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BATH RUGBY V SALE SHARKS

By Bath Rugby

May 13^th, 2021

COACH'S CORNER: STUART HOOPER

Dear supporter,

For large parts of last week's game, we did some good stuff and we didn’t maximise our opportunities and were on the wrong end of a strong second-half performance from Bristol.

We are determined to get back out there and go to work again. As a group we have a huge amount of hunger and desire to perform well and put in a winning performance on Friday night.

As you all know, we love playing under the lights at the Rec and our match against Sale Sharks will be the last time we will play without the backing of our supporters.

It is a message I’ve reiterated but it’s an important one to relay. The Rec just isn’t the same without you and we are relishing the opportunity to connect with you on a matchday whether that is in the city beforehand, outside the changing rooms or pitchside over the hoardings.

The Northampton Saints game will be one to cherish as we welcome back a small percentage of supporters back to our home but before then, we have a job to do for everyone at home who continue to support us every week.

Thank you and enjoy the game,

Hoops

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN: CHARLIE EWELS

Hi all,

I want to start by thanking you for your continued support of this team, our club. We have missed having you with us at the Rec but rest assured, your support has been heard and all your messages have been appreciated by every single person at the club.

It is strange to think this will be our last home game without fans. It’s been a long road without you and you honestly give the players such a buzz on a matchday. The noise you make for every tackle, every kick, every try scored is something none of us will take for granted.

We can’t wait to run through that tunnel and hear the roar of the Blue, Black and White faithful - it’s been a long time coming!

But first, our focus is on Sale Sharks. We are determined to bounce back from last week’s result against Bristol Bears and put in a performance to be proud of. A performance you can be proud of.

Finally, there has been a lot of focus on Kyle Sinckler’s interview following last weekend’s match. Kyle was extremely open and honest with his emotions and to do so on live TV is very commendable. Talking is so crucial to good mental health and men in particular can find it difficult to open up; I hope Kyle inspired others to do the same, professionally or personally.

Best wishes,

Charlie

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BATH RUGBY LAUNCH TUNNEL MENTALITY PODCAST

Bath Rugby is delighted to introduce a new podcast – Tunnel Mentality.

The podcast delves into the minds of professional athletes and identifies coping mechanisms to deal with mental health challenges.

In line with Mental Health Awareness Week, which seeks to raise awareness and tackle the stigma surrounding mental health, Tom Giles (Marketing Manager) and Garin Vivian (Community Events Coordinator) - who both work for the club’s community team – have created a podcast for those who are searching for helpful information, tools and practices to improve their mental and physical health - and that of those closest to them.

We are looking to inspire positive change within our community, ensuring the topic of mental health is constantly discussed, and enabling more people to speak openly about their experiences.

Our first guest is Bath Rugby wing Ruaridh McConnochie, who chats openly and honestly about his experiences with mental health, as well as the recent #DrawTheLine campaign to tackle online abuse.

LISTEN HERE

STOOKE TO DEPART AFTER FIVE SEASONS

Elliott Stooke will depart Bath Rugby for Wasps at the end of the 2020/21 campaign after five seasons at the club.

The 27-year-old made his debut for the Blue, Black and White in a 58-5 victory over Newcastle Falcons in 2016 and has, to date, made a further 128 appearances.

A hugely lovable character within the squad, Stooke has made many lifelong friends at the Rec, and insists the move is "one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make".

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity to pull on the Bath shirt over the past five years,” he said.

“The memories I have made on and off the field will live with me for the rest of my life. I have made lifelong friends during my time here.

“It has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, but now feels like the right time to experience something new.

“I will miss all the boys, staff and supporters. Everyone has been brilliant and I’ll be forever grateful to everyone who has been on this journey with me.”

On Stooke’s departure, Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said: “Stookey has been an outstanding member of our squad for the past five years - to play over 125 games in that time is an incredible achievement.

“I will miss Elliott but know he has made the right decision and I wish him all the best at Wasps.”

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ELLIOTT STOOKE | WATCH NOW

BATH RUGBY GOLD RANGE

Bath Rugby has partnered up with global sports equipment manufacturing company Callaway to bring you Bath Rugby branded golf gear. From blue, black and white tees too golf balls, we've got a whole range of must buy golf necessitates.

Check out our Official Online Shop to check out the exclusive range now!

SHOP NOW

BATH RUGBY UNSEEN: WATCH NOW

VIEW THATCHERS CLOUDY LEMON

THE MATAVESI BROS

Bath Rugby's Josh Matavesi, Sam Matavesi of Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons centre Joel Matavesi have a close brotherly connection.

They have experienced a lot in lives with their mother dying by suicide while their father has become paralysed later in their life.

The trio chat extremely openly, honestly and bravely about their emotions and personal experiences.

