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BATH RUGBY V SARACENS

BATH RUGBY LADIES V SUPERMARINE LADIES

By Bath Rugby

October 15^th, 2021

BATH BULLETIN: TARQUIN MCDONALD

Dear supporter,

After a rare rest weekend in Round 4 of the Gallagher Premiership calendar, it is fantastic to be back home for a special occasion as we host two matches at the Rec: our Round 5 Premiership match against Saracens, and Bath Rugby Ladies’ match against Supermarine Ladies.

Firstly, we welcome the fans, players and staff of Saracens who visit the Rec for the first time since 2019 after their season in the Championship following their relegation from the Premiership for Salary Cap breaches.

Their non-compliance with the regulations was punished with a significant fine and points deductions ahead of their subsequent decision to accept relegation for the 2020/21 season.

They have served their time and with the recent news of a takeover being agreed with a consortium of investors, we wish them well as they look to draw a line under the past.

On the field, Saracens remain a team full of high-quality international players and with their remaining British & Irish Lions available for selection, we welcome the tough test they will provide as we target our first victory of the campaign.

Our attacking performance last time out at Bristol Bears was everything we are looking to build our game on, and it was excellent to see that style come to life at Ashton Gate with a string of performances from a number of homegrown Pathway players. It was also evident that if we address specifics around our discipline and set piece – areas we have focussed on ahead of today’s game - we will be in a strong position to gain more than losing bonus points.

Refereeing is such an important part of the game both in terms of match outcomes and in terms of how the game is played and enjoyed, and it has continued to be a talking point in the Premiership.

It is impossible for referees to avoid some mistakes in games, which is why the TMOs are in place especially for key decisions around points scored and penalties or cards. We maintain a regular dialogue with the Premiership refereeing group advocating a process which is constantly looking to improve and where we can get the best from our referees and TMOs for players, staff and supporters of all clubs in the Premiership.

I stated earlier that we are delighted to be hosting a double header today, as we welcome Bath Rugby Ladies to the Rec for their Championship South 1 fixture with Supermarine Ladies.

Back in May, we announced our commitment to the growth and sustainability of women and girls’ rugby. Our commitment to the women and girls’ game was set out in our roadmap to double participation across our region over the next three years, to create a sustainable pathway across the region, to provide a platform for role models and to be ready to launch a professional women’s team in the next cycle of the Allianz Premier 15s in 2023/24 partnering with Bath Rugby Ladies.

We are delighted to have recently appointed Maria Crowfoot as our new Rugby Development Lead, working with clubs across the region to achieve our goal of doubling participation across the region over the next three seasons.

The double-header marks the blossoming relationship between Bath Rugby and Bath Rugby Ladies – the women’s division of Bath RFC – and represents another step forward for us on our roadmap to increase the opportunities in the women and girls’ game.

We hope you enjoy both matches in equal measure.

Best wishes,

Tarquin

"WE ARE REALLY ENTHUSED ABOUT THE FUTURE FOR FEMALE RUGBY PLAYERS IN THE REGION"

The enforced rugby break due to the pandemic has allowed us to do lots of work behind the scenes, with the biggest news coming in the form of the partnership announcement between Bath Rugby and Bath RFC Ladies. Lots of discussion and hard work has taken place between different parties, and we are really enthused about what the future will bring both on and off the field for female rugby players in the region.

Our current squad has grown and developed during the past 18 months, and the announcement has energised and motivated the group even more. We were very proactive during the break in order to keep our players engaged throughout, and as well as Rugby Union and fitness training, we also experimented with some Rugby League and some Sevens, ensuring that when our league season started in September, we hit the ground running. Both our 1st XV and 2nd XV squads have had perfect starts, both winning two from two and sitting pretty at the top of the leagues. Our 3rd XV are also training hard in anticipation of their campaign starting at the end of this month.

Anyone that has played at the Rec before will tell you that it really is a special place to play. Rugby is part of the fabric of our wonderful city, and the Ladies players are hugely excited to have the opportunity to run out in front of the Bath fans and showcase their skills. We aim to play an exciting brand of rugby that puts ‘Bums on Seats’, so we really hope that a big crowd will be able to stay and cheer us on!

We are at the start of an exciting period for Bath Rugby and for females across the region. We’re looking forward to seeing more females of all ages and abilities get involved with rugby at their local clubs and schools; with many more opportunities to play being available. Alongside this we are exciting at the prospect of those players with the motivation and ability, to drive themselves on and be able to pull on the Blue, Black and White shirt of Bath and run out at the Rec regularly, playing in the Allianz Premier 15s league at the top of the Women’s game.

