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BATH RUGBY V SALE SHARKS

ROUND 2 GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP

By Bath Rugby

September 16^th, 2022

A PRAYER ON THE DEATH OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

Gracious God, we give thanks for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth,

for her faith and her dedication to duty.

Bless our nation as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

A WELCOME FROM TARQUIN MCDONALD

Good afternoon and a warm welcome back for our first home game of the season against Sale Sharks.

Over the past week, it has been a time of reflection following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For many of us she has been a constant in our lives, particularly in tough times, and her quiet calm impact on our country has been significant.

We will honour her life with a minute’s silence before kick-off followed by the National Anthem – God Save The King.

We understand the rescheduling of last weekend’s fixture by Premiership Rugby caused challenges for our supporters and we greatly appreciate those who attended the match against Bristol Bears as well as those who followed the game at home via the Match Centre.

It was gutting not to win, but I’m sure supporters who were there, or who have watched the game back, saw the significant improvement in our performance. We will be looking for another strong performance on what is set to be an exciting afternoon at The Rec.

Away from the field, supply chain issues have affected the global sporting market with many organisations across a number of sports experiencing late deliveries on kit. We understand it is frustrating for supporters not to be kitted out in our latest items ahead of the 2022/23 season getting underway.

Our new home, away and European jerseys arrived in store this week, and a huge thank you must go to those of you who were quick in to purchase and show your support to Johann and the team. Training wear will be on sale the following week.

The pitch at The Rec looks great, the forecast is sunshine, everything is set up and ready to go, just waiting for you to arrive and cheer on Johann and the team. From everyone at the club, welcome to The Rec, let’s have a fantastic afternoon.

Enjoy the match, COYB!

Tarquin

WE WANT TO BRING SUPPORTERS ON OUR JOURNEY - VAN GRAAN

Good afternoon everyone,

I hope you are all well and well rested after the summer break.

Saturday will be a special day for us all to come together for the first time in the 2022/23 season. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a number of supporters during my time at the club so far with every interaction a positive one.

Something I have said throughout my time here so far, and something I am going to be continuous on is the connection between the club, community and the city. This city bleeds rugby and as we embark on our journey, we want to bring supporters on that journey with us.

We must respect the past, but we want to look forward. The supporters want to see their team perform and whilst they know their team won’t always win, they want to see effort on the pitch. Hopefully our supporters who made the short trip to Ashton Gate saw a side who were tough to beat which is something we have been working on since 11 July.

We were disappointed to not come away with the win against Bristol Bears and if the drop goal at the end had gone a metre the other way then Round 1 would have been a different story for us.

We said we would see improvement and we got that from the team; I’m incredibly proud of the effort from the players. Apart from the result I couldn’t ask for more.

As a club, we understand the difficulties supporters experienced around watching their team last weekend. Everyone is greatly appreciative of your support, and we look forward to welcoming you back to The Rec.

Johann

VISIT THATCHERS

SPEND YOUR SATURDAY AT THE REC!

Bath Rugby are back in action at The Rec this Saturday and there is still time for you to join us!

Tickets remain available from just £15 for a junior and £30 for an adult as Johann van Graan’s side host Sale Sharks in the first home game of the Gallagher Premiership campaign (kick-off 15:00) for what is set to be an exciting afternoon of action on and off the field.

There is something for everyone - on the field, 239 points have collectively been scored in the past five meetings between the two sides and off the field there is a lot of activity going on at The Rec!

The NEW Bath Rugby home, away and European jerseys will also be on sale at the Bath Rugby Shop on Argyle Street and the mobile shop at The Rec so you can kit yourself out in the latest gear whilst cheering on the boys in Blue, Black and White!

SECURE YOUR SEAT!

THE KIT HAS ARRIVED!

Bath Rugby 2022/23 home, away and European shirts are now available to purchase online and in store.

The home jersey is inspired by the Heineken Cup win in 1998 while the away jersey was first worn at Bristol Bears in Round 1 of the Gallagher Premiership.

Both jerseys, and the European design, were filmed in partnership with the club's Official AV and Technology partner, Bendac.