Bath won their third successive Premiership game with a bonus-point win, defeating Sale Sharks at the back end of the 2019/20 season.

Ben Spencer twice crossed with Sharks players in the sin-bin and Rhys Priestland was perfect from the tee.

Bath's opening try came from Ruaridh McConnochie and Jonathan Joseph confirmed the extra point that lifted Bath above Sale in the table.

Rohan Janse van Rensburg, and twins Jean-Luc du Preez and Daniel du Preez scored the hosts' tries.

BATH RUGBY V SALE SHARKS

Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks haven’t met at the Rec since December 2019 with the Blue, Black and Whites winning that day and two games at the AJ Bell that have since followed.

Stuart Hooper’s men overcame Alex Sanderson’s side back in February in freezing conditions with a late home converted try narrowing the scoreline to 27-22 with the clock in the red.

Tom de Glanville, who returned to action last weekend, was on the scoresheet that day and says it’s one of the most enjoyable games in a Bath jersey.

READ PREVIEW IN FULL

SEASON SO FAR

Sale Sharks are currently third in the Gallagher Premiership and eyeing up a finish in the top four.

They are nine points ahead of fifth-placed Northampton Saints, and only four behind Exeter Chiefs, as they continue their pursuit for a home semi-final.

With Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson joining the Manchester side from Saracens earlier this year, the Sharks have found their stride, winning eight of of eleven fixtures since February.

Credited for their strength in defence, and with an eye for flair in attack, Sale claimed victory over Leicester Tigers in round 18, star fly-half AJ MacGinty setting up a try and scoring 16 points - adding to his April tally of 12 conversions, 10 penalties and two tries

Marland Yarde and Byron McGuigan are top of the Sale try scoring charts with six to their name, followed by Simon Hammersley (3).

Back rower Tom Curry was recently selected for the British & Irish Lions squad to tour South Africa this summer, after impressing in club and England colours. Teammate Faf de Klerk, who is likely to face off against Curry in a Springbok jersey, has continued to be a significant influence for the club.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bath Rugby have enjoyed a good run of results against Sale Sharks, winning four of the last six meetings (D1, L1).

Other than the September 2020 meeting which saw the Blue, Black and White run out comprehensive 37-22 winners, each of those games has been decided by one score or, in the case of the December 2018 meeting, drawn.

The 2018/19 head-to-heads saw two low scoring affairs (7-7 draw, 6-3 to Sale) but the fixtures since have included 16 tries.

Semesa Rokoduguni has four tries against Sale while Denny Solomona has crossed three times against Bath.

Ben Spencer, Zach Mercer, Josh Bayliss and Jonathan Joseph all have two scores to their name, and the same can be said for Byron McGuigan, Daniel du Preez and Jean Luc du Preez in the Sharks camp.

Rhys Priestland leads the most amount of points scored by a player in both squad with 56. Sale’s AJ MacGinty has collected 39 points.

ONES TO WATCH

SAM JAMES

After a breakthrough year in 2015/16 - in which he was the joint winner of the Sharks’ Young Player of the Season award - Sam James surpassed 50 appearances for the Sharks last season. Having made his Premiership debut against Northampton Saints in April 2014, more than a year after first pulling on a Sharks shirt in the Anglo Welsh Cup, Sam has become a leading player in the Sale backline alongside brother Luke.

TOM CURRY

After making his England debut in 2017, Tom Curry has gone from strength-to-strength and is now one of the most recognised names on the international scene. A pest at the breakdown and a strong carrier, Curry turns 23 years old this summer, and will mark the occasion by taking on the Springboks as a British & Irish Lion.

FAF DE KLERK

Someone Curry is likely to take on in South Africa is World Cup winner Faf de Klerk. He joined Sale at the beginning of the 2017/18 season and has made a huge impact at the AJ Bell. His consistency at club and international level led to a World Player of the Year nomination in his first year with the Sharks before going on to become a World Champion.

ELLIS PROUD TO BE BATH RUGBY'S LATEST CENTURION

History will show the games which accumulated in Tom Ellis' 100th Bath cap but, as the 26-year-old insists, the work started well before his debut in 2014.

The Somerset-born forward came on as a replacement against Bristol Bears last weekend to make it a century of outings in Blue, Black and White – the latest in a long line of Academy graduates to do so.

“I’m really proud to have actually got there,” he said of his achievement.

“When you get to 100 games, everyone goes from debut but there is a huge amount of work that goes before that, and when you get your debut you couldn’t even imagine getting to 100 – you’re just buzzing to get on the pitch!

“A few years ago when I hit 50 it didn’t feel like a milestone, I think 100 is really where you want to get to. I wouldn’t have got there without a lot of support from friends and family along the way; those guys have massively helped me through.”

Ellis’ debut came in Europe against Glasgow Warriors, before going to earn his first Premiership start alongside now Director of Rugby, Stuart Hooper.

