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BATH RUGBY V NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

By Bath Rugby

June 11^th, 2021

COACH'S CORNER: STUART HOOPER

Dear supporter,

We are delighted to welcome you back to the Rec - it’s been a long time coming!

Your support has been incredible over the past 15 months. We’ve heard you shouting from your sofas, read all of your inspirational messages, and appreciated each one of your well wishes when passing in the city.

You have been with us every step of the way, through the highs and lows of the season. For that, on behalf of the players, coaches, and staff, I share our genuine and heartfelt gratitude.

I know that we will all feel emotional hearing you for the first time again, and Saturday's match against Northampton Saints is an opportunity to end the campaign positively with a home victory and qualification to compete in the top flight of European rugby next season.

The match is also a chance to say goodbye and celebrate the Bath Rugby careers of several players and staff members. These remarkable individuals have given their all to the Blue, Black, and White. We are incredibly thankful to them and wish them all the best in their next chapters.

Thank you once again for your support; we cannot wait to see you at the Rec on Saturday.

Hoops

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN: CHARLIE EWELS

Hi all,

After what feels like two seasons merged into one, the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign is upon us.

Playing matches without supporters present is something the group never want to experience again, and we will never take for granted your presence at the Rec on a matchday.

There is no denying you have been missed. When times have been tough, we’ve not had that 16th voice to lean on and we’ve not had you to celebrate the good moments with us either. That’s been tough on everyone and we can only imagine what it has been like for you supporting us from home.

We are so grateful and delighted to welcome back a small proportion of you to the Rec for the final game. It really has been too long.

Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support into the club, watched our games weekly from home and been kind enough to stop us in the street to say hello. We hear and appreciate all of you.

We cannot wait for the Rec to be bouncing on Saturday and we are relishing the prospect of more of you supporting us in person next season.

Enjoy the game,

Charlie

VIEW DYSON V15 HERE

ROSS BATTY RETIRES FROM PROFESSIONAL RUGBY

Ross Batty has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The hooker has had a 16-year career in the game with over a decade spent at Bath Rugby - a place he now calls home.

A new chapter awaits for the 34-year-old but he takes a great amount of memories with him.

Watch what he made of his Bath experience and what the future holds.

WATCH NOW

THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS IN BLUE, BLACK AND WHITE

As well as Ross Batty, a further seven players - and Attack and Backs Coach Girvan Dempsey - will bid farewell to Bath Rugby this summer.

Everyone at the club would like to wish those departing all the best for the future!

JAMIE BHATTI

Bhatti joined Bath Rugby in December 2020 as injury cover and earned his first Premiership start against Harlequins at the end of May. His performances and improvement in Blue, Black and White have earned him opportunities at international level with Scotland.

WILL CHUDLEY

Chudley is set for a new challenge at Worcester Warriors after surpassing 50 Bath Rugby caps this season. The experienced scrum-half has enjoyed a fantastic three years at the Rec, aiding the development of the young nines at the club. He admits his memories at Bath will last a lifetime.

CHRISTIAN JUDGE

Judge has made just under 50 appearances for Bath since joining the club and, like Chudley, will join Worcester Warriors. A much-loved member of the squad, the prop has been a great influence on the field with an unbelievable knowledge of the scrum, and also off it too.

ZACH MERCER

Mercer's final Bath outing will be his 100th for the club, thus proving his immense contribution during his time in Somerset. He departs for Montpellier having developed from a teenager into a highly-talented Number 8 with England international caps to his name.

WATCH FULL VIDEO

RHYS PRIESTLAND

Another who has grown into such an influential role at Bath, Priestland leaves for Cardiff after six years at the Rec. The fly-half has enjoyed a fruitful period of his career, going on to earn the Premiership record for most consecutive successful kicks at goal. He has been fully invested in developing the club's young players.