Get kitted out in your favourite jersey!

PRTV LIVE IS BACK!

If you are unable to watch us in person at The Rec against Sale Sharks, then PRTV Live is the next best thing!

Premiership Rugby's streaming service is back for its second season and gives supporters the chance to watch all Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches not broadcast on BT Sport or ITV – so you don’t have to miss any of the action!

A PRTV Live Season Pass is £99.99 to watch all PRTV Live games this Season – available here now
Pay once and get instant access all season without having to buy passes for specific games

Match and Round passes are available to purchase:

A Match Pass is £4.99 to watch the game of your choice
A Round Pass is £6.99 to watch any of the fixtures included for a round of Gallagher Premiership Rugby
You can watch matches on the Premiership Rugby website or on the free Premiership Rugby app
Click here to register and purchase matches

DISCIPLINARY VERDICT: NIALL ANNETT

Niall Annett attended an independent disciplinary hearing on Tuesday 13 September, chaired by Sam Hillas KC (Chair) sitting with Daniel Gore and Olly Kohn.

Annett received a red card for acts contrary to good sportsmanship, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.27, for running some distance to get involved in a melee during the match against Bristol Bears on 10 September. Annett accepted the charge.

He received a two-week ban and will miss the following two games:

17 September v Sale Sharks

23 September v Wasps

INJURY UPDATE

Bath Rugby Head of Medical Services Rory Murray has provided a squad injury update after the Round 1 match against Bristol Bears.

Chris Cloete

Chris suffered a minor knee injury against Bristol Bears. He will continue to be reviewed by the club’s medical staff.

Matt Gallagher and Johannes Jonker

Matt and Johannes will miss Saturday’s match after sustaining concussion injuries against Bristol Bears. They will follow the graduated return to play protocol and aim to be available for selection against Wasps.

Beno Obano

Beno will see a specialist for his injury sustained on Saturday. It is unrelated to any previous knee injury. We will learn more after this weekend.

Tom Ellis and Miles Reid are both fully fit and are available for selection. Darren Atkins and Max Wright are back in full training and are building their way to match fitness.

VISIT TRIBUTE

WHAT'S ON AT THE REC THIS SATURDAY

We are very excited to welcome fans back to The Rec this weekend for Round 2 of the Gallagher Premiership.

Here’s what you can find as you join us to ring in the 2022/23 season as the Blue, Black and White take on Sale Sharks.

Over 100 Bath legends return
Q&As with Matt Garvey, Francois Louw, Kevin Yates and Martin Haag
Get your hands on the NEW KIT!
Live music from The Sundowns
NEW food and beverage suppliers
Refreshed Clubhouse
Mascot Max!
Face painting
Fan radio
Pre-order app
Digital ticket

Find out more

YOUR RED CAR

BECOMING CAPTAIN: BEN SPENCER

Just before the 2022/23 season got underway, Ben Spencer was confirmed as captain for the new season. Find out how Head of Rugby Johann van Graan revealed the news to the scrum-half and how he feels about taking on the responsibility.

THE DOUBLE HEADER WILL RETURN TO THE REC IN OCTOBER!

Bath Rugby Ladies will make their return to The Rec for the third time in just over a year as the double header returns!

John Gould’s side will take on Old Albanian Saints on Saturday 22 October (kick-off 17:30) following the men’s Gallagher Premiership match against Northampton Saints earlier in the day.

Over 5,000 people stayed behind following Bath Rugby’s league games with Saracens and Sale Sharks to see Bath Rugby Ladies in action, and they did not disappoint!

Producing some scintillating rugby, the Women’s Championship South 1 outfit scored over 120 points across the two games – events which showcased the strong ambition to grow women’s rugby in the region.

Bath Rugby Women and Girls Development Lead Maria Crowfoot said: Arming with our local amateur women’s rugby club and the continuation of the double-header is huge for women and girls’ game in our region.

“To have female players on the big stage offers an opportunity for young girls in and around Bath to see and achieve their goals of one day representing their city at The Rec.”

Bath Rugby Ladies finished third in the league last season with 16 wins from 18 games, just missing out on a place in the play-offs to OA Saints.