Thank you for all your support and enjoy the game!

John Gould, Bath Rugby Ladies Head Coach

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COACH'S CHECK IN: NEAL HATLEY

In this week's Coach's Check In with Compeed, Head Coach Neal Hatley chats about new recruit Joe Simpson and what he will bring to the club following confirmation of the scrum-half's loan move to the Rec.

SIMPSON JOINS ON THREE-MONTH LOAN

Earlier this week, Bath Rugby confirmed the loan signing of Joe Simpson from Gloucester.

The scrum-half has joined the Blue, Black and Whites for an initial three-month period having spent the past month with Saracens.

Simpson is an experienced nine who played over 250 times for Wasps over 13 years before departing for Kingsholm in 2019.

Linking up with Danny Cipriani for a third time, the 33-year-old arrives as injury cover for Ben Spencer and will compete for a starting berth alongside Ollie Fox, Max Green and Tom Carr-Smith.

“We are delighted to bring in a player of Joe’s Premiership quality to our group,” Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said.

“He adds great experience to our squad and will enhance the competition for the nine shirt alongside Ollie, Max and Tom whilst Ben is injured.”

EUROPEAN POOL DATES CONFIRMED

Bath Rugby's Heineken Champions Cup pool matches have been confirmed!

The Blue, Black and Whites will travel to four-time European Champions Leinster Rugby in Round 1 on Saturday 11th December (15:15 kick-off) before hosting 2020/21 runners-up La Rochelle a week later, on Saturday 18th December (13:00 kick-off).

The French side will then host Bath in Round 3 on Saturday 15th January 2022 (17:30 GMT kick-off) before the group stage ends with Leinster Rugby visiting the Rec on Saturday 22nd January 2022 (13:00 kick-off).

2021/22 TRAINING WEAR NOW AVAILABLE

Our new training wear range for the 2021/22 season is now available to buy both in-store and online!

The range this season has adopted a contemporary style with eye-catching graphics overlayed on bright colourways. The combinations of bright blue, black and bold red offer a modern twist on a classic Bath Rugby style.

Training wear is a way of life for us at the club, it’s our uniform, and this season is no different. The new range features training tops with a mix of short and long-sleeves, pre-match anthem jackets, full zipped hoodies, rain jackets and so much more, all emblazoned in our club colours.

Take a look online and see what catches your eye!

Shop now

BATH RUGBY PARTNER WITH YOUR RED CAR

Bath Rugby is pleased to announce a new partnership with Your Red Car, the car purchase site powered by Santander that rewards you when you buy a car.

Your Red Car join Bath Rugby’s growing portfolio of Official Partners and their brand logo will feature on the matchday shorts and LED perimeter boards at the Rec from this weekend onwards.

Launched earlier this year, Your Red Car provides drivers with access to thousands of cars from Santander approved dealers nationwide via their online marketplace, with the added incentive of a cash reward from Santander. Santander were the first to introduce current account rewards and are now incentivising car buying through cash rewards.

Mark Morrell, Bath Rugby’s Head of Partnerships, commented: “We are delighted to announce this exciting new partnership with Your Red Car and Santander Consumer Finance. The online car purchase sector is thriving, and we are looking forward to supporting Santander’s ambitious growth objectives by helping raise awareness of the Your Red Car platform over the coming years.”

Adam Goldhagen, Deputy CEO at Santander Consumer Finance, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Bath Rugby following the launch of Your Red Car. This is a fantastic opportunity for us both and we look forward to a prosperous season.”

VISIT YOUR RED CAR

ROAD TO 2023/24 | WOMEN & GIRLS

In May this year, Bath Rugby unveiled the club’s commitment to the growth and sustainability of the women and girls’ rugby in the region.

Since the announcement, there have been several exciting developments that will help guide the club through the three-year roadmap culminating in an application to the Allianz Premier 15s. The following four transformational objectives were established in May, which will need to be achieved by the 2023/24 season.

