Home

10%

BATH RUGBY V NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

BATH RUGBY LADIES V OLD ALBANIAN SAINTS

By Bath Rugby

October 21^st, 2022

DYSON V15 DETECT ABSOLUTE VACUUM

VISIT THATCHERS

COMPEED RECOVERY JOURNEYS: EP 1 - CHARLIE EWELS

In a brand new feature for the 2022/23 season, Compeed Recovery Journeys will focus on an individual player in the squad each month, looking at their return to fitness with the Bath Rugby medical team.

In episode one, Charlie Ewels chats through his ACL injury picked up whilst away with England in the summer and the processes involved in his recovery.

He also touches on his thoughts and feelings of having the injury as well as the decision to have shoulder surgery too.

Head of Medical Services Rory Murray provides expert insight and analysis throughout the feature, discussing how the team will work with Charlie to strengthen both his knee and shoulder.

SEARLE AND SHILLCOCK SIGN ON SHORT-TERM DEALS

Bath Rugby can confirm fly-half Billy Searle and versatile back Jamie Shillcock on short-term deals.

The duo will provide injury cover while Orlando Bailey (facial injury), Piers Francis (quad) and Tom de Glanville (hamstring) are sidelined.

Born in Exeter, Searle experienced National League rugby with Launceston and Plymouth Albion before enjoying spells with Bristol Bears, Wasps and, most recently, Worcester Warriors.

The 26-year-old has accumulated 216 points in 59 Gallagher Premiership appearances to date.

Shillcock, who can play fly-half or in the back three, came through the Worcester Academy and debuted aged 17 in the Greene King IPA Championship play-off semi-final second leg against London Scottish.

Capped three times in the 2016 U20 Six Nations for England, the 25-year-old was consistent member of the Warriors side for a number of years and has so far scored 182 points in 65 Premiership matches.

INJURY UPDATE WITH COMPEED AHEAD OF NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

Ahead of the weekend’s match against Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby Head of Medical Services Rory Murray has provided a squad injury update.

Orlando Bailey

Orlando suffered a facial injury against Saracens. He will be out for a few weeks.

Piers Francis

Piers remains sidelined with his leg injury sustained against Gloucester. His aim for a return is the end of November.

Tom de Glanville

Tom is making good progress with his hamstring. His aim for return is November.

Will Stuart

Will suffered a knee injury against Saracens. The prognosis is better than first feared and he will be monitored by the medical team over the coming weeks.

INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS

Congratulations to three of our senior team after they received international call-ups for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.

Joe Cokanasiga has been named in Eddie Jones’s 36-man squad to head to Jersey next week for a four-day training camp in preparation for the four-test autumn series.

Debuting for his country in 2018 against Japan, Cokanasiga has an incredible strike rate of 11 tries in his 12 appearances wearing the rose.

Charlie Ewels, Will Stuart and Sam Underhill are all unavailable for selection due to injury.

Adding to Bath’s international tally, Josh Bayliss and Cameron Redpath have been selected in Gregor Townsend’s Scotland squad for tests against Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Argentina.

Both players have been active in Bath Rugby’s season so far and will bolster the Scotland squad with their Gallagher Premiership experience.

SUPREME COURT LIFTS FINAL LEGAL BARRIER FOR BATH RUGBY STADIUM DEVELOPMENT

The Supreme Court this week refused an application seeking to appeal the ruling of the Court of Appeal of 4 February 2022, allowing Bath Rugby to proceed with its planned redevelopment of its facilities at The Rec.

This brings to an end the long-running legal case relating to the 1922 covenants and paves the way for Bath Rugby to bring forward proposals for a new stadium.

Bath Rugby Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald said: “We are delighted with this outcome. We acknowledge that this has felt drawn out and at times frustrating for the club, our supporters and the city.

“It has been necessary to see this legal process through to its conclusion. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled, we finally have the certainty we need as a club to bring forward comprehensive proposals for a new stadium at our spiritual home, The Rec, located in the heart of Bath.”