October’s visitors pipped Bath on points difference with both teams picking up a win against each other in the regular campaign.

“Our two matches at The Rec last season were special,” Head Coach Gould said.

“Having double-headers at The Rec means the world to our players who were extremely appreciative of the support given to them on both occasions. I’m sure supporters enjoyed the rugby they produced.

“The Rec is a fitting venue to face a team of Old Albanian Saints’ calibre and it is one we are incredibly excited for. We went toe-to-toe with each other last season at the top end of the table and we hope we will be competing up there throughout the 2022/23 campaign too.”

Tickets to Bath Rugby Ladies v Old Albanian Saints are FREE following the men’s fixture with the link to sign up for free tickets below*.

GET YOUR FREE TICKETS!

Ticket holders for Bath Rugby v Northampton Saints will not need to register and will automatically gain free access to the women’s fixture.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR BATH RUGBY V NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

IT'S BEEN AN EASY TRANSITION - FRANCIS

Last weekend’s match against Bristol Bears was almost the perfect start of the season for Bath Rugby and fly-half Piers Francis.

The summer signing from Northampton Saints earned his first start in Blue, Black and White last weekend, kicking 19 points from the tee – not missing a single kick – in the 31-29 loss to Bristol Bears.

In dying embers of the match, the England international stuck his hand up to strike a drop goal with the clock in the red which unfortunately faded wide with Bath settling for a losing bonus point.

As he points out, there has not been much time to dwell on the defeat with another game just around the corner as Sale Sharks visit The Rec on Saturday.

“We’ll grow from it, and we’ll get better,” Francis said of the Bristol result.

“The nature of footy and this league is you have a day to think about it and then you’ve got to move on to the next job.

“We were back in on Monday morning and now we’re focused on Sale at home. It’s the journey we’re on and we’re looking forward to rectifying it and get a result on the weekend.”

Francis has settled nicely into life at Bath courtesy of a supportive group of teammates and staff around him.

He has played at The Rec several times with Northampton, but his opportunity to pull on a home jersey in front of the Blue, Black and White faithful is fast approaching.

“15:00 kick-off on a Saturday… you can’t get much better!” the 32-year-old commented.

“It’s really exciting for us with it being our first home game, the first home game for me personally, and we’re looking forward to it. It’s a great place to have a home because I feel it can be a fortress as it’s a difficult place to come and play. I’m really looking forward to having the crowd on my side this time!

“My parents came up for the Bristol game and this Saturday it’ll be my fiancé and the wee man – I need to get him a little shirt! It’ll be nice to have them there on Saturday afternoon and it’ll be fun.”

Francis added: “It’s been an easy transition for the family and I which is good. It has helped me settle in and try and get the best out of myself. As soon as I feel comfortable and gain respect, which I’ve still got to get - from the club, the players, the staff and the fans - then hopefully my game will flourish even more.

“We’re very much focused on ourselves and our process. We want to satisfy ourselves and fans with points to get us up that table.

“Let’s hope the rain stays off and it’s a good day for us.”

Bath Rugby withstood a spirited second-half Sale Sharks fightback to register a 16-14 victory back in December 2019.

The Blue, Black and White led 6-0 at half-time through Rhys Priestland's penalty, before a Jonathan Joseph try extended their lead after the break.

Akker van der Merwe and Byron McGuigan then both touched down in the space of four minutes as Sale struck back.

But Priestland's third kick from the tee restored Bath's advantage. And the hosts safely navigated their way through the final nine minutes to secure victory.

Bath Rugby: Homer; Rokoduguni, Joseph, Roberts, Watson; Priestland, Chudley; Obano, Dunn, Stuart, McNally, Stooke, Ellis, Louw, Faletau. Replacements: Walker, Boyce, Judge, Garvey, Bayliss, Cook, Burns, Brew.

Sale Sharks: Ashton; Solomona, S James, Van Rensburg, McGuigan; R du Preez, De Klerk; Oosthuizen, Van der Merwe, John, Evans, Phillips, J Ross, T Curry, D du Preez. Replacements: Webber, Harrison, Cooper-Woolley, JL du Preez, B Curry, Cliff, MacGinty, Yarde.