WATCH FULL VIDEO

ELLIOTT STOOKE

Stooke has made many lifelong friends during his five seasons at the Rec and insists the move is 'one of the hardest decisions I've had to make'. He departs for Wasps after making over 125 appearances in Blue, Black and White, proving a prominent character on and off the field.

WATCH FULL VIDEO

HENRY THOMAS

Thomas made his childhood dream come true by representing Bath Rugby. He leaves for pastures new after seven memorable seasons and his commitment to the club, and his teammates, over a prolonged period has seen him surpass 100 Bath appearances.

WATCH FULL VIDEO

GIRVAN DEMPSEY

Dempsey has been a big part of the club both on and off the field playing an integral role in developing young players on the cusp of the international game since his arrival in 2018. Among some of his success stories in the south west, the former 82-capped Irish international is credited with the successful transitions of both Ruaridh McConnochie and Will Muir from Sevens to XVs.

TIGHTHEAD PAIR JOIN BATH RUGBY

Bath Rugby is delighted to announce the double front-row signing of Johannes Jonker and D’Arcy Rae.

Both tighthead props will join ahead of the 2021/22 campaign. Jonker switches to the Rec from Ealing Trailfinders while Rae arrives from Glasgow Warriors.

Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said: “D'Arcy and Johannes showed the right attributes on and off the field to add to our group of tightheads at the club.

"They are both very driven to improve personally and to add to our game here at Bath. I am excited to see them develop in this environment and I look forward to welcoming them both to the club in time for pre-season.”

South Africa-born Jonker began his career with the Border Bulldogs, featuring in the Currie Cup before he was recruited by the Lions.

Aside from spending a short portion of the 2017/18 season at Montpellier, making nine appearances, the 26-year-old spent five years with the Johannesburg-based Super Rugby franchise, running out over 50 times for them in all competitions.

The South African brings the devastating combination of high tempo play, destructive ball carrying, and a solid ability to anchor the scrum to the west country. Together with D'Arcy (Rae) and Will (Stuart), he provides further international-level options at tighthead for Bath Rugby.

Jonker joined Ealing Trailfinders at the beginning of 2021 ahead of agreeing terms with Bath.

North of the border, Rae has also amassed a great amount of experience in his eight years as a professional.

A seasoned scrummager and dominant defender, Rae is renowned for his physicality in the set-piece and his exceptional ability to clear out at the ruck.

Spending spells on loan at Treviso and London Scottish, the prop has featured 85 times for Glasgow Warriors and earned his international debut for Scotland in the 2019 Guinness Six Nations.

Rae’s knowledge of the game extends to coaching, with the 26-year-old gaining experience as a non-playing member in Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend’s first squad in 2017.

DUNN WINS VODAFONE GAIN LINE AWARD AT THE PICKSTAR RPA AWARDS 2021

Bath Rugby hooker Tom Dunn has won the Vodafone Gain Line Award at the Pickstar RPA Awards 2021 for his off-field endeavours.

The award recognises players embracing their off-field development and those who go above and beyond in their attempts to prepare for life after rugby.

Homegrown Academy graduate Dunn has spent the past few years exploring his options and has gained qualifications in coaching and personal training as well as partaking in work experience in recruitment and IT.

More recently, the 28-year-old has taken an interest in butchery and has dreams to set up butchers in Bath, something that would have come true but for Covid-19.

A passionate man on the field, Dunn has found his calling off it and feels looking to life beyond rugby will aid that step into retirement when the time arrives.

Everyone at the club would like to wish Tom many congratulations on his award.

FULL STORY

BATH RUGBY UNSEEN: WATCH NOW

VIEW THATCHERS CLOUDY LEMON

THE BLOSSOMING FRIENDSHIP OF BATH RUGBY'S FLY-HALVES

Orlando Bailey and Rhys Priestland are very much at different stages in their careers, but they have developed a refreshing relationship.

They first met when Bailey was in his early teens with Priestland highlighting his skillset from the off before coaching the young fly-half at Beechen Cliff.

