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BATH RUGBY V TOULON

By Bath Rugby

January 13^th, 2023

DYSON V15 DETECT ABSOLUTE VACUUM

EPCR WELCOME MESSAGE

A warm welcome to this Round 3 match in the 2022/23 EPCR Challenge Cup and a Happy New Year to all as we reach the business end of the tournament’s pool stage.

Following the historic introduction of the South African clubs into EPCR’s competitions, it comes as no surprise that the Emirates Lions and the Toyota Cheetahs have already made an impact and both remain in contention to book coveted places in the knockout stage.

With the top six clubs in each pool guaranteed qualification, there’s an important incentive in that the four highest-ranked clubs in each pool will earn home matches in the Round of 16. In addition, the clubs which finish ninth and 10th in each Heineken Champions Cup pool will qualify for the Round of 16 of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

So, after what promises to be more compelling action this month, we’ll have a clearer idea of the pathway to the eagerly-anticipated Finals weekend at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 19 and 20 May for which nearly 70,000 tickets have already been sold.

We are delighted to be joined on the journey to Dublin by our official partners, DHL, IHG and Tissot, by our official supporters, Gilbert and Kappa, and also by our official airline partner in South Africa, Qatar Airways.

Our long-standing broadcast partners, BT Sport, beIN SPORTS and France Télévisions, continue to provide superb coverage of the EPCR Challenge Cup in the UK, Ireland and France respectively, while SuperSport in South Africa, Viaplay and Premier Sports in the UK and Ireland, S4C in Wales and FloRugby in the USA and Canada are already making valuable contributions to the growth of tournament.

We hope that you enjoy the match and best wishes to you, the fans, as well as to your club’s players and staff as we anticipate the joy and the occasional heartache that comes when qualification for the EPCR Challenge Cup knockout stage is on the line!

Yours in rugby,

Dominic McKay,

EPCR Chairman

CELEBRATING OUR 25-YEAR HEINEKEN CUP ANNIVERSARY

Saturday 31 January 1998. Every Bath Rugby supporter knows where they were and what they were doing on that day – the day the Blue, Black and White were crowned European champions.

It remains the biggest moment in the club’s long history. No one can ever take away the mantle of being the first British rugby club to win the Heineken Cup.

It was a memorable occasion which will stand the test of time and will be talked about for years to come.

The visit of Toulon will see many of those involved in 1998 in attendance at The Rec to not only reminisce with each other, but with supporters too.

Head over to the Swift Half and get your photograph with some true Bath Rugby legends, like Andy Nicol, Andy Robinson, Mark Regan, Jeremy Guscott and many more!

HARRIS AND DINGLEY NAMED IN ENGLAND MEN’S U20 SQUAD

England men’s U20 head coach, Alan Dickens, has named his Elite Player Squad for the 2023 campaign, ahead of the Under-20 Six Nations starting next month.

Bath Rugby Academy players, Sam Harris and Josh Dingley take two of the spots in Dickens' 32-player squad that will head into training camp later this week.

Versatile fly-half, centre and full back Harris has been selected, who has been previously recognised internationally at U18 and U19 level, and earned his first England Under-20s cap against France in June 2022.

Dingley, who plays both second row and back row, joined the Bath Rugby Academy in 2021 earning his senior debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Gloucester, before getting his first Premiership appearance away to Saracens in February 2022.

Dickens’ side opens its Six Nations campaign against Scotland on Friday, 3 February (KO 19:00 GMT) at Twickenham Stoop, the evening before the England senior men’s team opens its own tournament.

FULL RELEASE

LE RECCY: BIENVENUE TOULON!

Celebrating the 1998 Heineken Cup win, join us as we welcome Toulon to The Rec!

It's been 25 years since a sea of Blue, Black and White stormed Bordeaux to watch Bath take the first British win in the Heineken Cup against Brive.

On top of our usual matchday fun ahead of the EPCR clash, we'll be joined by members of the '98 winning team and over 100 past Bath Rugby players!