PLAY - To double the number of registered players across our region, supported by the appointment of a new Women’s Rugby Development Lead

SUSTAIN - To develop a sustainable and inclusive pathway to the elite game across our region for players and coaches; achieved through partnering with clubs, schools and universities, and supported by the appointment of a new Pathway Lead

PERFORM - To form a professional women’s team, partnering with Bath Rugby Ladies, with the ambition of being ready to join the Allianz Premier 15s in the next licence cycle

PROMOTE - To promote female role models and raise the profile of the women and girls’ game across our region, leveraging the club’s marketing and communication channels and those of our commercial partners to effect positive change

READ ABOUT BATH RUGBY'S THREE-YEAR STRATEGY

Appointment of Maria Crowfoot as the first Development Lead – Women and Girls’ Rugby

Maria joins the club with extensive experience across the women’s game, having previously worked at Loughborough Lightning, Lichfield Ladies, Loughborough University and England Rugby. In addition, Maria recently stepped into British Rowing to improve her overall coaching and leadership approach.

Maria is tasked with engaging with community clubs to help the game thrive throughout Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire as well as creating a brand-new pathway to a Bath Rugby professional women’s team in 2023/24. Over the course of this year, we are looking to further develop our relationships with educational partners such as University of Bath and Bath College who will both form a crucial part in the pathway.

Maria is delighted to have joined Bath Rugby and stated her excitement for the future of the women and girls’ game across this region: “It is clear Bath Rugby are committed to the ambitious goals of doubling participation, building a sustainable pathway, and putting in place the foundations to launch a professional women’s team. It’s an honour to join a club with such a rich history and I am excited to help shape the future.

"The future of the women’s rugby is hugely exciting with several more Premiership clubs now stating their ambition to start a women’s team. Increased exposure across these clubs and their audiences will only enhance what is already one of the fasting growing sports in the country."

Any questions about this project such as sponsorship, pathway or playing opportunities can be directed towards maria.crowfoot@bathrugby.com

BATH RUGBY LADIES V SUPERMARINE LADIES AT THE REC AFTER THE MEN'S MATCH V SARACENS

'If you can’t see it, you can’t be it' was a term used within the club’s women and girls’ strategy to highlight the importance of increasing the visibility of female rugby. As part of the partnership with Bath Rugby Ladies, it was crucial to place this team at the centre of the city and at the core of our club. It has been several seasons since a competitive top-flight women’s match was played at the Rec. Whereas, it is now the club’s intension to provide regular opportunities for our supporter base to watch and digest content on women’s rugby.

This weekend's men’s and women’s double-header offers all supporters’ the opportunity to watch a high-quality women’s rugby match and get behind Bath Rugby Ladies, who are competing in the division below Allianz Premier 15s (Championship South 1). Providing accessible opportunities is paramount, therefore tickets to the Bath Rugby Ladies v Supermarine Ladies fixture are free of charge.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

UNIVERSITY OF BATH WOMEN'S FIRST XV TARGET PROMOTION

For the previous two seasons, Bath Rugby coaches have led on all coaching delivery for the University of Bath Women’s team with this continuing for the 2021/22 season and beyond. University of Bath will play crucial part in the overall road to forming a professional women’s team in 2023/24, forming part of the playing pathway as well providing educational opportunities for players.

Bath Rugby and University of Bath coaches have targeted promotion from BUCS Western 1A for this year with the season beginning next month, with fixtures played on a Wednesday throughout the year. Ahead of the season, Bath Rugby opened their doors to the men’s first-team HQ Farleigh House for a women’s training session offering the team an insight into a professional environment.

Head of Rugby for University of Bath Aaron James underlined the importance of the overall project and promotion this year: “The University of Bath is excited to go into the new season assisted by the support of Bath Rugby, further strengthening the strong relationship.

“The strengthened programme and relationship will hugely benefit the women's rugby players at the university, helping these individuals become better rugby players and better people on and off the pitch.”

LAUNCH OF 2021/22 GIRLS' PARTICIPATION HUBS IN CONJUNCTION WITH DORSET & WILTS RFU AND SUPPORTED BY AVON PROTECTION

The first girls’ participation hub was based at Devizes RFC and attended by 15 grassroots clubs across Dorset & Wilts, who brought a record 130 girls to the event. These events will not only increase playing opportunities for current players helping increase retention rates, but also offering the opportunity for girls new to the game to pick up a ball for the first time.

Bath Rugby have made a commitment to help run these events with Dorset & Wilts, with Club Development coaches attended a different club each month. In addition, the club are looking to launch a series of participation hubs in Somerset too, with conversations ongoing with clubs. Avon Protection are supporting these events throughout the 2021/22 season, providing the girls with branded water bottles, and supplying kit (bibs and balls) contributing to the overall experience.

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney attended the event at Devizes RFC along with other members of the RFU Council, underlining the importance of these events that contribute to the overall growth of women’s game.