THE BARBARIANS ARE COMING TO THE REC

History is to be made! The Rec will play host to the world-famous Barbarians for an autumn fixture against the Blue, Black and White on Sunday 20 November 2022.

The exciting clash against the iconic side replaces Bath’s Round 26 Gallagher Premiership match against Worcester Warriors, originally scheduled for Saturday 6 May 2023, which subsequently is now King Charles III's coronation.

All season tickets, including the 10-Game Season Ticket, and seasonal hospitality are valid for the game.

The Barbarians previously visited The Rec in 1994 with Club President John Hall and other Bath legends Jon Callard, Mike Catt, Phil de Glanville and Andy Robinson all featuring in a famous 23-18 victory.

SECURE YOUR SEAT

Bath Rugby is excited to be hosting England Under-20s’ home match against France Under-20s on Friday 10 March 2023 (kick-off 20:00).

The Rec will welcome the two nations for a fantastic match which has seen many of the club’s Academy players compete in over the years.

Orlando Bailey, Ewan Richards, Nahum Merigan and Tom Carr-Smith were all part of the 2021 England squad that won the U20 Grand Slam while France have finished runners-up in the past three tournaments.

FIND OUT MORE

VISIT TRIBUTE

THE RECCY: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE DOUBLE HEADER!

We’re back at The Rec for the second time this week as Bath Rugby take on Northampton Saints. In a bumper edition of The Reccy, Bath Rugby Ladies will also be playing Old Albanians after the men’s game.

Here’s what we have in store for you this Saturday!

FROM 13:00

TWO games of rugby!
Oktoberfest theme complete with Oompah band and bratwurst 🇩🇪
Happy Hour! Get £1 off all pints from 13:00-14:00.
Food & beverage
Face painter
Max the Mascot 🦁
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle
Retail – get your new Bath rugby stash!

YOUR RED CAR

CARR-SMITH EXCITED FOR ANOTHER PREMIERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

For Tom Carr-Smith, Bath Rugby’s trip to Saracens in Round 6 of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership was a moment he had been waiting for for a very long time.

His dreams of representing his hometown club in English rugby’s top flight came true as he replaced Louis Schreuder in the 69th minute.

The 20-year-old showed some nice touches and would have had a ‘pinch yourself’ moment of a debut try but for an Owen Farrell intervention.

Bath took away two points from the StoneX, but for Tom his takeaway was a memory that will last a lifetime.

“I absolutely loved it,” he said.

“Johann told me on the Monday that I’d be involved, and it was just a special few days leading up to the game. I told my parents pretty much straight away after training on the Monday and I just tried to do my bit when I came on.

“It went too quickly when I was on! I’d obviously played in the Premiership Rugby Cup a few weeks before and I spoke to a few lads who said the Premiership is a jump. The speed and physicality was a little bit of a surprise but playing against Sarries who are a good team I wanted to go out there and show what I could do. I enjoyed every second of it.”

Welcoming him on to the field was long-time teammate and housemate Orlando Bailey – a moment Carr-Smith admits the duo have chewed the fat over on numerous occasions.

Having played England Under-20s together and age-grade rugby at Bath, they have learned a lot from each other over the years with Carr-Smith also sponging information from fellow scrum-half and club captain Ben Spencer too.

“I live with Landy so we’ve always talked about playing with each other at senior level for Bath. It’s great he’s doing really well, and it was really cool to see him as I came on.

“We have both chatted a lot about it over the years, talked through different scenarios so we have decent chemistry, and it was nice to see a familiar face out there!”

Carr-Smith added on Spencer: “Ben’s been great. I’ve been learning off him most days, watching him in action and taking in every bit of advice I can.

“He is one of the best at box kicking and has helped with my extras. It’s also been good to see his leadership style as being vocal is something I like to do as well. He demands stuff from the team and having Louis (Schreuder) and Max (Green) as well has been brilliant… it’s not a bad group of nines to learn from!