Here's 'Le Reccy' of this week's matchday!

FROM 13:15

Happy Hour 🍺
Heineken Cup 1998 celebration 🏆
Past player Q&A 🎤
Live music from The Rich Reeves Band 🎸
Food and beverage 🍔
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle 🎟
Retail - get your European jersey! 👕
Face painter 🎨
Matchday ambassadors 🤝
Your journey sorted with Centurion Travel 🚌

READ LE RECCY IN FULL

GET YOUR EUROPEAN SHIRT READY!

Featured already at The Rec this season, you can sport the same navy jersey as the team head out of the tunnel for Round 3 of their European run.

Available from the Bath Rugby Shop on Argyle Street, through the online store, to Click+Collect, or to purchase on Saturday from our retail stands, you'll be able to get your Euro jersey in plenty of time!

The January Sale is still on. If you haven't yet had a look at the bargains, head over to the Bath Rugby online store and take advantage of prices starting at just £5!

BUY NOW!

VISIT COMPEED

NICOL REFLECTS ON HIS GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT

It has been 25 years since Bath Rugby broke the French hold on the Heineken Cup in a final that can only be summed up in one word – dramatic.

The 19-18 victory over Brive which saw the Blue, Black and White crowned European champions – the first British club to earn such an honour – is undisputedly the greatest moment in the club’s history.

For many of the players involved, it is also the greatest moment in their careers as 1998 captain Andy Nicol has verified.

“Winning the Heineken Cup was without doubt the greatest achievement of my career,” the ex-Scotland international said.

“Walking out for that final, it rivalled anything I was lucky enough to do, captaining my country – just for the atmosphere, it was amazing to see. So many Bath fans had made the journey. And we had a good side – we had a great back line that was our real strength.

“I’m so fortunate to have shared it with so many good friends.”

It could have been so different for Bath; the game, and the trophy, could have easily slipped in to Brive hands.

France centre Christophe Lamaison kicked five first-half penalties for Brive to keep them in touching distance of back-to-back titles, but his sixth strike faded wide before Jon Callard’s winning nudge.

That wasn’t even half the drama. Nicol recalls as he dropped a ball which presented fly-half Lisandro Arbizu with an opportunity to drop a game-winning goal, though that also failed to find the target, much to the relief of every single Bath player, staff member and supporter – nine more so than Nicol!

“The brightest moment followed the darkest moment; the brightest moment was when the final whistle went after their Argentinian Arbizu missed a drop goal after I had dropped the ball right in front of the posts!

“We dug in hugely to get into the lead, and I genuinely think about dropping the ball a lot as I thought I’d lost us the European Cup when he went for the drop kick.”

Nicol added: “It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was so humbled to be the Bath captain following in the footsteps of Phil de Glanville, Andy Robinson, John Hall, Stuart Barnes, Richard Hill, John Palmer, Roger Spurrell.

“The European Cup became the Holy Grail for us. Bath had dominated English club rugby in the amateur era, and we always thought we were the best team in Europe, but we couldn’t prove it until the European Cup came along.

“When we got to the final against Brive, this was it; it was our chance to prove Bath were the best team in Europe once and for all. That euphoria at the final whistle was just so special and magic.”

What followed afterwards was 7,000 Bath fans going crazy in the stands in Bordeaux, thousands at home celebrating and a lot of relief for those in Blue, Black and White.

It wasn’t until much later in the night where things got a little looser on the celebration front and not before Nicol and his teammates had a period of reflection – alongside a nutritious post-match meal!

“The changing room celebrations were brilliant; it was a sense of job done. We wanted a bit of food afterwards and we took the Heineken Cup into McDonalds in Bordeaux and got about 30 Big Macs - it was full of Bath and Brive fans who were dropping their Big Macs when we walked in!