Priestland departs Bath Rugby this summer for Cardiff but has helped develop Bailey's game immensely over the past few years with the 19-year-old experiencing senior rugby at Premiership and European level this season

The duo chat about working with each other and their growing friendship.

Bath Rugby ended Northampton's unbeaten start to the 2019/20 campaign, despite going down to 14 men.

Rory Hutchinson charged down Rhys Priestland's kick to score early and James Grayson's penalty put Saints 8-0 up after as many minutes.

Bath fought back through Will Chudley's try and a Priestland penalty put them ahead at the break.

Aled Brew saw red before Charlie Ewels and Zach Mercer crossed either side of Tom Wood's finish.

BATH RUGBY V NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

The fans will finally be back at the Rec for what is the final game of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership campaign for Bath Rugby.

It has been a long time coming and the faithful Blue, Black and White supporters have been thoroughly missed by everyone connected with the club.

“We’ve had to wait, everyone else had their fans back two weeks ago!” captain Charlie Ewels quipped.

“It’s going to be really special to have our fans back. I’ve listened to comments from players from other teams around having their fans back and ‘you don’t realise what you had until it’s gone’. Those are the emotions I’ve been feeling and can’t wait to have them back.

“I’m sure 2,500-3,000 people will make enough noise for 14,000 at the Rec!”

READ PREVIEW IN FULL

SEASON SO FAR

While Northampton Saints' chances of making the Top 4 ended with back-to-back defeats against Gloucester and Newcastle Falcons in May, but their last two results would suggest they are not willing to end the 2020/21 campaign without a fight.

Chris Boyd's side were impressive as they beat Wasps in an entertaining encounter at Franklin's Gardens and ran champions Exeter Chiefs close in Round 21 - losing by three points as the Devon side all-but secured a home semi-final.

They led 18-0 at half-time in the latter despite going down to 14 men after 14 minutes but their numerical disadvantage proved costly in the end.

British & Irish Lion Dan Biggar collected 11 points in the match taking his tally to 69 for the season in seven games he has featured in with only James Grayson the only Saint with more points (74).

Ollie Sleighthome is Northampton's top try scorer with seven Premiership tries to his name.

Saints' discipline has been the best in the Premiership on the penalty count, only conceding 203 in their 21 games to date.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bath Rugby have won eight of their last 10 meetings against Northampton Saints in all competitions.

Five of those matches have been settled by one score including the last outing at Franklin’s Gardens back in February.

Zach Mercer was on the scoresheet that day, scoring his fourth try against Northampton in a Bath jersey – the most tries in the fixture of any current player in each squad.

Rhys Priestland broke the Gallagher Premiership record for most consecutive kicks in that game and has collected 63 points for the Blue, Black and White in this head-to-head. Following Stephen Myler’s departure, James Grayson is top of Saints’ list with just 15 alongside David Ribbans.

Both squads have two British & Irish Lions. Anthony Watson, Dan Biggar and Courtney Lawes have all been on one tour previously while Taulupe Faletau has been on two already.

ONES TO WATCH

DAN BIGGAR

Biggar made the switch to Northampton Saints from hometown club, Ospreys, at the start of the 2018/19 campaign. After becoming the top points-scorer in Pro14 history the previous season, the fly-half made an instant impact at Franklin's Gardens, closing his first term with 191 points before adding a further 127 points in 2019/20. A seasoned Wales international, Biggar will head to South Africa this summer with the British & Irish Lions.

COURTNEY LAWES

Another Lion, Lawes has missed the majority of the 2020/21 campaign with a pectoral injury but his reputation in the game has seen him selected by Warren Gatland for the British & Irish Lions' tour of South Africa. A second row by trade who can also play blindside flanker, Lawes is a line-out specialist with a physical edge to his game. He has 87 England caps.

RORY HUTCHINSON

Hutchinson rose through Saints Academy ranks before signing on with Saints to make his full debut in 2015. He represented Scotland at youth level before earning a chance on the senior international stage ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The centre has featured over 80 times for Saints since his first outing six years ago.