The next event is at Oakmedians RFC on Sunday 24th October, all U13-U18 players are welcome and can sign up by contacting Maria via maria.crowfoot@bathrugby.com.

A SPECIAL OCCASION AWAITS

To the common eye, a Round 3 Championship South 1 would be a normal weekend Women’s fixture, but Sunday’s match between Bath Rugby Ladies and Supermarine Ladies will be a milestone occasion.

It will be the first competitive women’s game to be played at the Rec since Bath Rugby and Bath Rugby Ladies’ (as part of Bath RFC) partnership began in May and will follow the former’s Gallagher Premiership encounter with Saracens.

The double-header is just one of a number of positives to come from the blossoming relationship since Bath Rugby pledged its commitment to grow the women and girls’ game within the region.

Full preview and team news

THE IMPORTANCE OF S&C IN RUGBY

Harder, better, faster, stronger. No, not the 2001 classic by Daft Punk, but the profile of professional rugby players 20 years on from the French electronic music duo’s release.

Players have grown in stature as the game as developed and in turn, the volume of physical exertion they go through in 80 on-field minutes is substantially greater.

For this to happen, a huge amount of learning has been needed from those taking the field but also those responsible for their conditioning.

Strength & Conditioning coaches’ knowledge of their profession continues to grow and adapt with the times to fit the needs of their athletes as Bath Rugby Head of S&C PJ Wilson explains.

“Rugby is so attritional nowadays,” he said.

“The game is so aggressive and physical that the strong, the powerful and the fast are the boys that start to come through to the top and that’s what we’re trying to develop in the gym.

“My job is to make sure the boys have a physical platform by which they can perform on every weekend. That incorporates making sure all the fitness components are tight and knitted together as best as we can to facilitate a good rugby programme.”

With upwards of 60 players to attend to, a lot of detail is needed to ensure the needs of each individual are met, taking into account several factors such as their position, the load the player has been under and injury status.

Physical testing and examination will determine their state of fitness but honesty and insight from the player themselves is key to dealing with them in the right way.

“What we need to do is factor as many possible things as we can in order to fully inform any decision we make for any individual in the squad because you’re dealing with a squad upwards of 50-60 players and each one of those professional athletes is an individual in his own right and requires subtlety different treatment.

“For some, it’s a really important thing to get right and you only get it right by dealing with the athlete so you need to involve them in their journey.

"You need to listen to the athlete, you need to hear what they’re saying and if they’re telling you something then it’s most likely for a good reason.

"When you talk to an athlete you get a perception of what’s going on inside their world. Whatever their perception is, for the best part it’s reality and then you take that information to design a block which incorporates a few weeks where within that we can ask: how is the athlete tracking? What are they talking like? What are they feeling like? What do their load metrics from a GPS point go? What do their gym scores look like?

“You’re trying to fully inform as best as you possible can to go in the best direction possible on any given day for each one of those 60 athletes.”

The importance of individualising strength and conditioning programmes isn’t lost on the players.

Josh Bayliss’ understanding of the gym component of his profession has improved dramatically since he first rocked up in the Bath Rugby Academy and he stressed how pushing oneself in the gym does correlate to the pitch.

“Everyone has specific needs and requirements, especially as the season goes on when you pick up little knocks and what not. No one is ever in the same boat. PJ and Matty (Pickard) will tailor everything to what you need and what’s going to suit you.

“I play rugby because I love playing out on the pitch but only as you develop and mature and come into a professional environment do you really understand the importance of the work you do off the pitch and a lot of that is in the gym.

"There are a lot of movements and movement patterns that we do in the gym that directly relate to different movements we use in rugby.

“It’s an important part of the game, especially the modern game, with the physical requirements; not just strength wise but endurance wise. It’s a massively enjoyable part of it as well for me and I now definitely understand the significance of doing the hard yards in the gym and how that will translate out on to the pitch.”

Bayliss is one of a number of players who have benefitted from working closely with Wilson and the S&C staff since the Irishman’s arrival at the club from Munster ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Aiding the growth of the players on and off the field is something Wilson takes great pride in and he it’s a ‘privilege’ he finds ‘hard to put into words’.

“You see so many people going on their individual journeys and they’re all trying to align their journey towards one common goal. The talent here within the squad and the desire here within the squad, the diligence that the players bring to the training program every day… I feel privileged to work with the group because of that alone.

“They genuinely want to push on and get better every day. That goes from the young Academy players to the really senior older pros. Lads are just wanting to push on. I feel really proud on game day when you see lads put on the jersey; you see them running out and you’re just looking on, it’s a moment where you recognise it’s a privilege to be involved with this group of people.

