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BATH RUGBY v SARACENS

By Bath Rugby

May 5^th, 2023

DYSON V15 DETECT ABSOLUTE VACUUM

A MESSAGE FROM CEO TARQUIN MCDONALD

Hello everyone and welcome to The Rec for the final match of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season.

After three excellent performances, three bonus point wins, we play for the opportunity not only to finish the season with momentum into 2023/24, but also for Champions Cup rugby next season.

Today’s game comes with our ‘festival set-up’ at the Rec with opportunities for everyone to make the most of the season end, including multiple games and activities for children. As well as the enticing prospect of our game against league leaders Saracens, today is also an important opportunity to say farewell to players, coaches and staff who have all made huge contributions to the club.

Off the field we are revealing new designs for the redevelopment of The Rec, designs which we intend to submit for planning later this summer. Ticket holders at the match will be able to view the designs and consultation materials between 14:00 and 16:00 in a marquee to the left of the Swift Half behind the East Stand.

The designs take context from our history, the city, the local area and the future - resulting in an iconic, yet sensitive design for The Rec. We are confident the plans we are submitting this summer will both excite and reassure the people of Bath, and most importantly will provide you and our players and staff with an amazing new home, a fortress Rec where we will enjoy future success together.

Our club, your club, is the heart of our city and now is the time to deliver a new stadium, a new home for world-class men’s and women’s rugby, and our community, all year-round.

For those unable to make the match, the stadium plans can also be viewed on the club website or in person at Widcombe Social Club from 11:00-19:00 Wednesday 10 May, and at the South Stand of The Rec from 15:00-19:00 Thursday 18 May.

We have shown progress on the field throughout the season and carry real momentum into the pre-season. We have recruited and retained world-class talent on and off the field for 2023/24, as we head into Johann’s second season as Head of Rugby. This includes the additions of Lee Blackett and Richard Blaze as Assistant Coaches. Each has over a decade of experience, both are hugely accomplished coaches, and they will contribute to an exciting coaching line-up through pre-season and into 2023/24.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have said goodbye and thank you to a number of players who have given so much to the club over a number of years. Best wishes must be extended to Dave Attwood and Richard de Carpentier on their impending retirements after their significant contributions to the sport over many years.

We also see two legends of the club depart in Joe Maddock and Stuart Hooper. Joe gave everything as a player during his six years and 130 appearances and over the course of this season has been an important part of the coaching group. We wish him and his family all the very best of luck for the future.

Stuart has a deep-rooted connection to our club and city, and his contribution over 15 years has been immense; 192 appearances as a player, five seasons as captain, Stuart earned the respect of every Head Coach that he worked with. He deserves huge respect for everything he has given the club. First and foremost, everything that he does puts squad and staff first, he is a genuine club man. We know he will go on to be a success in his next chapter.

Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to you, our supporters, who have once again been with us on every step of our journey. You have continued to bring the love, the noise, the passion to matchdays at The Rec and there is no doubt you play a massive part in the performances of the team.

Thank you all for your support, let’s make noise today and celebrate the season, our people who depart the club, and the future which is bright. We hope you have a wonderful summer before returning to The Rec in September.

COYB!

Tarquin

VISIT THATCHERS

NEW COACHES FOR 2023/24

Earlier this week the club announced that Lee Blackett and Richard Blaze will join Bath Rugby as Assistant Coaches.

Seen as one of the most innovative coaches in the UK, Blackett is a highly respected coach whose experience spans over a decade.

He appointed the youngest Head Coach in the top two tiers of English rugby at Rotherham Titans before an eight-year association with Wasps. In his first season, his attack saw them score a regular season-high number of tries (71) as they reached the play-offs for the first time in eight years. A year later, Blackett’s attack aided Wasps’ route to the Premiership final with a first-place finish and another emphatic record try total of 89. In his fifth year in Coventry, Blackett was promoted to the position of Head Coach, guiding them to an unlikely Premiership final during the 2019/20 season.