“I just want to learn as much as I can, as quickly as I can.”

Carr-Smith will have another opportunity to take another step forward in his development this weekend when Northampton Saints visit The Rec.

He has played in front of crowds in the Cup at home previously but with it being the Premiership, this time will be even more special.

“I want to keep working hard and keep pushing my mates to try and play more regularly in the first team, and try and take Bath back to what I remember it being when I was younger.

“I’m really excited to be involved against Northampton and it will be nice to prove what I can do again at The Rec in front of a big crowd.”

"WE'RE PROGRESSING IN OUR PERFORMANCE" - BAYLISS

To come away from Saracens and be disappointed with only two points is sign of a positive Bath Rugby performance and progression.

The Blue, Black and White were electric in attack and scored four tries at the home of last season’s Premiership finalists, and also had one disallowed.

It was the most complete 80 minutes of the Premiership campaign to date, a display which Josh Bayliss admits wasn’t a surprise to the squad.

“It’s always good to be back at home (v Northampton Saints), especially after a performance like last week’s,” he said.

“We had a lot of encouraging signs and put ourselves in a position to win it at the end. Credit to Sarries they put us to the sword in the second half; we had to dig deep, and the boys did brilliantly to get ourselves back in the game which was really pleasing.

“We have felt we’re making improvements and that we’re getting there over the past four or five weeks. Our performance didn’t come as a surprise to us and we’re noticing improvements steadily.

“In the Premiership it’s all about one try, a couple of points here and there – that’s the difference between winning and losing. We do feel like we’re progressing in our performance and that win will come.

“Hopefully we can hit the ground running and put in another positive performance for our supporters.”

Northampton sit third in the Premiership with a record of three wins and three losses to date.

They have an abundance of talent with Alex Coles, Courtney Lawes, Dave Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam and George Furbank all included in Eddie Jones’ England squad as Line-out Coach Luke Charteris referenced in his pre-match presser.

“It’ll be a great test and we can’t wait to be back in front of a big crowd at The Rec,” he added.

“Northampton have been playing really and well and have a strong attacking threat. They move the ball around and they also have a good pack with four of their back five being selected by England this week.

“We have to keep building on our Premiership performances of late and give our supporters something to cheer about.”

BATH RUGBY LADIES MATCH PREVIEW

Bath Rugby Ladies have been in great form this season, winning three from three in Championship South 1, and are hoping for further success on Saturday.

During their last outing, John Gould’s team returned to the West Country triumphant with a 26-12 win over last season’s champions Thurrock Ladies.

Currently sitting at the top of the table, the women in Blue, Black and White are hoping to continue their winning ways as they take to the grandest rugby stage in Bath for a match against Old Albanians Ladies at The Rec.

Their last outing at The Rec saw them take on Buckingham Swans Ladies in front of a crowd in full voice scoring 76 points to their opponent’s 10.

Bath finished third in the table, just behind this weekend’s rivals who finished in second.

Many of those featured in Saturday’s game kept match fit over the summer by playing in Bath Rugby’s first ever Women’s Sevens team participating in elite Sevens competitions around the country.

Eleven of last year’s matchday 22 will return to The Rec looking to emulate the success of their last Rec appearance.

Packing down in the prop positions once again are Megan Wynne and Trish Brown, with the latter having scored twice in the victory over Swans.

Behind them in the second row are familiar faces Kathryn Hyland and Clea Fawcett, with Daisy Pearce-Lyons and Ellen Witt providing support as openside and blindside flankers respectively.

Skipper Emily Codd will act as a playmaker at scrum-half, partnered by fly-half Sarah Holloway at 10. Instrumental in Bath Rugby Women’s Sevens 5th out of 12th ranking in the Women’s Sevens table, Anya Small retains her place as Bath centre.

Holly Edmonds will field in the full-back position with support from Bath Rugby Sevens players Nia Grundy and Leah McGoldrick on each wing.