“The place is amazing; it’s genuinely an amazing place to work. The people here are truly fantastic from players right down to through to all the staff. It’s just a special place and I find it hard to put into words.”

Semesa Rokoduguni's late brace clinched victory for Bath against Saracens in a thriller at the Recreation Ground.

The hosts raced into a 14-0 lead courtesy of the boot of Rhys Priestland and a try from Francois Louw.

After the break Mark McCall's side got back to 17-16 with a penalty try, before Ben Spencer put them two points ahead with seven minutes to play.

However, Rokoduguni and Bath were not finished, and the winger's pace and power won the game for the hosts.

BATH RUGBY V SARACENS

They say a week is a long time in sport, so what’s to be said about two?

The Gallagher Premiership calendar afforded Bath Rugby a week of rest and recuperation just a month in, allowing the players and coaches time to reflect on the previous three rounds of action.

Whilst the Blue, Black and Whites have yet to earn a league win, the first two rounds showed glimpses of promise to those in attendance at the AJ Bell Stadium and the Rec, but it was the wider BT Sport audience and the 24,000 at Ashton Gate who were treated to a real attack masterclass.

The tries scored by Will Muir (2) and Semesa Rokoduguni will be up there with the best this season, particularly the former’s second which showcased delightful Orlando (Bailey) magic and intuitive thinking from Muir and Academy centre Max Ojomoh.

A game of fine margins could easily have gone in Bath’s favour but for two contentious knock-on decisions, however it has been noted by Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper discipline remains a key work on ahead of the visit of three-time European and five-time Premiership champions.

READ FULL PREVIEW HERE

HEAD TO HEAD

A win each and a draw - that's the takings from the past three meetings between Bath Rugby and Saracens.

Rhys Priestland's boot proved the match winner in 2019 with his six penalties securing an 18-9 win at the Rec while Owen Farrell kicked 20 points in Sarries' 2020 win in their first Premiership game after opting not to contest their initial 35-point deduction for breaching salary cap rules.

The most recent head-to-head came in the final regular match of the 2019/20 campaign where the Blue, Black and Whites needed a win to secure their place in the top four. Already relegated Saracens were looking to end their season on a high note. Bath raced into a 14-0 lead but Saracens but were pegged back by the hosts for a 17-17 result.

It will be the 51st Premiership encounter between the two sides - 16 wins have gone the way of Bath (nine of which have come at the Rec) while 31 victories have been in Saracens favour.

ONE TO WATCH: MAX MALINS

Whether it has been at fly-half, full-back or on the wing, Max Malins has impressed on the Premiership and international stage over the past couple of years.

The 24-year-old has found competition tough at Saracens with the likes of Owen Farrell and Alex Goode the more experienced options for the Men in Black, however a year away at Bristol Bears has allowed him to flourish.

He was the Ashton Gate outfit's top try scorer in the 2020/21 campaign and at the back end of the previous term, he helped them secure the European Challenge Cup.

An ability to glide past defenders and threaten on the counter, Malins earned his shot with England in 2020 and has since earned seven caps.

BATH RUGBY UNSEEN | EP9: MCCONNOCHIE MIC'D

Episode nine of Bath Rugby Unseen, powered by Dyson, takes you on to the training field with Ruaridh McConnochie who dons a mic!

MY DEEPER WHY: MAX OJOMOH

My name is Max Ojomoh and this is my Deeper Why.

From day one I was rugby mad, mostly because of my dad! I was obsessed with trying to drop kick the ball over the posts at the Rec as when I was young you could just go out on the pitch – that was always my challenge as a kid!

I was so keen to play rugby that my dad helped form an Under-5s group so me and the other kids who wanted to play in the area could start tag rugby early because we weren’t allowed to play up the age groups.

To be fair to my dad, he wouldn’t just let me focus on rugby. It was obviously my main sport, but I also played cricket and other sports too. Playing sport as a kid was a release for me. There was nothing I loved more than finishing school and having rugby training or cricket lessons, sleep and then repeat the next day.

I wasn’t one of those kids who would sit at home, do his homework, play Xbox and go to bed. It’s the same today. It’s why in the off-season I came in because if I am sat there doing nothing then mentally, I feel I haven’t achieved anything.