Blackett has most recently been the Backs and Skills Coach at Scarlets.

Blaze has over a decade’s worth of experience following his early retirement from playing in 2010 due to injury. Finishing his player career aged 25 whilst at Leicester Tigers, Blaze remained at Welford Road as an Assistant Coach, winning the Premiership in 2012/13, and he developed into the senior side’s Forwards Coach in a period Tigers also made back-to-back Premiership semi-finals.

Whilst with the Tigers, he also held the position of Academy Development Coach and Co-ordinator during the 2017/18 season and led Loughborough Students’ defence in National League 1. In the same year, the former Worcester Warriors lock was named England Under-20s Forwards Coach, aiding the latter’s route to the 2018 World Rugby U20 Championship final.

Blaze became England Women Forwards Coach following the tournament and after two years, he returned to the Premiership with Wasps and was key in them reaching the 2019/20 final. More recently, he has been a consultant Forwards and Defence Coach at Loughborough.

On his two new coaches, Head of Rugby Johann van Graan said: “In the times I have coached against Lee for Munster and Bath, I have been very impressed with him as a person and as a leader; he will complement our coaching team and club very well.

“He has Head Coach experience and a fantastic rugby IQ. During his career he has improved the abilities of world-class players and we are excited for him to help develop our squad and game in Year 2 of our journey.”

He continued: ““I met Richard in the rugby world over a decade ago and he has grown into a very experienced coach since.

“He is a high calibre person whose expertise lies specifically in the line-out and forward play. The teams he has worked with have shown great physicality and have been confrontational in their play.

“We’re looking forward to building on what we’ve been developing in Year 1 with Richard as part of our coaching team.”

The arrival of Blaze sees Luke Charteris resume a coaching role in the Academy while there has also been a sad departure with club legend Joe Maddock leaving the club.

The 44-year-old returned to the Blue, Black and White at the start of the season and has been part of a coaching group which has seen the team cross for 59 Gallagher Premiership tries in 19 games to date in 2022/23.

Having made 130 appearances in the club’s back three between 2004 and 2010, Maddock remains a club legend for his long-standing association with Bath.

Everyone at the club would like to wish Joe and his family all the very best of luck for the future.

GALLAGHER WINS TWICE AT BATH RUGBY AWARDS

Matt Gallagher was the recipient of two accolades at the end of season awards, presented by Pol Roger.

The full-back has excelled in his first season at Bath Rugby and was rewarded for his excellent performances with the Best Back award and Players' Player of the Season.

FIND OUT ALL THE WINNERS!

REMINDER OF STADIUM PUBLIC CONSULTATION AT THE REC

Bath Rugby will be revealing new designs to the public for the redevelopment of the club’s current stadium at The Rec.

The stadium plans will go on show at the club’s final home game v Saracens on 6 May 14:00-16:00, as well as on Wednesday 10 May at Widcombe Social Club from 11:00-19:00 and will also be available online at www.bathrugby.com from 6 May.

There will also be an additional consultation on 18 May between 15:00 and 19:00 in the First Office Suite - the South Stand at The Rec.

Stakeholder and public feedback obtained during previous consultations has influenced the new stadium design that the club plan to submit to B&NES Council this summer.

The previous scheme shared pre-pandemic, has evolved and the project team are looking forward to sharing the stadium’s designs and benefits.

As part of the redevelopment, the public riverside space to the West of The Rec will be widened creating a more inviting and usable space, on matchdays and non-matchdays, and the structure itself will allow for greater community use. Sustainability and environmentally friendly materials are key to the new proposals.

The proposed capacity of the stadium will increase to 18,000 with increased provision for accessibility needs, as well as providing a new permanent home for Bath Rugby Foundation.