“THE REC HAS SUCH A CONNECTION WITH THE CITY.”

One thing that connects Bath Rugby supporters, members of staff, coaches and players is that first memory of the Rec.

Whether its walking through the Riverside entrance and feeling the buzz of the matchday, meeting one of the players as they walk out the changing rooms, or walking on to the hallowed turf for a debut appearance… everyone has a story to tell for why they fell for the Rec.

“My first memory of rugby is probably being at the Rec… I must have been three or four-years-old,” full-back Tom de Glanville reflected.

“I remember sitting in the old Riverside Stand near the old commentators’ box up there and the old team manager would look after me and my brothers. I was fed Jelly Babies in there! That’s probably my first memory.”

De Glanville is a household name at Bath Rugby with father, Phil, captaining Bath to a league and cup double in 1996, going on to win the European Cup two years later.

He played over 200 games for the club in a 12-year career and with memories of watching his dad when he was a toddler, Tom is now carving out his own journey in Blue, Black and White, after years of cheering the side on.

“I’ve obviously followed the club my entire life,” he said.

“My dad played here for a number years and my brothers and I used to walk past the Rec to play our junior rugby. I’ve always grown up with rugby and Bath has always been massive in my family.

“I’d go down to the Rec with my mates with their parents when I was around eight or nine and would be watching the likes of Nick Abendanon and Joe Maddock those type of players.

“When I was younger, the dream of playing for Bath was sort of there but I didn’t really believe it until I was around 16 or 17 years old when I thought I could push on. It was all a dream and fantasy which became true when I was 18.”

De Glanville earned his first opportunity to run out at the Rec for the first team in the 2019/20 Premiership Rugby Cup against Worcester Warriors, and has since gained further outings in the senior set up, making over 25 appearances in all competitions.

Due to the pandemic, the homegrown 21-year-old is yet to experience the buzz of a sold-out Rec as a player and insists it is that sense of togetherness on a matchday which he loves the most and is relishing to come back to the city.

“There’s that sense of togetherness which you feel throughout everything in rugby.

“The sense of family - through my own family and also my mates. Especially when you come down to the Rec and it’s a sell-out on a Friday night or Saturday. Everyone you bump into is smiling and happy to be there for the game, there’s no better feeling really.

“I love how close the Rec is to town. You walk in on a Friday night with the lights on and everyone walks in from the pubs and bars and then when the game finishes everyone goes back out. It’s so close and everyone knows each other. It’s such a tight-knit community which is definitely the best thing about the Rec for me.

“The Rec has a real connection with the city. It has a great connection with the shops, bars and the people, whatever they’re doing in their day-to-day lives. People can come down to the Rec and enjoy themselves with their mates and that’s what I love about it.

“I’ve not actually played many games with fans at the Rec; I’ve not experienced that feeling of playing in front of a packed out house. Pretty much the whole way through lockdown and since rugby stopped and started again, it’s all I’ve been thinking about; that feeling of getting back to normal, having everyone there, having my family down. I can’t wait to experience it.”

LAND ROVER CONTINUES TO SUPPORT GRASSROOTS WITH Land Rover CUP

Land Rover is proud to be the Official Vehicle of Premiership Rugby, a partnership that stretches back to 2002. In the UK, Land Rover has been supporting rugby at all levels; from the grassroots to the elite, for nearly two decades.

Support for the development of the game is typified through its nationwide grassroots rugby initiative, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, a national series of rugby festivals for Under-11 and Under-12 teams. Vital in fostering the values at the heart of the game, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is a key part of the grassroots rugby calendar each season that allows Land Rover to connect with the rugby community and the people at the heart of it. Since its inception, Land Rover has helped thousands of youngsters discover rugby through the annual rugby events with some realising their dreams of going on to play for Premiership Rugby clubs.

Land Rover recognises this area of the game is essential for the continued growth of rugby and plays an important role in local communities. As grassroots rugby returns to action across the UK, Land Rover will continue to support this area of the game.