THE OPPOSITION

Sale Sharks' 2022/23 season was also delayed by the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as they moved from Friday to Sunday on the opening round of Gallagher Premiership fixtures.

Manu Tuilagi returned following knee surgery and Josh Beaumont was back in a matchday 23 for the first time in over a year. Former Exeter Chiefs wing Tom O'Flaherty also featured for the Sharks who were missing injured fly-half George Ford and England international Jonny Hill.

Five points were earned by Alex Sanderson's side who scored four tries in a 29-22 win over Northampton Saints, despite a late surge from the visitors.

Sale lost a host of their huge South African contingency in Faf De Klerk, JP Du Preez, Lood De Jager and Rohan van Rensburg this summer, but have made some shrewd signings to complement a number of talented homegrown players. They will hope for another season of competing for play-off rugby.

ONE TO WATCH - MANU TUILAGI

He is the man every English fan hopes is fit when international rugby comes around.

Manu Tuilagi is back in action, fit and healthy after another torrid period sidelined through injury.

He broke through at Leicester Tigers 13 years ago and remains an integral part of England Head Coach Eddie Jones' plans ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

For Sale, Tuilagi has showed his worth in glimpses since moving to Manchester from Welford Road and is a huge physical threat in the heart of their midfield.

MEET ABDUL-KHALIK AKENZUA AL KAREEM

School: Downside School

Club: North Dorset RFC

Position: Back Row

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

A Residential at Marlborough College.

What are your dream goals in rugby?

I would like to play for England.

What do you get up to outside of rugby?

I'm into gaming and watch Netflix.

Who has had the biggest impact on your development?

Alex Burns. He was my rugby coach at Downside School.

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

I want people to say that I was a hard worker on and off the pitch.

A GOOD START FOR BEECHEN CLIFF!

Beechen Cliff got their 2022 ACE League season off to flying start, on the road at SGS Filton on Wednesday.

The Bath Rugby partnership school scored eight tries in a stunning 56-26 win. 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.

After an impeccably observed minutes’ silence in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, England Under-18 tighthead prop Billy Sela opened the scoring early on with a try from close range. Fellow prop Harry Culverhouse produced the champagne moment of the game a few minutes later when he burst through a gap in the midfield, dummied the full-back and went under the posts.

Filton came back strongly with their own try shortly afterwards but then, after a prolonged period of forward dominance, Sela barged over the line for his second. Right wing and debutant Henry Bartlett scored a rapid brace of tries just before half-time, demonstrating that Beechen Cliff could dominate on the edges just as much as they could upfront.

Beechen Cliff rang the changes at half-time giving vital ACE League experience to the younger members of the squad. They proved to be very much up to the job, creating the opportunities for centre Rory Crum to show his pace on the outside for a fantastic pair of tries. Sela completed his short-range hat trick shortly afterwards, before taking a well-earned rest.

Another England Under-18 tourist Raff Weston, who controlled the game masterfully from fly half, was immaculate from the tee, converting all eight tries. To their great credit Filton fought back to secure a bonus point of their own in the dying minutes of the game.

Skipper James Short was delighted with his team’s disciplined performance.

“The boys have worked so hard during the pre-season and, for the first game, there were so many positive elements to reflect on as we build towards next Wednesday’s tough challenge versus Truro College at home. All support would be most welcome!”

DRAW YOUR TEAMMATE!

In the first of our new NextGen series, Jaco Cozetee, Wesley White and Aranos Coetzee attempt to draw each other! Maybe stick to rugby lads...

BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION’S SUMMER

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.

Click here to donate!

An update from Lynne Fernquest, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby Foundation

Every year Bath Rugby Foundation works with around 4,000 children and young people – building the confidence and lifeskills which enable them to thrive as adults.

We have been doing this in the heart of our community for 18 years.

Summer can be a tough time for many of the children we work with. When schools break up for the holidays, you’d expect most children to feel relief; a care-free time ahead, but for over 4,000 children in our community, the loss of their school day also means the loss of their school meal.