New additions to the starting XV come in the form of Sophie Goulder-Perks, Esme Bird and Chloe Williams, with the latter also part of the Bath Rugby Sevens success.

Named on the bench are Lucy McGrath, Abi Jones, Mairéad McErlean, Catt Dickerson, Katie Derrick, Sarah Humphries and Ellen Thornton.

GET YOUR FREE TICKETS!

A dramatic finish at The Rec saw Josh Bayliss secure a bonus-point win with a late try for Bath Rugby against Northampton Saints.

With the clock in the red, Josh McNally ripped the ball from Northampton and released the ball to Zack Mercer who sent Bayliss rampaging down the field to score an epic try.

Despite an early try from Northampton’s Taqele Naiyaravoro, who crashed over for Northampton’s first points, the roar of The Rec was enough to inspire the home team to a well-earned victory.

With tries from Sam Underhill, Taulupe Faletau, Jacques du Toit and the aforementioned Bayliss, the bonus point win was enough to secure a Heineken Champions Cup spot for the following season.

Bath: De Glanville; Watson, Joseph, Ojomoh, Cokanasiga; Priestland, B Spencer; Obano, Du Toit, Judge, McNally, Ewels (capt), Reid, Underhill, Faletau. Replacements: Doughty, Schoeman, Thomas, W Spencer, Mercer, Bayliss, Chudley, Bailey.

Northampton: Freeman; Collins, Dingwall, Hutchinson, Naiyaravoro; Grayson, Mitchell; Waller, Haywood, Hill, Coles, Moon, Lawes, Ludlam (capt), Wood. Replacements: Fish, Painter, Ratuniyarawa, Newman, Tupai, Litchfield, Gillespie, Van Wyk.

Bath Rugby Ladies ended their Championship South 1 season on a high with a 12-try victory over Buckingham Swans Ladies at the Rec.

A few thousand people were in attendance to witness an evening of great entertainment as Trish Brown (2), Hannah Meek (2), Lucy Peters and Holly Edmonds all scored first-half tries.

Swans’ Sian Mills and Shaniah Herelle were both on the scoresheet in the second half, but Peters and Edmonds’ second, Meek’s third and finishes from Hannah Stephens, Zoe Lewis and Bethan Wakefield made it another afternoon to remember.

Bath Rugby Ladies: 15 Holly Edmonds, 14 Hannah Meek, 13 Rebecca Wye, 12 Anya Small, 11 Lucy Peters, 10 Sarah Holloway, 9 Emily Codd; 1 Megan Lynne, Hannah Stephens, 3 Trish Brown, 4 Kathryn Hyland, 5 Clea Fawcett, 6 Ellen Witt, 7 Megan Barwick, 8 Robyn Price

Replacements: 16 Lucy McGrath, 17 Zoe Lewis, 18 Fern Read, 19 Sam Macdonald, 20 Nia Grundy, 21 Lucy Juffkins, 22 Bethan Wakefield

THE OPPOSITION

Northampton Saints finished fourth in the Premiership last season, just missing out on the Premiership final to 2021/22 champions, Leicester Tigers. Northampton won 14 games and lost 10 in the 2021/22 Premiership and missed out on a quarter-final spot in the EPCR Challenge Cup to Gloucester.

Coming into Round 7 of the 2022/23 Premiership season, Northampton have a 50% win record. With two of their three victories coming from their home ground, Franklin's Gardens.

In a thrilling fixture at the Coventry Building Society Arena against Wasps, Phil Dowson’s Northampton Saints pulled back from a 18-11 half-time deficit to win Saints their first away game of the season, 40-36. In a dramatic end, replacement Courtnall Skosan scored with the clock in the red, giving Saints their first win on the road.

Northampton currently sit top of metres gained in the Premiership, with 3238 metres, 673 higher than second place, Bristol Bears. They also lead in defenders beaten with 124.