"The return of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup across the country is a huge boost for grassroots rugby. It is one of the longest standing national series of rugby festivals for under eleven and under twelve youngsters and is always a date in season that clubs look forward to being part of.

"It cannot be underestimated how important these grassroots rugby events are for rugby in the UK. Youngsters will learn vital lessons by playing in these festivals, that will serve them on and off the rugby pitch.

"To date, over 100,000 youngsters have taken part in the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, with several players going on to play for Premiership Rugby clubs. This shows the pathway these youngsters can take on their rugby journey, thanks to Land Rover’s support of grassroots rugby."

Lewis Moody, Land Rover ambassador

The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is testament to Land Rover’s commitment to supporting rugby at all levels; from grassroots to elite. Follow @LandRoverRugby to discover more. #DiscoverRugby

ATTACKING MATHS | MAKING MATHS FUN!

If you think maths is never fun, this is where the fun starts!

Bath Rugby and Avon Rubber made it their mission to help children develop their numeracy skills through rugby by designing Attacking Maths!

Since joining forces with Avon Rubber three years ago, we have now delivered Attacking Maths to 30 schools and over 1000 children.

NUMBERS MATTER

Shockingly, research shows that 8.5 million British adults have the numeracy skills of a 10-year-old.

Maths isn’t just about long division, algebra and trigonometry. It’s about checking your change in the shop, making sure you can afford something, and balancing your budget. That’s why it’s so important for our kids to be comfortable with sums.

This year, 72% of children are aware they need to use maths a lot in everyday life.

LEARNING THROUGH RUGBY

Making learning fun is a great way to help children absorb lessons that will stay with them and that’s where Bath Rugby can help. In 2019 we will be working with children in key stage 2 across 10 schools in the local area delivering Attacking Maths.

The course aims to make learning numbers fun using tag rugby to:

• Increase children’s understanding of number skills

• Boost their confidence in dealing with numbers

• Help them become physically fitter.

Community Delivery Lead, Lewis Palmer, said: “Attacking Maths is a brilliant opportunity for children to develop their numeracy and tag rugby skills through a fun environment.”

Attacking Maths also marks the first time rugby stars of the future encounter the game.

Attacking Maths will also give teachers an opportunity to learn fun new games and feel confident delivering the correct rules and regulations.

"A HUGE WELL DONE AND THANK YOU MUST GO TO ALL THE ACADEMY STAFF."

Academy Manager Craig Lilley is extremely thankful to the club’s Academy staff for their efforts in what has been a very difficult season for everyone.

Due to the pandemic, the players and staff have not had the luxury of games every weekend with coaches and support staff needing to freshen things up on a regular basis to continuously get the best out of the young players.

The Academy season ended on a high with four games for the Under-18s with wins secured against Bristol Bears and London Irish while lessons were learned against Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs.

Several Senior Academy players have earned opportunities in the Bath Rugby senior team and a number have represented the club on the international stage.

Lilley insists the impact the staff have made on the players has resulted in their achievements.

“We often talk about the players; about how many have been called up into the England Under-20s squad or the boys getting opportunities in the senior squad. The main reason for that is for what goes on behind the scenes. The amount of planning and detail that goes in by our Academy staff – there’s so much that goes into every session.

“Obviously, there’s a huge amount of commitment from the players to get their individual and team rewards. You get the outcome of the boys playing representative rugby, good performances and wins at weekends but that’s only a by-product of the work that those guys put in. A huge well done and thank you must go to all the Academy staff.”

They say talent can only get you so far and that associating yourself with good people can help you achieve your potential.

There are clearly a high number of good people at Bath Rugby who deeply care about the progression of the young players who pull on the Blue, Black and White and would do anything to help them succeed.

Those relationships are what Lilley feels “underpin everything”.

“I would go as far to say it’s a lifestyle rather than a job. I think we’ve recruited well this year as well as interspersing with good staff; we have good people.