CLICK HERE FOR F&Qs

SO LONG BIG DAVE

Dave Attwood announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old has had a barnstorming 18-year career culminating in 174 appearances at Bath Rugby alongside spells with Bristol Bears, Gloucester and Toulon. He also had a fantastic career with England, earning 24 caps.

Listen to the man himself talk through a brilliant period of his life - some great anecdotes!

END OF SEASON REVIEW WITH JOHANN VAN GRAAN

Head of Rugby Johann van Graan sat down to discuss the second half of the season ahead of Saracens in Round 24.

Following his first campaign in post, the South African discusses his assessment of Bath Rugby's progression, his new appointments Lee Blackett and Richard Blaze, leadership of the team and how brilliant the supporters have been.

THE RECCY: SUMMER GARDEN PARTY!

For the final time this season, we present to you, The Reccy! And it's a good one. See what's lined up for you as you head to The Rec for the Saracens' visit. Let's just hope for some SaraSUN for our Summer Garden Party!

From 14:00:

Happy Hour 😃
Live music from The Shadow Monkeys & Orchestra of Everything 🎶
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle with a VERY exciting, limited edition prize! 🎟🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Coronation marquee, including cream teas & Pimms 🍓
National anthem 👑
Thatchers Fan of the Match 👋
Giant garden games 🎳
Half-time Super Six Kicks🍎
Viñalba wine gazebo 🍷
Food & beverage 🍔
Mascot Max 🦁
Face painter 🎨
Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club 🤝
Matchday Ambassadors 💬
New stadium plans on show! 🏟
Bath Rugby shop 🧢
Fan Radio 📻

TAKE A LOOK AT THE FULL RECCY

VISIT TRIBUTE

YOUR RED CAR

BATH RUGBY WOMEN'S SEVENS SQUAD ANNOUNCED

Bath Rugby is pleased to confirm its 19-player Women's Sevens squad for summer 2023!

Led by their Head Coach and Bath Rugby's Women and Girls' Development Lead, Maria Crowfoot, the success of last year's debut boosts the teams prospects out on the 7s circuit which will take them all across the country.

"We very excited to be embarking on our second year of 7s. The success of last year showed what we're able to accomplish, even as a young team.

"We held trials back in March and I feel those who have made the squad really put their hands up for selection.

"Being able to participate in the Super Sevens Series in a few weeks is hugely exciting for us and we're looking forward to getting things going at EggChasers this weekend."

Check out who is in the squad!

"CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY OUR WAY" - VAN GRAAN

Bath Rugby have their final game this weekend at home against Premiership leaders Saracens, and what a way to go into one of the toughest clashes of the season than off the back of three victories; one at the home of English rugby against Harlequins and two against our West Country rivals Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs.

Fighting until the very end in front of 45,000 fans, Johann van Graan's team delivered a performance to be proud of against Quins, storming to a 45-35 victory over the Tabai Matson's men.

Giving the team a good foundation to build on for the ultimate clash of the 2022/23, van Graan will be hoping for more of the same grit and determination going into the Saracens fixture with a Champions Cup spot up for grabs.

"The important thing for us as a group this week is to continue on our journey and play the way we want to play, and get better. That's been the message all season so we're certainly not going to change something this week.

"We're coming up against the number one team in the Premiership by a significant way. They've dominated English rugby for the past decade and I have a lot of respect for Mark McCall and what he's achieved with his group of players.

"They've got some of the very best players in the northern hemisphere; starting British & Irish Lions and starting English internationals so that will be a tough challenge on its own.

"We ran them close earlier in the year at their stadium but its now the last of the season and we're at a sold-out Rec so hopefully we can perform.

"It'll be satisfying for us as a group to get the win. Taking it back to earlier in the season we'd won three league games and then came up against Quins where we crossed the try-line twice but couldn't see the grounding so for us its a huge opportunity to finish the season well.

"We'll stick to process and work on the things we've improved on the whole season. We'll be measuring ourselves against the best and ultimately they are the best team in the Premiership."