While I owe being active to my dad, my mum helped me with my schoolwork, my mindset and how I approach things. I’d describe them as good cop, bad cop! My dad and I are my own harshest critics, and my mum softens that! Her impact on my life outside sport is huge but it goes unseen. People only see what happens on the sports field, they don’t see my grades or anything like that. I had, and still have, the best of both worlds.

I’m very thankful to this day to both of them. I don’t think you could parent a child better with what they had to deal with in terms of me needing me to be everywhere, them driving me everywhere; they pushed me hard to work hard in school. I look back and appreciate that because others who didn’t have that support didn’t fulfil their potential.

They are 100% my why, but doubters spur me on a lot too.

Everything when I was growing up was around ‘you’re only getting certain things because of your dad’ and there was more pressure on me. It kind of annoyed me but it’s what drove my competitive edge as a child.

Even now It frustrates me when people say for a cheap laugh that I am where I am because of my surname because I feel I’ve shown enough of myself for that not to be the case. It’s getting to the point now where I’m half-establishing myself and I want it to be two names – it’s not Steve’s son or Max’s dad, it’s just Steve and Max.

In school, I remember situations which continue to push me to be successful. We were doing a school yearbook and I was going to be voted ‘Most Likely to Peak in School’. To this day, besides my close circle, everything I do is to prove people wrong. With exams, no one expects a sporty black kid to actually get good GCSES and when people asked how I did I could go ‘wham!’ and slap that on the table and say ‘sweet, this is what I’ve worked for’. When people say things like that it drives me; I want to be more successful and push myself to prove them wrong.

I will never be anything other than myself and I will succeed as myself. On the pitch I can’t stress enough how I want to be the Max Ojomoh people see at training or just around Bath.

If I’m laughing on the pitch, it’s genuine; if a fan calls my name on the pitch, I’ll turn and do a face or something because that’s just who I am! I don’t think players should change because they’re on a stage.

People talk so highly of my dad and one piece of his advice that sticks with me is to always be nice. I want to nail down a reputation for being a consistently good player, but I also want to have positive connotations around my name, and I want people to talk about me the way they talk about my dad. That would put the rubber stamp on proving any doubters wrong.

“I’VE LOVED EVERY SECOND OF MY JOURNEY”

Bath Rugby speaks to Bath Rugby Ladies Captain Sarah Holloway about life on and off the field as she celebrates her 253rd appearance for the women in Blue, Black and White this weekend.

By day, Sarah Holloway works for Wiltshire Council as a Team Manager. She supports the operations and maintenance of the Council’s public environments.

It’s a varied role that spans from managing drop curbs requests and organising burials and exhumations to developing new sports pitches and play areas. It makes sense that Holloway has chosen a career path that involves her local community, sport, people and teamwork. It’s her sweet spot, and that’s because away from her Wiltshire desk, she is best known as captain of Bath RFC’s women’s side – Bath Rugby Ladies.

“Rugby is what I do,” she said. “It’s my hobby. My only hobby, in fact, and I love it.”

And, you can tell, her energy shifts up a gear when she switches the conversation away from her working career into her sporting one.

“I’ve probably missed about five training sessions in the past 17 years; that’s how much I love this club and this sport. I feel lucky that the people closest to me in my life accept that this is my passion, and they give me space to nurture it. I’ve missed various family events over the years from birthdays, and anniversaries to weddings, and that’s okay. I really love that; it’s special to have a support network of people that understand.”

Holloway is one of the founding members of Bath Rugby Ladies, having joined when the club reformed back in 2004.

The flyhalf’s heart was captured just one year earlier when she ventured an hour north from her family home in Chiselborough to the University of Bath as a young and fresh-faced 18-year-old.

“I grew up on a farm; I’d never watched rugby or had any involvement in the sport before. My family weren’t really fans of the game, and so I was never really exposed to it.”

It’s hard to believe that rugby didn’t feature in her childhood, considering that this Sunday’s epic double-header marks her 253rd appearance for her side.

“It wasn’t until 2003 that I first picked up a rugby ball. I had just arrived at university and was given a flyer at a fresher’s fair. It was a whole new world to me.

"I thought that being given a flyer meant that I had to turn up. I was naïve in that sense, but from that moment on, I just kept turning up. At first, it was simply a lot of fun to play, but then the game stole my heart. I felt part of something special like I really belonged. That was the real moment I fell in love.”

Holloway’s favourite thing about rugby is the friendship created through playing as a team.

“Our club is a family. I never thought I would stay in Bath after university, but when rugby arrived in my life, all that changed. In fact, our entire 15-strong women’s university team all stayed in Bath after we’d graduated. We loved the club, we loved the team, and we loved spending time together.”