"What all our people have from a staff point of view is a real emotional attachment to the club, whether they used to support the club, play for the club or just show a huge desire to work for the club.

“The feedback, the constant questions that are answered for the players and helping them make sense of their experiences are important. We’re really lucky to have people there who have been there and done it to give them that advice. The relationships that are built with players because of that gives a great platform for the players to go and maximise their potential. The relationships underpin everything.”

ACADEMY TRIO NAME IN ENGLAND U20 SIX NATIONS SQUAD

Three Bath Rugby Senior Academy players have been selected for England Under-20s ahead of the U20 Six Nations this summer.

Orlando Bailey, Nahum Merigan and Ewan Richards have been named in a 32-strong squad for the tournament which will take place at Cardiff Arms Park, Wales in a condensed three-week period.

Fly-half Bailey has earned a first Premiership start and a European debut this season while lock Richards made his maiden league bow back in February. Number 8 Merigan has featured for England Under-20s in uncapped matches as well as appearing in friendlies for Bath at senior level.

Academy Manager Craig Lilley is delighted with the trio’s inclusion and has outlined their progression during the 2020/21 campaign.

Orlando Bailey

Landi has come through Beechen Cliff pathway. It’s hard enough to transition anyway but to transition from schoolboy to senior rugby in Covid times has been really tricky. He came into the senior squad this year and had an influence straight away from leading GPS scores to the way he spoke to people and drove the team forwards. It’s through injury he had his opportunity in the senior team at Bath this season and was rewarded with games in the Premiership and then the European last 16, quarter and semi-finals after that. We’re starting to see his skillset; he’s very calm on the ball, brings people into the game and kicks very well too. It’s his first Under-20s Six Nations and I can’t wait to see him do what he’s done in Premiership and European games in the tournament.

Nahum Merigan

Another from the Beechen Cliff pathway, Nahum has been working really hard on his physical development this year. We want to see more impact from him on both sides of the ball and it will good to see what he can do defensively. He has always been a very good ball carrier so I’m looking forward to seeing him get his hands on the ball and have some good moments. The Six Nations will be a great to see where Nahum is at and how much he has developed.

Ewan Richards

Ewan has been in the Academy since he was 15 and has had a brilliant year, making his Premiership debut against Harlequins in February. He quietly goes about his business and his line-out skills have improved dramatically to the point where he is now running the line-out within the England age group, something he’ll hopefully be doing in the Six Nations. He has a huge work rate, gets around the field, carries well and tackles; he does a lot of the unseen work and I’m absolutely delighted he’s involved.

England face France in the opener before taking on Scotland six days later. Round 3 sees them take on Ireland on 1 July before a head-to-head with Wales. They will close their campaign on 13 July against Italy.

Players and management convene in camp at Bisham Abbey on 13 June for a few days training prior to their arrival in Wales later that week for the Championship which will all take place at Cardiff Arms Park.

HITZ STUDENT JAZ FORD NAMED 'HITZ HERO' BY PREMIERSHIP RUGBY

Jaz Ford, is one of six outstanding young individuals who have been named ‘HITZ Hero 2021’ by Premiership Rugby in recognition of her achievements despite the challenges of the pandemic.

A breakdown of family life and bullying at school severely impacted the mental wellbeing of Jaz. Struggling with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence, this also meant she rarely participated in physical exercise. But fast forward to 2021 and Jasmine is now coaching Bath Ladies Mixed Ability Rugby Team and thriving in her course studies.

Jaz joined HITZ from Lackham College, after completing a certificate in Animal care. Although Animal Care was her favourite subject and a passion she wanted to turn into a career, Jaz struggled a lot at college. Due to major anxieties with from experiences with negative social interactions and peer relationships, this impacted her attendance and enjoyment at college.