“Then we went to a bar with a private room which was so special as it was just the playing squad, coaching team and the physios; it was just the inner sanctum. It was quiet contemplation and a sense of job done. We were there for about half an hour before wives, girlfriends and fans were let it and it was a really special half an hour. Then a couple of guys went head-to-head drinking, and it ended up what you’d think it would!”

This weekend, many of the 1998 squad will reunite at The Rec to celebrate 25 years since the famous victory.

For many it will be the first time they have seen each other in a long time, though it will feel like yesterday as they share their memories of the Holy Grail.

“I can remember so much of it like it was yesterday and not 25 years ago!” Nicol concluded.

“It just brings back so many happy memories and I can’t wait to get back to The Rec on Saturday and see so many of the squad. It will be a great day for Bath Rugby, and I’m delighted the club are recognising the moment as they are.

“It's a true sense of friendship and it just proves the connection you have when you play is deep rooted. I think we’ll have 17 from the squad at The Rec and there’s a what’s app group where everyone is already taking the mickey out of everyone already! It’s just going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see everyone.”

"EUROPE BRINGS SOMETHING DIFFERENT" - MADDOCK

Not only is it three-time European champions Toulon visiting The Rec on Saturday, but members of the 1998 Heineken Cup-winning side will be in attendance to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their triumph.

The likes of captain Andy Nicol and coach Andy Robinson will reminisce with supporters as well Adebayo Adedayo, Phil de Glanville, Jeremy Guscott, David Hilton, Dan Lyle, Federico Mendez, Matt Perry, Eric Peters, Mark Regan, Nathan Thomas and Richard Webster.

Current Bath Rugby hooker Niall Annett can feel the ‘special vibe’ around the city this week and he is determined for the Blue, Black and White to keep their qualification chances alive this weekend.

"It's a big game and we've treated it very much like that, it's a cup final of sorts. It's one that we're building heavily towards and has been a big focus in training in the week," he said.

"European days are special. There's a 25-year reoccurrence of the triumph that they had so there's a special vibe around town and hopefully we can put in a performance that is reflective of that.

"It's a club that has history and heritage in all competitions and formats. We are working hard every week and every day and every session to try and build and bring those special days back."

YOUR RED CAR

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 26-21 TOULON

16 December 2017

Back in 2017/18, Bath Rugby blew Pool 5 of the Champions Cup wide over with a stunning home victory over three-time European champions Toulon.

It was a memorable occasion for the Blue, Black and White who avenged a devastating last-gasp 24-20 loss to the Top 14 outfit the week prior.

Beno Obano's first-minute try kicked things off in fine fashion for Bath and Rhys Priestland kicked the conversion and two penalties to make it 13-0 after as many minutes.

Anthony Watson scored a double following an Alby Mathewson try, and despite Samu Manoa's effort, Bath saw out victory through Priestland's boot.

Bath Rugby: 15 Watson, 14 Brew, 13 Joseph, 12 Tapuai, 11 Banahan (78 Burns), 10 Priestland, 9 Cook (51 Fotuali’i); 1 Obano (66 Auterac), 2 Dunn, 3 Lahiff (51 Thomas), 4 Stooke (67 Douglas), 5 Ewels, 6 Garvey, 7 Louw, 8 Grant (66 Mercer). Unused: Van Vuuren, Wilson.

Toulon: 15 Bonneval, 14 Tuisova, 13 Bastareaud, 12 Nonu (57 Pietersen), 11 Ashton, 10 Trinh-Duc, 9 Mathewson (57 Escande); 1 Fresia (65 Delboulbes), 2 Guirado, 3 van der Merwe (65 Setiano), 4 Manoa (53 Rebbadj), 5 Romain Taofifenua (53 Kruger), 6 Lobbe (56 Lakafia), 7 Isa, 8 Vermeulen. Unused: Etrilliard.

VIEW RILEY ENGLAND

THE OPPOSITION

Toulon are a team packed with international talent, with the likes of French national captain, Charles Ollivon, World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe, and Italian legend, Sergio Parisse in their ranks.