Home for Holloway now is in Edington, just outside of Westbury, where she lives with her partner, Kerry and mini schnauzer, Isla.

“I’ve loved every second of my journey. I owe so much of my life as it is today to this beautiful game. I feel excited that our sport is in a different place now to when I started; there are so many new opportunities for girls and women emerging.”

Opportunities like Bath Rugby’s commitment to developing a pathway to the elite game so that every girl in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire can look up and dream of playing at the highest domestic level. More importantly, she can understand exactly how she can get there.

“When I first started playing, women’s rugby wasn’t very well known. In fact, we used to get asked if we played by the same rules as the men? On the same size pitch? And. If we tackled? I always had to explain that yes, we do and always have. It’s not like that anymore; our sport gets air time. It’s excellent progress, but we are under no illusion that there is so much more we need to do.

“Something we instil in our players when they join our club is that we all want to leave the shirt we wear in a better place than when we found it. I feel so proud that this is exactly what we’re doing now. We are showing women and girls in our region that you can play here; there is a route to the professional game.

“Working together with Bath Rugby is massive because the community game is still going to be the foundation of what we do. Yes, we’re going to have an amazing premiership side, but developing a pathway that feeds it feels incredible. Both elements are so critical for successful and sustainable women’s teams. It’s incredibly exciting.”

The conversation turns to Sunday and the double-header. Holloway smiles, and her eyes light up the moment she imagines running out at the Rec with her team by her side.

“I’m lucky enough to have run out once before (at the Rec),” she shared. A fixture that saw her boot seal promotion for her side to Championship 1 South with the game’s final kick.

However, she remarked, “That experience, in front of a 500-strong crowd, simply can’t be compared to something like this.

“To run on to that pitch and hear the roar of a home crowd backing you. I know there will be tears and goosebumps; it’s an unbelievable moment to share with my team.

“We are all so focused on delivering a performance to make our city proud and to show what women’s rugby is really about. That’s what we really want to do, showcase our sport and wear the Blue, Black and White jersey with pride.”

It will be the skipper’s 253rd appearance for her club; it’s something she feels incredibly proud of, not because she’s amounted an astonishing number of Premiership points - 1392 and counting to be exact over the course of her career. A tally that would place her 10th in the all-time highest scoring Premiership men’s player rankings, just ahead of Owen Farrell and chasing the heels of George Ford. She feels pride because she is devoted to her team and her sport - she wants to inspire others to play.

“Our game is different to the men’s; we don’t kick or pick and go as much. We are fast, and we will chuck the ball around - we are an exciting team to watch. Physically, we’re a smaller team compared to the rest of our league, and with that, we have found the way to beat our opponents is to go around them and play a high-speed game.

Our goal this season is to be in the top two of the South competition to get into the Championship 1 playoffs. It’s a big ambition, and we believe we can definitely achieve it.”

As well as owning the 10 shirt, Holloway is also Backs Coach for her side.

“I suppose at flyhalf, you were sort of bossing everyone around anyway. I was a step closer to it, and my role has evolved over the years. I feel fortunate; we’ve got such a good squad. Everyone buys into our structure and what we’re doing. I plan sessions, and I know that when our team turn up, everybody will go, yeah, okay, this is what we’re doing. Let’s go!”

Bath Rugby Ladies are the only women’s team in the country to currently have a third team. With 60-100 women turning up to train every week, the club is doing its part to grow participation in the region.

Holloway lives and breathes rugby, her dedication to her team is steadfast, and she’s ready to do what it takes to get her team to the next level.

This Sunday will mark the first time most of the women on the field have played in front of a crowd. Their captain thinks it’s fantastic to use this moment to inspire other women and girls to pick up a ball.

Her message is this: “It’s the best decision you’ll ever make, and you can absolutely do it. Whatever barriers you think there might be or could be aren’t there. You’ll be fitter, stronger, you’ll feel empowered.

"Not only that, but you’ll also have a network of friends that become a family who’ll stay with you for life. That’s what Bath Rugby is, what we are, a family.”

Feeling inspired? Head over to www.bathrugbyladies.com and find out more.

"HITZ HELPED RYAN FOCUS ON HIMSELF AS WELL AS HIS EDUCATION"

Over the past 12 months, Ryan Mason has emerged as a model HITZ participant, dedicated to learning, keen to help his peers and with a clear idea of the direction he wants his life take.