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ACTION: BECOME A MATCHDAY AMBASSADOR!

Our matchdays at The Rec are regarded one of the best in the Premiership. From the atmosphere in the fan village, to the cheering that echoes around the streets of Bath as the Blue, Black and White crash over the try-line – you are part of it all.

With a new Head of Rugby and a plethora of new player signings, we wanted to extend the introduction of new incentives to our dedicated supporters; Bath Rugby’s matchday ambassadors are another new addition this season.

BATH RUGBY SUPPORTING LOCAL POLICE IN IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN

A Bath Rugby matchday is an occasion for the whole city. Whether you're watching the game at The Rec or you've travelled into Bath to watch in one of the many pubs and bars.

Our fixtures see thousands of supporters flock from all over B&NES, Wiltshire and beyond to watch their team run out come rain, snow or shine.

Bath Rugby want to make sure it is doing all it can to ensure the full matchday experience is a safe space for its supporters and wider community, and this includes the journey into the city.

In a project to tackle violence against women and girls in the South West area, the club has joined forces with Avon & Somerset Police and British Transport Police to promote their campaign to put a stop to harassment.

Launching the initiative last summer, British Transport Police have outlined some of the ways in which you can be an active bystander, whereby you can safely challenge unacceptable behaviour on a matchday and when travelling into Bath.

BATH RUGBY 31-21 SARACENS

9 September 2017

Two late tries from Semesa Rokoduguni helped Bath Rugby maintain their 100% start to the Aviva Premiership season, with a 31-21 victory over European Champions Saracens at The Rec.

A try from our now club captain when he was once a Saracen wasn't enough after Rokoduguni delivered a late double blow to the visitors to seal victory for the Blue, Black and White.

Bath Rugby: 15 Watson, 14 Rokoduguni, 13 Joseph, 12 Clark, 11 Banahan, 10 Priestland, 9 Cook; 1 Obano, 2 Dunn, 3 Perenise, 4 Charteris, 5 Stooke, 6 Garvey (c), 7 Louw, 8 Faletau

Replacements: 16 Walker, 17 Auterac, 18 Andrews, 19 Phillips, 20 Grant, 21 Fotuali'i, 22 Burns, 23 Tapuai

Saracens: 15 Goode, 14 Earle, 13 Taylor, 12 Barritt (c), 11 Wyles, 10 Lozowski, 9 Wigglesworth; 1 Barrington, 2 Brits, 3 Koch, 4 Day, 5 Itoje, 6 Rhodes, 7 Burger, 8 Wray

Replacements: 16 Tolofua, 17 Vunipola, 18 Figallo, 19 Isiekwe, 20 Earl, 21 Spencer, 22 Farrell, 23 Williams

THE OPPOSITION

In recent years, Saracens have been dominating the English Premiership and the competition in Europe. Of their 19 Premiership fixtures this season, the St Albans-based outfit have won 15, losing just four.

The men in black have won 10 trophies in their professional history; three times in Europe, five in the Premiership and domestic cup twice.

Home to a plethora of England internationals, such as Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Max Malins, Elliot Daly and Mako and Billy Vunipola, Saracens have become one of the most formidable clubs in the northern hemisphere, breeding international calibre rugby at a club level.

Strong in defence and ruthless in their attack, it'll be Bath's mission to stem the flow of their expansive and dynamic rugby style in front of a sold out Rec this weekend.

ONE TO WATCH - MAX MALINS

As last season’s top Premiership try scorer, with a sensational 16 tries in 15 appearances, Max Malins has become a prolific attacking threat. This season, the Saracens back has continued his form, securing the top spot as Saracens top try scorer with 9 this season.

Alongside his try-scoring capability, Malins’ ability to play in numerous positions helps highlight his diversity and fluidity in the team. Proficient playing at fly-half, wing, and at fullback, Malins is a versatile player that can seamlessly switch position and create an impact in whatever number he wears on his back.