With a team so rich in talent, there’s no surprise that Toulon are currently sitting near the top of Pool A of the EPCR, level in points with current leaders, Cardiff Rugby, who also have 10 points.

Toulon have won two games from two in this year’s Challenge Cup campaign, with wins over Bath Rugby and Zebre Parma, meaning a place in the knock-out stages is already confirmed for the French team.

Toulon are currently first in defenders beaten, with an impressive tally of 54 in the Challenge Cup. They are also second in clean breaks (21) and carries (240) while they sit in third place for tries scored with eight across their two games.

They entered the Challenge Cup in 2022/23 having finished second in the Scottish/Italian Shield and outside the four best overall regular season records.

ONE TO WATCH – DAN BIGGAR

Having joined the French side earlier in the season, Dan Biggar’s departure from Northampton Saints is still fresh. Biggar has only played five games for Toulon since moving overseas, in which he has started at fly-half in all five.

His debut came in October 2022 in a win over Zebre Parma in the Challenge Cup, where Biggar struggled to find his usual form with a 50% goal kicking percentage. Since then, Biggar has amassed a total of 42 points across two tournaments and five games, all from his boot.

With over 100 Welsh appearances and three British and Lions test caps, there is no doubting the international's ability as one of the best 10s in world rugby. Having also captained Wales on a number of occasions, Biggar is a leader on the pitch and a vital figure in any team he plays in.

MEET MURDOCH LOCK

School: Rosslyn Park

Club: Wellington College

Position: Scrum half

What are your dream goals in rugby?

I would love to play in an age grade World Cup rugby and make my Premiership debut.

What do you get up to outside of rugby?

Outside of rugby, I like to spend time with my friends as well as reading different articles and books about my politics degree which I’m completing at the University of Bath.

Who has had the biggest impact on your development?

I would say my mum, dad and brother as they have been the only ones throughout my lifetime who have helped me in every aspect of life to get me where I am today. They’ve supported me both mentally and physically, so I’d have to say my family.

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

Something positive! Hopefully as being someone who is always willing to help the younger generation to progress. Ultimately, I would want to be seen as someone who has had a successful career both on and off the pitch.

SIX TRIES FOR BATH RUGBY U18 IN DOMINANT ACADEMY LEAGUE DISPLAY

Bath Rugby Under-18s stormed to a six-try 36-19 victory over Exeter Chiefs Under-18s at Truro College's Tregye Campus.

Returning to rugby for the first time in 2023, Bath took on Chiefs in Round 4 of the Premiership Rugby Academy League.

Kacey Pike (3), Henry Bartlett and replacement Henry Bonetti (2) contributed to Bath's six try win in a dominant display over their West Country hosts.

READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT

RILEY 30 SECOND CHALLENGE

Nahum Merigan and John Stewart took on the Riley 30 Second Challenge. Do you think you would pot more than them?

BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION LAUNCH MIXED ABILITY TAKEOVER DAYS

Bath Rugby Foundation are delighted to launch their mixed ability takeover days with local grassroots clubs, starting next Saturday 21st January at Melksham RFC.

The sessions are aimed at giving people 16-plus the opportunity to try Mixed Ability Rugby for the first time or reintegrate with a rugby club after time away or injury.

Melksham's Mixed Ability Team, Melksham Stags currently boasts over 30 playing members all ranging in ability from new to rugby players to 67-year-old veterans!

The reason Mixed Ability is growing at such an impressive rate is due to the inclusive nature of the format of the sport, it allows non-contact players to participate with contact players, as well as uncontested scrums and the game being played in the spirit of rugby without the competitive league structure that Senior Rugby teams experience.

Teams are open to players from all backgrounds including disabled people. BRF work with players to increase confidence, develop skills and promote independence with fixtures and social opportunities.