However, this was not the case just 18 months ago. Ryan joined the HITZ programme following his exclusion from college. He had been disengaged with education the past few years, plagued with consistent behavioural and drug-related issues.

When he was excluded from college, Ryan’s apprenticeship plan was also in ruins, as it was attached to the course. His first year at HITZ did not go to plan as his relationship with education had impacted on his outlook. He said: “I didn’t get on with teachers and I got distracted far too easily. I didn’t like school and that’s what I thought this was going to be like.”

Ryan failed his first year as he decided just a few days before the course ended that he would prefer to leave and find a job. He ended up unemployed and out of education, sat at home doing nothing.

He said: “After a month I realised I needed to do something. I had started going out and getting into trouble, messing around and getting into fights.”

However, Bath Rugby Foundation staff had already seen Ryan’s potential and refused to give up.

He said: “They rang me up and said ‘come back, we can help you’. I’d failed to get a job and realised I needed to do this.”

Ryan returned with a different outlook and is now an official HITZ Captain, he is positive, motivating, friendly, caring and hardworking, supporting other students on a daily basis and leading by example.

Ryan’s story isn’t unique, HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme, working with over 2,000 14-to-23-year-olds across England every year.

HITZ uses rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship to get young people not in education, employment or training back into education, training, apprenticeships and/or employment, and is delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby’s clubs.

Lynne Fernquest, CEO of Bath Rugby Foundation, said: “When I think about HITZ I think about success for young people who couldn’t find it in traditional education. I think of Ryan, who joined HITZ after dropping out of school where he just felt he couldn’t fit in. HITZ helped him focus on himself as well as his education. I am so proud of Ryan and the journey he has been on.”

If you aged 16-19 and unsure about traditional learning then Bath Rugby Foundation would love to have a conversation.

Contact our Hitz Officer Mia Suter at mia.suter@bathrugbyfoundation.com, ring her on 07741 882374 or meet her in person before the match at the Bath Rugby Foundation stand in the Swift Half.

HITZ Learning Academy | Bath Rugby Community Foundation (bathrugbyfoundation.com)

JOHN HALL MEETS RICHARD BERTINET

In our second instalment of the President's Lounge, Bath Rugby legend John meets Richard Bertinet - a renowned baker and a huge fan of the Blue, Black and White.

"LET THE BOYS HEAR YOUR SUPPORT"

Although there were some great performances against Bristol Bears, the results have not been going our way. This is the time when we have to think about what being a Bath Rugby Supporter means to us.

It is hard to see the team lose and for a lot of supporters it is because we are so passionate about Bath Rugby that it hurts even more. Particularly when you know that there is such individual talent in the team. We can also see the wealth of young talent coming through and I have the firm belief that this will come good.

It is now that the team needs you.

If we are called Bath Rugby Supporters then that is what we need to do, passionately support the team and get behind them in what is going to be a hard match. Let the boys hear that support all through the game. COYB!

One of our Committee Members was asked what coming back to the Rec meant to her and Beverly said it in a poem, which I share with you now.

BATH RUGBY - THE LIFE BLOOD OF THE CITY

By Beverley Wallis

Bath Rugby breathes life into the city

The Rec at its heart a gentle beat

Until matchdays, when it’s pounding,

Reverberating through its ancient walls

The air crackles

The streets buzzing, the bars humming

The anticipation palpable

The fans fevered excitement visible

The Blue, Black and White marching

Along their familiar paths

Hostelries warm and welcoming

Match day is looming

Covid has been stifling

Our beloved Rec has been waiting

‘Sarries’ fans are anticipating

Their journey to the Rec

Our youngsters are preparing

Their mentors are fervently training

Team Discipline is essential

To win this game is vital

Saracens exonerated

Our boys impassioned

Fervent fans are hungry

For a win at The Rec!

We recently undertook a survey of BRSC Members and over 80% of those who responded wanted our events to resume. So, we have acted and on Tuesday 26 October we will again be holding our ever-popular event, ‘Ask the Ref’ with Tony Spreadbury (RFU Head of Match Officials), and on Tuesday 7 December the traditional BRSC Xmas Quiz returns, hosted again this year by Dave Stock. So, if you want to learn how our Refs are interpreting the new laws of the game we love or just ‘pit your wits’ against the rest, we look forward to seeing you soon. Watch out for more details on our website.

If you would like to join or renew your Membership of Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club then go to www.allez-bath.co.uk and click on the link or come and have a chat to us at our match day Gazebo, located behind and opposite the ‘Big Screen’, close to the William Street entrance.