ONE TO WATCH - ALEX MITCHELL

In the 2021/22 Premiership season, Mitchell finished the campaign with an impressive 12 tries in 28 appearances for Saints, a performance that helped the Northampton scrum-half receive both Northampton Saints Club’s Players’ and Supporters’ Player of the Season awards.

In the same season, he also earned his first international cap for England, where he scored a try on his debut against Tonga in the Autumn Nations Series.

This season, Mitchell has continued his excellent form for Northampton, and sits near the top of most significant Premiership statistics. The England international is second in both defenders beaten (15) and clean breaks (7) and is currently level with Bath Rugby’s Tom Dunn in carries (46). Mitchell also sits in fourth place for metres gained (297) and he takes the top spot for most passes made in the Premiership (213).

MEET SAM HARRIS

School: Hertford RFC

Club: Millfield School

Position: Fly-half

What have been your favourite moments in the Bath Rugby pathway?

Making my debut at The Rec against Gloucester in a tight derby.

What are your dream goals in rugby?

In the future I aspire to play for my nation on the international stage, and win the Premiership with Bath.

What do you get up to outside of rugby?

Outside of rugby I’ll always be busy with studying economics, but I love just spending time with my mates and especially playing golf.

Who has had the biggest impact on your development?

I can definitely say my coaches from school (Mike Baxter and John Mallet) have had a huge impact on my game and helping me get to where I am today.

What do you want people to say about you at the end of your career?

I’d want people thinking that I was a very strong player on the pitch, and a very good leader. On top of this, that I was a good character off the pitch, someone that was down to earth, and also loved socialising.

GRIFFIN SCORES IN TEAM BATH LOSS

Five Bath Rugby Academy players were involved as Team Bath fell to a 26-12 defeat to Cardiff Met on Wednesday night.

Jasper Spandler started at hooker following his hat-trick last week and was once again joined in the front row by Archie Griffin.

Mackenzie Graham was named in the second row while Louie Hennessey and Byron Lloyd-Gilmour were at centre and full-back respectively.

It was a tense opening period as both sides traded possession searching for an opening and Cardiff got it as they crossed for a converted try on 26 minutes.

Just before the break, Bath drew level. Academy tighthead Griffin, who is steadily working his way back to match fitness following injury, went over and Fred Longley’s conversion levelled the game.

Cardiff hit two penalties either side of the interval to edge ahead as the conditions worsened and affected the flow of the game.

However, Bath did manage a moment of brilliance just past the hour. A lovely crossfield kick found Alfie Garside who claimed and dotted down to make it a one-point game at 13-12 to Cardiff.

The hosts couldn’t quite complete the comeback and in the final 10 minutes, Met added another two penalties and a try to see out the game.

Team Bath Men’s 1st XV will return to The Rec for the first time in three years this month as they take on league champions Durham in the Rengen-sponsored Anniversary Game.

The last edition of the University of Bath’s student-sport showcase fixture in 2019 saw more than 6,000 spectators head to the iconic city-centre home of Bath Rugby to roar Team Bath to a 52-25 victory over Cardiff, with 11 tries scored during a hugely-entertaining evening.

Covid lockdown and scheduling conflicts prevented the match taking place during the past couple of seasons, but it will return on Wednesday 26 October (kick-off 18:30) and free tickets are now available.

A high number of Bath Rugby Academy players are set to be involved for University of Bath with a couple also potentially going to feature for Durham.

GET YOUR FREE TICKETS!

BEECHEN CLIFF BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Beechen Cliff returned to winning ways this week with a hard fought 31-29 win against Exeter College at home in their latest ACE League match.

The RFU ACE League pits the partner state schools or colleges of all the Premiership clubs against each other in a National League of exceptional quality. Exeter College is affiliated to Exeter Chiefs.

The match was preceded by a minute's silence from both teams (and both second XVs on the adjacent pitch) to mark the third anniversary of the passing of Beechen Cliff player and Bath Academy prospect Max McMullen. Many of the current team knew Max well as a friend and teammate.