Outreach Manager, Dan Hine said: "We hope that by launching the takeover days, Bath Rugby Foundation will be able to help the whole community benefit by taking place away from a usual tranining night and hopefully provide the most accessible opportunity for new players to join us."

"Bath Rugby Foundation have been running Mixed Ability Rugby for six years now and have supported over 100 players to regularly access rugby training weekly. The takeover days will hopefully be the next step for new players to join in with the support of Bath Rugby."

The first takeover day will see four Bath Rugby Foundation coaches running skill sessions and a variety of touch rugby formats. Prizes will be awarded to players and free food will be on offer in the clubhouse.

If you would like to join us, sign up here and receive a FREE t-shirt or email dan.hine@bathrugbyfoundation.com if you have any questions ahead of the day.

Bath Rugby Foundation currently supports four Mixed Ability teams across the South West:

Melksham Stags (Male Mixed Ability Rugby)
Walcot Warriors (Male Mixed Ability Rugby
Bath Ladies Trojans (Female Mixed Ability Rugby
Yeovil Mixed Ability Rugby (Male and Female Mixed Ability Rugby)

Each of these teams will be hosting a takeover day before the end of the season. Please look out on the Bath Rugby Foundation social media channels for confirmed dates and how to get involved.

A European game at The Rec is always a special occasion, but when it involves one of the Top 14 French sides, we know to expect a momentous encounter.

Round 3 of the EPCR Challenge Cup means BRSC says 'Accueil' and 'Bonne année' to RC Toulon and its supporters.

It is especially for these matches that our boys in the Blue, Black & White train and prepare with such dedication, which was typified by Tom Doughty’s excitement at the prospect of playing in the cauldron that was the Stade Mayol, back on 17 December 2022.

Tom scored our only try in Toulon and shortly afterwards sustained a painful injury which ended his involvement in that match.

I had the privilege to join the team when we travelled to the south of France in December and whilst we were well beaten on the day, there was continued evidence of our strong defensive resistance together with an array of fluid attacking moves to enjoy.

We are now more than half way through the domestic 2022/23 season which has again seen disruption with the aftermath of Covid-19 and the very sad, hopefully temporary, demise of Worcester Warriors and Wasps.

However, there is also much to celebrate in the hooped jersey – we have recently had confirmation of a whole host of our squad renewing or extending their contracts and committing to Bath Rugby.

In addition, we have the prospect of welcoming the world-class Scottish fly half, Finn Russell when he joins us from Racing 92 at the end of this season.

Bath Rugby is continually strengthening its squad and this is why our support contributes such a vital piece of the jigsaw in regaining our position in the top four of the Gallagher Premiership and restoring The Rec to the fortress we all know it can be, as we saw last time out against Newcastle Falcons. The transformation won’t happen overnight, but we continue to make big, confident strides towards it.

By joining BRSC, for as little as £10.00 per season (Single Membership), you can demonstrate that support for ALL Bath Rugby teams and at the same time enjoy the many benefits it brings. From significant discounts at numerous diverse local businesses in and around Bath, (including 10% off in the Bath Rugby shop) to joining evenings in the company of Ross Batty and Francois Louw and a 'Q&A' session at Farleigh House, both of which we have recently enjoyed.

We will shortly hold our annual quiz and 'Ask the Ref' (with Tony Spreadbury – EPCR Head of Match Officials) evenings in the Clubhouse at The Rec, and planning is already well underway for the prestigious Annual Awards Supper, at the end of the season, where you spend the evening with one of the 1st XV players sat at your table.

If you would like to become part of the 'wider Bath Rugby family' then come and see us at our Gazebo in north east corner (behind and opposite the big screen) at all Gallagher Premiership home games (we’re there from gates open until 30 minutes before kick-off) or visit our website. We also have a growing Junior Membership dedicated to our younger supporters.

Enjoy today’s game, watching some world class names on the hallowed turf, demonstrate your vocal support for Bath Rugby and we hope to see you at The Rec again soon.