He credits wins over Sale Sharks in rugby’s restart and victories over Saracens as standout moments throughout his career thus far, and is grateful to have played with a number of players at Bath for such a prolonged period.

“No one would have seen it happening at the start of the year, two second-year Academy kids!” says Ellis, reflecting on him and captain Charlie Ewels coming on as replacements against Glasgow.

“There have been some big performances throughout my time getting to 100 and there will always be those performances.

“I’m fortunate to have spent many years with quite a few of the same people. Rhys Priestland was a new signing in my second year. JJ and Anthony came at a similar time, Henry Thomas too. Those guys have been around the place for a long period of time. Ross Batty was always here, Nathan Catt, Dave Attwood, Francois Louw….there are a few boys there who I’ve enjoyed playing with, learning from and who have now become mates.”

Ellis’ journey has not always been plain sailing, with injuries sustained over his seven years as a professional.

He has been fortunate to have a fantastic support network through the hard times and now wants to give back to the younger players at the club to aid their development.

“In my career so far, I’ve had some decent highs, and some decent lows, mainly through injury, and I’m very grateful to the club for keeping the faith and looking after me through those times.

“My fiancé, Grace, my mum and dad have always been there and I’ve always had them to fall back on. Friends sometimes appreciate what you’re going through a little bit more as they’re a lot closer to the rugby environment so that’s been really important.

“The club is really good at looking after people through difficult times and in the difficult moments.

"We have Joe Dixon (Sports Performance Psychologist) in at the moment who is always there as a sounding board for how you’re feeling. I’ve leant on the medical department a lot through difficult times; those guys are amazing. They have never got too much on, they’ve always got time for you which has been great.”

Ellis continued: “There have been some big names throughout my time so far at the club who have always been very good with younger guys. Now I’m in a position of 100 games I want to be looking at the likes of Ethan, Ewan and the other younger guys and giving them a helping hand.

“I quite enjoy my coaching. The times I enjoy coaching the most are when people are receptive and people want to get better. Of course you’re going to get that from people in this environment. I do enjoy that. I look back to my first few years at the club and the likes of Hoops and Dave Attwood massively helped me and Charlie. It’s just little snippets of information which they gave that I really appreciated and I think it’s really important.”

Ellis was able to achieve his 100th Bath outing in front of his fiancé Grace and daughter Bella. It was the first time the latter has watched the former Millfield School student in action - something he will never forget.

“It was very surreal after the game going to see Bella; I haven’t seen her directly after a game before so it was quite cool to do that.

“Again, thank you to the club for allowing them both to be there because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for them both to be there on my 100th game.”

“AROUND PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT, MENTAL HEALTH IS MASSIVE."

Preparing young players for the ins and outs of professional rugby is a balancing act. It's not only the performance on the pitch that counts, but also the ability to step into the surroundings off it.

On a matchday, Gallagher Premiership clubs will have a few additional bodies outside of their 23 who warm-up prior to kick-off, ready to step in if the unfortunate event of an injury occurs.

Bath Rugby Academy adopt a similar approach, with youngsters attending matches in a non-playing capacity, assessing the surroundings that they hope to step into.

“We had a load of 16-year-olds who came with us to the Under-18s match on Saturday, so they get used to what it feels like on a matchday,” Academy Manager Craig Lilley said.

“It gets them used to the environment and helps them socially with talking to people, so when they get put in at some point it’s not all new to them, they’ve kind of half experienced it.

“You see clubs do it really well in different ways. For example, they might get a young 10 to do some kicking at half-time in front of a crowd, just so they can align to the environment they are coming into.”

Several teens in the pathway have earned the right to do this with the first team this season, with some having progressed to feature in the league and Europe competition.

One in particular, Orlando Bailey, has become accustomed to a game day routine through his involvement with the senior side over the past few months, which Lilley believes will stand him in good stead for the future.

He said: “From a development point of view, for him to have had experience like Zebre is invaluable.

“Travelling to a different country, staying in a hotel and in a bed he’s never stayed in before, and playing in conditions he’s not used to against a team who are stacked with internationals was a huge experience.

“For him to get through that game, then play in all these other games, is massive for him in the long run.”

The Academy’s method of integrating younger players into the system is part of developing their knowledge of the Bath environment.

It is also a nod towards a player’s mental health and providing the right platform, and correct information, for each person to succeed.

“Around people development, mental health is massive,” Lilley said.

“We do lots of workshops and presentations; we would have someone externally come in and do a talk on mental health. I’ve been a teacher since I was 21 and I’m 35 now, it’s getting bigger and bigger.

“You have to understand how you really challenge the players but also how you really support them. Too much challenge is unhealthy and too little challenge is comfortable so it’s trying to get that right for the individual all the time, as well as developing them in the best environment possible.”