In this year’s Six Nations, Malins was a key member of Head Coach Steve Borthwick’s side. Playing at wing, the Saracens man scored two tries for England in this year’s campaign and was equal in most tries scored for Engalnd alongside fellow Saracens teammate, Jamie George.

MEET MAX PEARCE

Club: Chippenham RFC

School: Millfield

Position: Hooker

Favourite moment: For me it would have to be the honour of captaining the Bath Rugby Junior Academy against Exeter Chiefs.

Dream goals: My dream is to have a long playing career and represent Bath Rugby at senior level. The thought of playing at a sold out Rec for Bath Rugby really drives me to keep pushing myself.

Hobbies outside of Rugby: If I’m honest I love to go out eating with my mates and just relaxing outside of rugby. I do also enjoy playing basketball and golf.

Biggest impact on my development: Coaches like Mark Lilley and Ryan Davis have really helped me improve over the last year. I’m lucky enough to have had some one-on-one time with some senior players like Dunnie as well which has really had a positive impact on me and really developed me as a hooker.

What I want people to say about me at the end of my careers: I just hope people see me for being a hard working player who was fun to be around off the pitch and tough on the pitch.

HARRIS KICKS ENGLAND U19 TO VICTORY!

Sam Harris had a very good weekend. On Friday, he was involved in England Under-19s' win over Italy before going on to be named Bath Rugby Academy/Breakthrough Player of the Season.

Watch as the fly-half showed nerves of steal to nail a conversion out wide to win the game for his country!

EIGHT PLAYERS TO MAKE THE STEP UP FROM THE ACADEMY

Bath Rugby is delighted to announce eight Academy players will graduate from the Under-18s squad this summer.

Forwards Jack Bennett, Rory Cameron, Ioan Emanuel, Billy Sela and George Timmins are joined by backs Ieuan Davies, James Short and Raff Weston in earning an opportunity to progress with the Blue, Black and White.

Head of Academy Craig Lilley said: "We have been fortunate to have such a fantastic group of players to work with throughout the years and we’re delighted to be bringing through eight extremely talented boys from this year’s cohort.

“The Under-18s campaign was great for their progression as players and people and we can’t wait to help them on the next stage of their journey.

“We are extremely proud of them and if they work hard, they all have the potential to develop their game positively over the next couple of seasons.”

READ ALL ABOUT THE EIGHT PLAYERS!

MATTY G TAKES YOU BEHIND THE SCENES!

Matt Gallagher is a keen gamer and tiktokker... he's not a bad rugby player either!

The full-back had his camera on for behind-the-scenes content at Bath Rugby's recent victory over Harlequins at Twickenham!

BECOME A NEXTGEN MEMBER!

NextGen, the destination for junior Bath Rugby fans.

NextGen membership is designed specifically to cater for the next generation of players and Bath Rugby fans aged between 4 and 16, providing exclusive access to child-friendly content, unforgettable experiences and fantastic competitions.

If you fit the below criteria, NextGen membership has you covered!

✔️ Forever Blue, Black and White

✔️ Aged 4-16

✔️ Rugby fanatic

✔️ Enjoy watching funny content

✔️ Excited to win exclusive prizes

And the best part - it's all FREE!

SIGN UP TO NEXTGEN TODAY

WIN A SIGNED BATH RUGBY FINN RUSSELL SHIRT!

Bath Rugby Foundation have got their hands on a limited edition SIGNED Finn Russell Bath Rugby shirt and it's yours to win!

If you're heading down to the Bath Rugby v Saracens game this Saturday, you can be in with a chance of winning by purchasing your raffle tickets from the Foundation's volunteers who will be in and around the fan village.

If you won't be at the game, you can still be in with a chance of winning! Tickets are on sale now via the Bath Rugby Foundation online store.