Previous to college Jaz faced similar barriers to participation due to experiencing bullying and low self-esteem. Again, this impacted Jaz’s attendance and even caused a period of home schooling. Jaz particularly did not enjoy sports or Maths, Jaz would refuse to attend Maths lessons following her anxieties about doing the subject, leaving her with limited GCSE qualifications

These past experiences have contributed to Jaz’s low moons, poor mental health and affected things like her diet and self-confidence.

Before Joining HITZ Jaz would only participate in a few hours of sports, again due to bullying and skin issues this affected her attendance.

Jaz heard about the HITZ programme from her next steps tutor at college and signed up for the Employability Level 1 and 2 courses. Following this Jaz was successful in getting onto the NCFE Level 2 sports course.

In addition to struggles at school, Jaz has experienced breakdown within the family home with loss of family members and the separation of her mum and dad. This impacted Jaz massively adding to her mental health struggles.

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme, working with more than 2,000 14–23-year-olds across England every year. The aim of HITZ is to help young people classified as NEET (not in education, employment or training) turn their lives around through gaining qualifications and developing their personal, employability and life skills.

The HITZ Heroes 2021 awards, which are supported by former England International and HITZ Ambassador, Ugo Monye, are a celebration of triumph over adversity during the last 12 months. Each has their own individual story but what unites the six heroes is their determination to overcome barriers to unlock their own potential.

Mia Suter, Bath Rugby Foundation HITZ Officer– who nominated Jasmine for a HITZ Hero award – said: “Jaz really struggled during the lockdown due to the lack of social interaction after working hard to build relationships with peers in her class. Although she struggled before joining HITZ, she has built amazing bonds with fellow classmates often taking on the role of support for those who are in need. Jaz has helped a number of other learners with issues they face regardless of how much she may also be struggling.”

Congratulations Jaz on such an incredible achievement!

JOIN BATH RUGBY HITZ ACADEMY THIS SEPTEMBER

At Bath Rugby HITZ Learning Academy, our award-winning alternative education programme provides an inclusive environment for students unsuited to the traditional academic structure.

Our specialist coaches use sport to remove barriers, build trust and increase confidence empowering students to also achieve success in academic subjects. Around 90 per cent of our students complete the course, improving numeracy, literacy and IT skills, while 75 per cent of our young people move on to further education, employment, training, work placements or apprenticeships and we’re recruiting now for NEW students to join us, to start their course this September.

Below, the HITZ team have laid out a typical week in the life of HITZ, to help potential new recruits better understand how the world-class facilities of our Learning Academy classrooms, based in the heart of the city at Bath Rugby’s famous Recreation Ground Stadium.

Monday – 8.30am get the kettle on for a morning brew and a bowl of cereal. 9am and the learners are in lessons and ready to go! Some of them in to start their course lessons, others beginning the day with sports. Sports for this week being touch rugby to prepare for our match against Exeter HITZ! The afternoon brings opportunities for work experience, (the seats you’re sitting on and the players changing rooms were all cleaned and prepared for you by us!) and more team sports, to finish the day the learners who are doing Functional Skills Maths get settled in for their lesson in preparation for their upcoming exams.

Tuesday – A busy start to the day working with Cleveland pools to help with the development of the revamp of the pools ready for you to all enjoy. Today we are planning pitches for a panel to explain how we are going to promote the development of the pools. Mid-morning sees another opportunity to do some work experience, a different group today are focusing on a green area we are hoping to clean and equip with to make the space a nice place for us to have lunch and maybe even grow somethings! Lessons again meaning we are doing some teambuilding to help with employability skills that will help us in our future careers, BTEC sport and NCFE Level 2 sports are looking at coaching and analysis in sports, we work in peer groups to help each other out and progress in sports.

Wednesday – A Day to focus on more work experience or our jobs, some of us help out at local schools and cafes. Others work in building supply, construction and hospitality! One of our learners even helps out the outreach team with Project Rugby, as an ambassador it’s his role to spread the word and get people involved with this incredible programme!