The game was destined to be a ‘game of two halves’ from the start, with a strong wind giving Exeter the advantage in the first half. They made good use of it, scoring three tries after extended periods of pressure, battering the Beechen Cliff goal-line defence. Crucially, though Beechen Cliff scored two tries themselves against the wind. Both were scored by young winger Toby Lock.

The first came while taking advantage of the referee's advantage call, whipping the ball wide to exploit an overlap. The second came following a well-executed strike move off a scrum, with Lock appearing on his opposite wing to go into the break 19-10 down.

In the second half Beechen Cliff scored first with a try from hooker Ben Stoaling after a well-constructed driving line-out. With both teams fully committed to winning the game, the intensity and physicality of the rugby went through the roof. Scores were exchanged as the game reached the closing minutes.

Wing Will Dudman slid in at the corner flag, with Raff Weston converting, to bring the game to a knife edge. Deep into overtime following a passage of relentless and bruising goalline attack and brave defence from Exeter, Kacey Pike eventually drove over under the posts. Weston had an easy conversion to win with the final act of a tremendous game, which was a fitting tribute to the memory of Max.

Beechen will now enjoy a couple of weeks of well-earned recovery and recuperation as they prepare for Stage 2 of the competition. The leagues are now re-drawn with the leading teams going into the top tier, to challenge towards getting to the ACE Final in December.

SPOTLIGHT: MARIA CROWFOOT

Starting at the club in September 2021, Maria has been hugely influential in progressing Bath Rugby’s Women and Girls project.

Combining her role as the club’s Women and Girls’ Rugby Development Lead, Maria is also the Head Coach of Team Bath’s women’s rugby team.

Last summer, Maria led Bath Rugby’s first ever Women’s Sevens team to elite tournament success, with the club finishing 5th from 12 in a strong and experienced league.

Providing a strong link with the club, Maria provides her coaching expertise to Team Bath, which saw them achieve their best result so far finishing second in the Western 1A League.

Having formerly played for Bath Rugby Ladies, we caught up with Maria to find out how she’s feeling ahead of the Double Header this weekend.

How important are Double Headers in showcasing the women’s game?

They’re extremely important. When we made our pledge to the game in May 2021, a key aspect was promoting the women’s game and inspiring the next generation through our promotion of role models. A highlight last year was the second double header – all the young fans asking for autographs and photographs of the Bath Rugby Ladies players. I’m looking forward to this double header to showcase the improvement in Bath Rugby Ladies’ game and see some exciting players on a big stage against a tough opposition.

Will any of the University team players be featured this weekend?

Historically there has always been a strong link; this fixture is no different and there is a strong alumni and current student population at the heart of the team. I’m thrilled to see Sophie and Nia run out as starters – hooker and winger respectively. With first year Lucy McGrath who will come off the bench and Mairéad McErlean who is the university club captain. So, it’s brilliant to see 4 university players with the 1XV.

The university season has got off to a brilliant start, beating Cardiff Met 2XV 35-24 in the first game of the season. Five backs got on the scoresheet, but the platform was set by the forwards – dominating in the scrum and a successful line-out provided good front-foot ball for the exciting young backline. Bath Rugby Ladies’ Nia Grundy scored twice from the wing, which she did throughout her appearances for Bath Rugby Women’s Sevens in the summer. The centre partnership of Becca Lacey and Bethan Thomas worked brilliantly and they both scored a try each. First year Liv Taylor was impressive at full-back and scored from deep after a kick from Cardiff Met. She also added the extras for her own score and two other tries by her teammates. Flyhalf, and another debutant, Nell Powell was also 100% from the tee slotting 2/2 in tough, blustery conditions.

The fixture saw seven players make their university debut for Bath. For a new team, the performance has set a good foundation for next week’s away trip to newly promoted Exeter 2XV.