Families already battling daily with low budgets face the added pressure of paying for additional holiday childcare and the heart-breaking reality that there isn’t enough money to pay for the additional food.

Working across B&NES at multiple hubs, Bath Rugby Foundation and partners this summer delivered a fun and powerful package of activities, and nutritious food, aimed at those struggling the most. There we close to 1,000 attendances and we will be back again at Christmas doing the same.

It is proven that if a child experiences hunger for a prolonged period during the school holidays that the inequality already in existence between children from wealthier and poorer backgrounds grows even wider.

To make this story even harder to hear, those young people most at risk of holiday hunger are more likely to suffer from social isolation and loneliness. The devastating impact of the pandemic on the mental and physical health of families on low incomes, disengaged teenagers and young adults is now starting to become clear.

Our uncomfortable truth is that we live in one of the most unequal cities in the UK. We are not immune to the child hunger crisis that our country is facing but we believe by working together and creating opportunities for all of our children and young people, we can make our city somewhere where everyone is equipped with the tools to and succeed.

Because we know developing all young people creates stronger communities, and stronger communities are better for everyone.

Bath Rugby Foundation cannot do any of this amazing work without your support. If you would like to find out more about our charity and how you can help then please email me at lynne.fernquest@bathrugbyfoundation.com

Become a volunteer!

WELCOME BACK!

Bath Rugby Supporters' Club (BRSC) is one of the largest independent supporters’ clubs dating back 25 years, having been formed in 1997. BRSC is, and always has been, independent from Bath Rugby. It is a supporters’ club run by supporters.

You can find out more about BRSC and how to join us on our website or visit us on matchdays at our stands behind and opposite the big screen or in the Swift Half.

On behalf of our members, the committee would like to pay its respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and say thank you for your remarkable reign.

Bath Rugby start a period of rebuilding under a new coaching set-up and several new players. The hopes and expectations of fans begin with a new journey under a new regime. We will not really be able to gauge our progress until we are a lot further into the season. Johann van Graan says, 'judge me in a year'; however, I believe we can judge him on one aspect now. He very quickly understood Bath Rugby. From the passion of the supporters and unique setting of the ground, Bath has the most loyal of all fanbases; many of us attend regardless of the weather and lack of protection from the elements, at a ground that constantly reaches attendances in the upper echelon of its capacity. The fans, even after the poorest season in memory, once again cleared the shelves of season tickets with remarkable rapidity.

This weekend, members of the new coaching team and host of players will experience for themselves what some Bath fans in the past have taken for granted; the unique atmosphere at The Rec. The proximity to the pitch, the intensity of the crowded stands and a setting at the heart of a world heritage city produces an atmosphere rarely replicated at other rugby grounds.

Last season, in the depths of our despair, The Rec came more alive than I can ever remember, wiling and cheering the team to success; even at our height, I cannot recall a season with such a vocal and supportive crowd. We have a part to play in rebuilding the fortunes of the team and our challenge, as fans, is to replicate and improve on the vocal support this season. Let’s do our part to lift the team and send them victorious. Judging by the performance against Bristol, we maybe a little further along the rebuilding path than we thought.

25th Anniversary and BRSC Awards Dinner

Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club celebrated its 25th Anniversary in stye this year. The oldest supporters club in the Premiership combined annual awards with a celebratory dinner held at the Hilton Hotel in Bath. We welcomed Johann van Graan and his coaching team, as well as over a dozen players who joined us on our tables for a truly memorable evening. This year’s winners were:

Player of the Season Ben Spencer

Try of the Season Semesa Rokoduguni

Young Player of the Season Orlando Bailey

Academy Player of the Season Max Ojomoh

Unsung Hero of the Season Ben Spencer

Personality of the Season Tom Dunn

The community award for services to BRSC and Bath Rugby was awarded to all the Bath Rugby support staff for their enduring efforts during the pandemic and unseen impact they bring to matchdays and Bath Rugby.

Membership of BRSC starts at £5 for juniors and £10 for adults. Family memberships are also available. For full details, see our new and improved website at Allez-Bath.co.uk or simple Google Allez Bath.