Thursday - We start the day with some lessons in our chosen subject, and maybe even a bacon roll! The afternoon is full of sports, we all get together to practice the skills we’ve learnt throughout the week! After an hour some of us are working on practicing our golf skills and even creating a golf team and some merchandise! Keep an eye on our social media to see what we get up to week to week! Following this our there is Functional Skills English lessons. 5pm and the days isn’t over yet! Jaz Ford is on her way to Bath Ladies Trojans mixed ability training to put her hard-earned skills to the test and lead some rugby for the ladies there.

Friday - We start the day with some Art delivered by Emma Taylor, a well-known local artist, this gives us an hour to practice our creativity and try out new things. We enjoy listening to music and using a range of different techniques to express ourselves! Following art it’s about time we head outside for more practical learning outside, we enjoy exploring bath on the bikes, going for walks or getting out of Bath completely to visit other organisations.

If you are, or are responsible for, a young person who aspires to join our HITZ Learning Academy, please click the link below and complete the form to register interest. A member of the HITZ Team will be in touch soon.

Open to young people aged 16-24 who are not currently in full time education or employment

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

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"IT’S THAT 'FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON' FEELING!"

It's that 'first day of the season' feeling! Except of course it isn’t - it’s the last game of an extraordinary season, but how good is it to get out that favourite shirt (or in my case the pristine new one that I haven’t had chance to wear yet) and head on down to the Rec to cheer the boys on to what we all hope will be the result that sees us into the Heineken Champions Cup next year.

It’s incredible to think that apart from that one game against Scarlets when 1,000 of us were lucky enough to attend, it’s 15 months since we were able to give the boys the support that they deserve at the most iconic rugby ground in the Premiership. In many ways it’s been a metaphor for the whole Covid experience. So many things in our lives that we took for granted pre-pandemic have been disrupted. Some things sadly we may not get back and some may be changed forever. The experience of being at the Rec today will be different, but when the boys in BB&W run out we know the passion will be the same. For me, I’m delighted that I won’t be shouting at the TV from the sofa, or as in the case of one or two games this year peering nervously from behind it!

The last game of the season is always something of a poignant occasion because it’s that time when we say goodbye to a number of players who are leaving the club. It’s particularly sad this year because we won’t be able to give them all the send off that they deserve in front of a full Rec, but the 3,500 or so of us who are here will do our best. Some are leaving to take up new rugby challenges elsewhere, some have come to the end of their playing careers either naturally or rather earlier than we would have like because of injury. Each and every one of them should know that they go with our grateful thanks and very best wishes. One of the things that makes me proud to be a Bath supporter is the knowledge that we genuinely care about the boys who wear the BB&W. They will always be sure of a warm welcome at the Rec.

We’ll be able to applaud the players and coaches today, but there are a great many other people at Bath Rugby who deserve our thanks. As Chairman of BRSC, I’m in the privileged position of having some insight into the hard work that goes on behind the scenes at the Club. It’s been a hugely difficult year for the backroom staff and I’d like to thank Tarquin McDonald and all the management team at Bath Rugby, not only for ensuring that we’re coming out of the Pandemic with a Club to support today and in 2021/22 but also for all their hard work in keeping the supporters informed and engaged. It’s greatly appreciated.

On the BRSC front, the next item on the agenda is the AGM on 7 July, over zoom. If you’re a member you will by now have had an email from us explaining how it’s going to work. Please read the papers, respond and if you can, join us on the night. We really need your input.

So, it’s Northampton Saints today. Not quite the derby that last week’s cancelled game against Gloucester would have been, but still a thrilling prospect against another of the Premiership teams with a long proud tradition. They’re above us in the table but we’re up for this. There have been a few games this year where we’ve felt that the supporters could have made the difference so let’s let the boys know we’re back and help get them the 'W'!

And finally… after eight years I’m hanging up my boots as Chairman of BRSC so this will be my last programme note. I’ve enjoyed writing them – I hope sometimes you’ve enjoyed reading them!