What have been the developments in the women’s game over the past year?

It’s been a fantastic time for women’s sport over the past year with lots of exciting events like the commonwealth games, Lionesses winning the Euros, and the Red Roses out in New Zealand currently competing in the Rugby World Cup. We’ve also had lots of developments in our region. We’re up and running with our Rugby Elite Academy with Bath College and we have five fantastic students from four clubs and recruitment is ongoing for the 2023/24 academic year. They are training in Bath and at Farleigh House, developing their skills both on and off-pitch. We ran our second residential at Warminster School in August which saw 50 11–17-year-olds attend a four-day, three-night camp, giving them a taste of professional life as a rugby player. We are also working through the application to enter the Premier 15s in the next cycle (2023/24) and as a club we’re so excited to continue the growth of women and girls’ rugby in our area and beyond.

Women’s 7s Tournament Success

Our inaugural Sevens team was a brilliant experience for those involved. As coaches, players and support staff, to be able to bring together an exciting group of players for the first time and represent the Blue, Black and White was a really important step in our ambition to be a professional women’s team.

RECAP: SUMMER SUCCESS FOR BATH RUGBY WOMEN'S SEVENS

Over the summer, Bath Rugby formed their first ever Women’s Sevens squad to compete in elite Sevens tournaments around the country.

This was a huge step in Bath Rugby’s commitment to the women’s game and was a milestone on the roadmap to Bath Rugby hopefully competing in the Allianz Premier 15s league in the season 23/24.

Formed by Bath Rugby’s Women and Girls’ Rugby Development Lead and the squad's Head Coach Maria Crowfoot, the women participated alongside experienced and formidable teams such as Samurai RFC and the British Army Women.

Coach Crowfoot led the players to six elite competitions in total, including Bournemouth Sevens and South Island Sevens, some of the biggest national sevens events in the country.

Ahead of their first appearance in the elite realm of sevens rugby, the squad secured their first professional endorsement from Chippenham-based performance specialists Southern Academy of Sport.

The partnership provided the team with sports preparation that goes beyond just physical wellbeing, with a focus on Movement, Mindset, Recovery and Nutrition.

With their first partnership and a Level 3 England Rugby qualified coach at the healm, Bath Rugby Women and Girls’ first ever Sevens summer tournament ended in triumph with the squad finishing 5th out of a possible 12th.

Along the way, the Blue, Black and White took away silverware from Stafford Sevens and beat long-established and powerful teams as they did it.

Of their achievements, Crowfoot said: "We finished 5th overall in the Super Sevens Series and top four at Bournemouth, but more importantly it’s been great to see how players have grown in confidence and skill level."

"The players have taken these skills back to their clubs and made an impact, leading to some gaining more caps and competing at premiership and championship levels. I’m excited to see some of the Sevens stars take to the field this weekend and hopefully the experiences over the summer has given them the confidence to express themselves this Saturday."

GUESS YOUR TEAMMATES: BEN SPENCER & MAX GREEN

Ben Spencer and Max Green attempt to describe their teammates for the other to guess... how do you think they did?

THE LATEST FROM BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION

Who we are We’re a charity that helps young people who need all kinds of emotional, practical, and physical support - but don’t get it.

What we do We put our hearts and souls into helping any challenged young person stop feeling judged, crushed, or underestimated and start feeling self-assured, hopeful, and happy.

How we do it We re-ignite confidence and self-worth in young people and give them the life skills and opportunities to not only survive but to thrive in the world.

Where we do it Every year we change the lives of thousands of young people by being active in their communities, schools or at our home at the Rec.

VOLUNTEER TODAY

We'd like to use our space in this week's programme to thank the amazing runners who took part in the Bath Half last weekend.

Running in aid of Bath Rugby Foundation, the runners took on the 13.1 mile course throughout the heart of Bath, cheered on by crowds of supporters.