MOGERS DREWETT JOINS THE BATH BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION 1ST XV CLUB

Bath Rugby Foundation are delighted to share news of local law firm, Mogers Drewett’s long-term pledge to support the vital work of Bath Rugby Foundation, by becoming founding members of their 1st XV Club.

As one of a number of companies and individuals that have committed to making an annual, substantial donation to the charity, we have pledged to donate, either a monetary donation or a gift in kind, with the sole aim and desire of improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people within the local community.

2020 was a tough year for everyone but for Bath’s young people already at risk of not being in education, employment or training (NEET), last year was even more of a challenge.

Bath Rugby Foundation exists to help young people that find themselves in circumstances that mean they are not able to access consistent support or quality opportunities that will allow them to thrive, due to economic deprivation or disability.

It is Bath Rugby Foundation’s ambition to grow their 1st XV Club each year, with more businesses seeking to meet their Corporate Social Responsibility ambitions.

Bath Rugby Foundation’s Corporate Fundraiser, David Trick, said: “The 1st XV Club has been a major stream of support for the Foundation, as we seek to grow our charity in order to meet the need that exists and is only likely to increase post pandemic, here in the city and within the surrounding areas.

"The fact that 20% of children in Bath are living in poverty is well documented. Twerton West is in the top 10% most deprived areas in the UK and Whiteway is in the bottom 1% in the country in its provision of education and training for children and young people.

"Bath Rugby Foundation is needed now more than ever to bridge the gap between the poorest and most affluent areas and to help build a positive, supportive community in B&NES. Having the support of an esteemed business such as Mogers Drewett means so much to us, as it enables us to offer quality support and opportunities for the young people within our community.”

Donations made by 1st XV Club members will help fund four programmes covering the Foundation’s three target areas – education, inclusion and employment.

Mogers Drewett are keen to make this pledge of support after realising more than ever before, that young people in our community need this life changing help.

Sean McDonough, Employment Partner at Mogers Drewett, said: “We have supported The Bath Rugby Foundation over the years with bikes rides and other activities but at a time when lots of companies are unable to continue their charitable support we have taken the decision that it is more important than ever for us to support those most vulnerable in our community and so we are delighted to join the 1st XV."

Tom Webb, Commercial Partner at Mogers Drewett, added: “We urge any local business that are able to provide support to get in touch with the team at The Foundation and see what a difference they make to young people’s lives”

To find out more about becoming a 1st XV Club member, please email David.trick@bathrugbyfoundation.com

WE WISH WE WERE THERE….

If you’ve read my programme notes before, you’ll be aware that whilst I’m an absolutely committed BB&W all the way through supporter, I really dislike watching our games on television! It’s not just the commentators, although to be honest there have been occasions when I’ve been forced to switch the sound off. It’s more the sense of frustration borne out of the inability to help the boys when they most need it.

I’ve written before about the sheer visceral emotion of being at the Rec during a match. Rugby’s a team game and that team includes all of us as supporters. The coaches and sports psychology experts at Farleigh have done a fantastic job in giving the boys the tools to generate the motivation and energy that they would normally gain from the Rec faithful during a game, but surely it can’t be the same.

Ask any of the players and they’ll tell you that they miss us as much as we miss them. There’s simply no substitute for being at the games in person. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, 14,500 of us in full voice might have helped tip the balance against Montpellier and also served to give the boys a lift during the difficult second half last week against a very good Bristol side.

There was a great article from Jaco Coetzee in last week’s programme about how much he’s looking forward to running out at the Rec. It’s odd to think that there are a number of players who have featured regularly since we all last got together on 1st March 2020 who have yet to experience what a proper match day in Bath feels like. It’s the whole thing; getting that “lucky shirt” out ready to set off for the game, the trip into Bath, the buzz around the city on a match day, meeting up with the “usual suspects” in the stands and above all the sense of genuine camaraderie between us and the players as we all play our part during the game. We’ve missed it and we want it back!

We’re getting there. We’d hoped that today’s game might be a “pilot” for the post – Covid return to events protocols but it didn’t work out that way, so for today we’ll need to keep sending the boys our support from an appropriate “social distance” and look forward to some of us being able to attend the Northampton game as well as anticipating how it will feel when hopefully we get back to normal in September when 21/22 kicks off.

We’re still working hard at BRSC and our next “Newsflash” will be with you soon. We’re also busy preparing for this year’s AGM and will send all Members an email about that. It’s your opportunity to help shape the way BRSC develops as we enter our 25th year, so please get involved. Some Members have asked me about renewal for next year. Don’t worry; you will all receive an automatic renewal notice just before the start of next season.

The end of this season may be in sight but the games don’t get any easier and we all know what to expect from a high flying Sale team. The boys will see a lot of our names on the tunnel wall as they run out but there are thousands more of us. Let them know we’re all behind them!