Tickets are £2 each, or 3 for £5, with every penny of the proceeds going to helping young people who need it most in our community.

The winner will be drawn during half-time on matchday, with the winning ticket announced during the second half via the announcer and posted on the Foundation's website and social channels.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

BECOME A REGULAR BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION DONOR

The work we do at Bath Rugby Foundation is funded solely by donations. Bath Rugby supporters are renowned for being the some of the best in the Premiership and your generosity thus far is something every person at the Foundation is so very grateful for.

We hold projects that vary from educational programmes, to health and wellbeing sessions, to creating independent pathways for young adults in our community.

If you would like to help in the work we do at the Foundation, you can become a regular donor by giving £10 each month. If 1,000 supporters were to give £10 a month for the next 12 months, we could raise £120,000 to support vulnerable and challenge children and young people in our community.

Thank you for your continued support throughout the season. The children and young people we help at the Foundation are testament to the brilliant support you have shown us over the years.

BECOME A REGULAR DONOR

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO JOINED US AT OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNERS

Bath Rugby Foundation and its supporters spent two incredible nights celebrating the charity’s successes and raising funds to accomplish its mission of changing young lives.

More than 200 people ate, drank, sang, and danced the nights away while celebrity auctioneer Kate Bliss encouraged everyone to dig deep for a great local cause. Auction lots included VIP Glastonbury tickets, a Chelsea matchday package, a day out at the British Grand Prix, and a coaching session courtesy of Bath Rugby Head Coach Johann Van Graan and his players.

Chairman of Trustees, David Scotland thanked everyone for their generosity while CEO Lynne Fernquest explained why the charity was needed in such a beautiful city.

“Bath may be one of the most affluent cities in the UK…but it’s also one of the most unequal.

“In our region around 10,000 children and young adults have had a tough start in life and are often deprived of the emotional and practical opportunities most of us take for granted.

“Bath Rugby Foundation works with around 3,000 of these children every year.

“Over the last 20 years we have worked with tens of thousands of youngsters, building their confidence, developing their skills and creating independent pathways for them to thrive and not just survive.”

Bath Rugby Foundation relies on the generosity of donors to do the work in does in and around the city, said Head of Fundraising, Halena Coury.

“We had two brilliant evenings, just the right balance of fun, fundraising, and information on the wonderful work Bath Rugby Foundation undertake. We could not do any of this work without the support of the whole city. Sponsors, supporters, guests, and students all came together to make Bath a stronger and more inclusive city. A big thank you from me to everyone who made these special nights possible.”

A huge thanks goes to Abbey Hotel Bath, Aqua Portishead, Bath Rugby Shop, Bertinet Cookery School, DoubleTree by Hilton Bath, Haus Lifestyle Store, JAQ at the Provenist, Novel Wines, Pasta Laboratory, Portman, Soul Spa, Thatchers Cider, The Stable, Toppings, Ubiety, Whole Lotta Knots, and Zara Perry Hairdressing.

FLY TO FUNDRAISE - PORTUGAL 2023

We're flying to Portugal to fundraise, and want YOU to join us!

Mediterranean sun, a luxury apartment and an award-winning chef are just some of the components that will make up a superb weekend in the name of Bath Rugby Foundation.

Taking place from 28 September to 2 October 2023, choose whichever type of holiday you like, from cycling, golf, hiking, water sports or to simply relax at the Boavista Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in the heart of the Algarve.

LEARN MORE

RUN BATH HALF FOR BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION!

If you're looking for something to work towards throughout 2023, or perhaps you want to break your own boundaries, then why not run Bath Half in the name of Bath Rugby Foundation? The funds raised will go towards helping children in our community and break the cycle of disadvantage experienced by those in poverty.

