is producing the next generation of home-grown rugby talent, many of whom have embarked on an injury induced accelerated start to their careers and shown what a talented young group of players they are.

Are the omens now in our favour? Is the phoenix about to rise from the ashes? Let’s remember the 1997 mantra 'Things can only get better' – which was, of course, a song by D:Ream. Oh, the irony!