The Bath Half is an event that brings the community together in the most memorable way. Whether running to raise money, to reach a personal goal or to give back to a charity that are close to the heart, we at the Foundation are so thankful to all of our amazing runners.

DONATE TODAY

WELCOME TO THE REC FROM BRSC

Whilst we all want our own teams to perform well and win, the bigger picture is the “wider rugby family”, the wellbeing of the game we all love and support for our fellow teams and supporters from around the country.

Our hopes and thoughts must be with all those associated with Wasps and Worcester Warriors, at this time, wishing them all a speedy and satisfactory outcome to their present troubles.

What a great prospect – the first 'Double Header' of the 2022-23 season.

After another improved performance last Saturday against Saracens, we welcome the team, staff and supporters from Northampton Saints today, for the Gallagher Premiership match, with kick-off at 15:00 and then Bath Rugby Ladies take on Old Albanian Saints, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30.

BRSC continues to support and promote ladies’ rugby at Bath. We are working closely with both Sarah Burgess (Head of Bath Rugby Ladies) and Maria Crowfoot (Bath Rugby, Development Lead (Women & Girls)) and have agreed to sponsor two players from Bath Rugby Ladies team for the current season and are very close to announcing their names.

Your BRSC Committee is working hard to arrange a programme of events for the 2022/23 season and we have some new ideas, which we think you will enjoy, combined with our trusted and very popular traditional evenings, including “Ask the Ref”, where Tony Spreadbury has again agreed to inform and entertain us, in his new role as EPCR, Head of Match Officials and Dave Stock will also be testing 'our little grey cells' again with his seasonal quiz. Keep watch on our website for details of dates and times.

We will very shortly be confirming details of an exciting 'An Evening with...' two recently retired and very popular players, so keep viewing our revamped and updated website for the latest information.

Have you voted yet in our newly formatted 'Try of the Month'?

Voting for September Try of the Month closes on 24 October 2022 and can be assessed from a link on our website at allez-bath.co.uk. Here, all Bath Rugby supporters are welcome to vote but only BRSC Members, who vote for the winning try, will be entered into a draw for a £25.00 Gift Token (September’s token to be redeemed at the Bath Rugby Shop, later month’s Tokens will be from some of our other Discount Partners), and we hope to be presenting the Token’s pitchside, before a 'home' game.

Jason Scott, Bath Rugby Shop Manager, will be leaving at the end of November to take up a new job and BRSC would like to thank Jason for all his help and assistance in the past and wish him and his family, well for the future – also best wishes to Jess who takes over.

Don’t forget, in addition to the Gift Token you can always claim your 10% Discount in the Bath Rugby Shop as a BRSC Member, merely on production of a valid Membership Card.

Matchday Ambassadors

Bath Rugby has recently introduced its Matchday Ambassador initiative, aimed at improving the match day experience for all spectators. Under the leadership of Eve Clements (Bath Rugby, Supporter Relationship Manager) this is proving very popular and gaining great momentum. So, watch out for the Matchday Ambassadors who will guide and assist with your enquires as you enter the Stadium – this presence will be expanded as the season progresses. Many thanks to Ceri Hall as BRSC’s first volunteer Matchday Ambassador.

If you want to join BRSC, one of the oldest Supporters’ Clubs in the Premiership, please come and see us at our gazebo (behind and opposite the big screen) or in the Swift Half, where we will be on Gallagher Premiership home matchdays (from gates open, until 30 minutes before kick-off) – the price of Membership starts at £10 per season, for a single Member, which would more than easily be covered by using the discounts accepted by our many and varied Discount Partners – all you have to do is present your valid BRSC Membership Card at the till.

For the weekend's Double Header, BRSC will maintain our representation in the Swift Half (only) between the games.

BRSC COMMITTEE VACANCY - We currently have a vacancy for a Committee Member and are looking for a volunteer to fill the position. If you would like more information about joining the Committee please contact us via the Chairman, on the following email Chairman@allez-bath.co.uk