What you'll get:

Limited edition running vest
Training sessions
Massages to ease your training and on the day of the race
Secure bag storage
Food and drink
Ongoing support

BOOK YOUR PLACE

MIXED ABILITY RUGBY CUP 2023

Bath Rugby Foundation welcomed 16 teams to the Mixed Ability Cup 2023 at Walcot RFC on Saturday, making it the largest Mixed Ability event in the UK. This year's tournament featured three competitions, over 250 players and a festival atmosphere with live music, stalls and food outlets.

A big thank you goes to Gallagher who kindly sponsored the event, as well as providing free coffee and the Gallagher Premiership trophy. Easton Bevins who sponsored the fan zone featuring inflatables and music. As well as Irwin Mitchell who gave each player a goody bag and created a tournament programme.

2023 Winners

Mixed Touch Tournament - Yeovil MAR

Men's Contact Tournament - Longlevens MAR

Women's Contact Tournament - Worcester RFC

Bath Rugby Foundation supports four local Mixed Ability Rugby teams - Bath Ladies Trojans, Melksham Stags, Walcot Warriors and Yeovil MAR who have all been International Mixed Ability Sport accredited by becoming a fully inclusive rugby club.

A FINAL WELCOME OF THE SEASON

Today, we welcome Saracens to The Rec for the final game of the season. As we look back over the last year, we can now see the positives that the new coaching regime have brought to the team.

On the pitch, results did not always go our way and we lost several games by a very small margin. Combined with a number of early season injuries, the team failed to fire on all cylinders. However, the latter stages of the season have seen a marked improvement with three significant wins, and for the first time in the club’s history they have earned try bonus points in five successive games.

With some very significant signings arriving mid-season, JvG is set to bolster the team even further with the signing of Finn Russell and Thomas du Toit. Added to that, we now know the addition of Lee Blackett and Richard Blaze to the coaching set up. This must surely make Bath Rugby the envy of the other Premiership clubs. We will be going into to next season with one of our strongest squads for many years.

Professional rugby is at a crossroads and the financial sustainability in the game is precarious, to say the least. We are very lucky that Bruce Craig continues to provide a financial safety net, without which we would not exist today. The game will go through some significant changes over the next two years and in all probability, we will see a 10-team Premiership with a revamped 10-team Championship. I also expect a world calendar that will separate international and domestic calendars and removal of the conflicts that constrain marketing the game on a larger scale.

The Premiership clubs will move forward into next season with reduced squads as they all chase financial sustainability – not an easy task. At the time of writing, we see a third club, London Irish, teetering on insolvency. Other clubs may follow as they struggle to address the huge debt incurred during Covid-19. Bath Rugby has a slimmed down playing squad for next season and this year we say goodbye to a higher than normal number of players. We wish them all good luck as they move on. A hearty farewell and thank you to them.

The new stadium is now within touching distance and is likely to progress over the next few years. It will, in all probability, not be completed in a single build and will take place over several seasons. However, we will continue to play at The Rec while the very impressive new stadium is constructed.

These are exciting times at Bath Rugby, with a new playing side, a planned new stadium and a benefactor that provides the financial security to bring confidence in the future of the club.

The loyalty of Bath supporters is legendary, and Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club also benefit from such loyalty. This has enabled us to have bounced back from the pandemic with an even stronger events programme. Our three flagship events have all been hugely successful, starting with an evening with Francois Louw and Ross Batty late last year. We then held fundraising event for the Bath Rugby Foundation with a ‘legends’ evening featuring John Hall, Jeremy Guscott, Nigel Redman and David Trick. We closed the season with an event featuring six players, all from different countries, who entertained us with their views on the upcoming World Cup and rugby in general. Further details and pictures from these events can be found on our website at www.allez-bath.co.uk.

We have had a very successful time fundraising this season and have raised over £3,200 for charity, no mean achievement in the current financial climate.

The BRSC AGM will take place on 30 May and as usual full details are on our website. We will be holding our Annual Awards Supper in August and we will post full details in due course. We hope to see all our members back next season and hopefully a few new faces too. Until then, have a great summer.