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BATH RUGBY V WASPS

ROUND 3 GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP

By Bath Rugby

September 22^nd, 2022

DYSON V15 DETECT ABSOLUTE VACUUM

A WELCOME FROM TARQUIN MCDONALD

Welcome back to The Rec for our first Friday night fixture of the 2022/23 season against Wasps.

Last week’s performance against Sale Sharks was a significant step backwards after the progress made through pre-season and against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate. Tonight’s game is an important opportunity for the team to get back on track with a performance against Wasps.

The rugby world lost a true voice of the game earlier this week as Eddie Butler sadly passed away. British & Irish Lion turned broadcaster, his iconic commentary was synonymous with rugby on the BBC. He was a gentleman, he will be sorely missed, and our thoughts go out to his friends and family.

We are pleased to be able to welcome players, staff and supporters from Wasps for tonight’s game at the end of what I’m sure has been a difficult week for everyone associated with the club.

Wasps are an iconic club, and it was difficult reading the news this week regarding the financial challenges they face.

In this respect they are not alone and I am sure you will have been following the press reports regarding Worcester Warriors; their potential new ownership whilst also facing possible administration. It has been a very difficult time for their players, staff and supporters and it was humbling to see the efforts of everyone at the club to deliver last weekend’s game v Exeter Chiefs.

There have been many words said regarding the ownership at Worcester. However, what is undeniable is that something is not right with the game. The league and the competition continue to be the best in the world, deliverable unmissable action week-in-week-out. Despite the quality of Premiership rugby, there is simply too much money flowing out of the game compared to the money flowing in. This is not sustainable.

There has been debate in the press this week regarding alternative league structures, the number of teams, addressing calendar overlaps. Whilst there is no easy answer, what is clear is that there has to be change for the long-term future of the clubs and the game.

In the meantime, let’s look forward to tonight’s performance. I hope we all enjoy a great evening at the Rec.

COYB!

Tarquin

VISIT THATCHERS

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS AT THE REC

The first Friday Night Lights at The Rec returns in Round 3 as Bath Rugby take on Wasps!

Tickets remain available from £15 for a junior and £40 for an adult as the Blue, Black and White aim for their first victory of the 2022/23 campaign.

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

Thank you so much for your support.

JOIN US AT THE REC

INJURY UPDATE

Sam Underhill is to undergo surgery on a shoulder issue.

The operation will see the Bath Rugby back row sidelined for approximately 12 weeks.

The club can also confirm Beno Obano’s knee injury required surgery which was successful. He will now begin his rehabilitation with the Bath Rugby medical staff.

Jaco Coetzee's ankle injury will keep him sidelined for 10 weeks while Ben Spencer misses the match v Wasps with concussion.

MOVE WITH BATH!

Bath Rugby and Wiltshire Council have teamed up to deliver three 12-week fitness programmes, hosted at grassroots clubs throughout Wiltshire. Funded by Wiltshire Council, this programme is designed for men across Wiltshire who are 18 years and older.

This health and wellbeing programme focuses on tactics that individuals can adopt to make positive changes throughout their life. The content for the programme has been tailored to support overweight males. All participants will receive expert coaching and advice.

GET INVOLVED

VISIT TRIBUTE

THE RECCY: WHAT'S ON THIS FRIDAY?

Here’s what you can find as the gates open at 17:45.

Supporter favourites, The Shadow Monkeys, performing pre AND post-match!
Food & beverage
Swift Half
Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club
Bath Rugby Foundation
Super Six Kicks!
£20 tickets for students
Matchday volunteers
Fan radio
Next week’s Premiership Rugby Cup game against Gloucester

YOUR RED CAR

WHAT I WORE: DAVE ATTWOOD

Throughout pre-season, we've been 'Getting to Know' our new players but with the return of Dave Attwood, we thought we would do something different.

The second row has now made 159 appearances in Blue, Black and White and we took a look back at some of his old jerseys with a little help from teammate Niall Annett.

THE DOUBLE HEADER WILL RETURN TO THE REC IN OCTOBER!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GET YOUR FREE TICKETS!

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

TICKETS ON SALE FOR BATH RUGBY V NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

IT'S ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO GET BETTER - DUNN

Tom Dunn has always been a player who has led from the front and says it how it is.

As were the whole squad, the hooker was deeply disappointed with Bath Rugby’s performance against Sale Sharks last weekend as the Blue, Black and White fell to a 37-20 loss at home.

The emotion that came with the loss is something he feels the group need to grasp and use as motivation for the challenge of Wasps.

“It wasn’t a performance to be proud of; I was embarrassed,” the 29-year-old admitted.

“We didn’t win our collisions and as a pack we didn’t show enough heart. A lot of rugby is about mindset, how you feel and what you’re willing to do… I don’t think we were there.

“We are in the building phase; we are on a journey and we’re doing all we can to get better every week. But the performance is what we judge ourselves on and that wasn’t there.

“You can’t feel sorry for yourself and mope around. We have to go again on Friday and use it as motivation.”

Bath host Wasps in Round 3 of the Gallagher Premiership – the first Friday Night Lights of the 2022/23 campaign.

Evening games at The Rec always have a little bit extra to them when it comes to atmosphere and feel, and Dunn is relishing the chance to perform.

“I love Friday nights at The Rec,” he said.

“If you play 100 games for this club and only 50 are at home, only eight to 10 will be on a Friday night so it’s a massive opportunity we don’t get to do very often.

“It’s another opportunity to get better; it’s another opportunity to push in the direction we want to push.”

Bath came from behind to grab a bonus-point win over Wasps, moving them up to sixth in the Premiership and the verge of a European Champions Cup place.

Three late tries, including two from Zach Mercer, saw them to victory, with Joe Cokanasiga also crossing.

They had led early on through a Jonathan Joseph try before Wasps hit back with scores from Nizaam Carr and Nathan Hughes in the first half.

Bath: Watson; Cokanasiga, Joseph, Roberts, McConnochie; Burns, Chudley; Obano, Dunn, Lahiff, Attwood, Ewels (capt), Ellis, Underhill, Mercer. Replacements: Batty, Van Rooyen, Nixon, Douglas, Stooke, Fotuali'i, Davies, Wright.

Wasps: Le Roux; Watson, De Jongh, Lovobalavu, Bassett; Miller, Simpson; McIntyre, Cruse, Brookes, Launchbury, Rowlands, Shields, Carr, Hughes. Replacements: Taylor, Harris, Cooper-Woolley, Morris, Johnson, Hampson, Sopoaga, Neal.

THE OPPOSITION

Wasps finished ninth in the Premiership last season, just missing out on a place in the Heineken Champions Cup. They won 11 and lost 12 in 2021/22, scoring 76 tries.

This season, they almost got off to a positive start against Gloucester, going 21-0 up at the home of the Cherry & Whites but ended up on the losing side.

At home to Bristol Bears, Lee Blackett's side scored early but it proved to be their only joyful period on the scoresheet as they fell to a second defeat.

Following the game, Blackett said: "The number of opportunities out there, you look and you reflect and you're thinking, it wasn't like we looked clueless at times, we were creating opportunities.

"We just made far too many mistakes with the ball, that's why I'm constantly saying we've got to improve our skill set and that's what we want from Wasps players.

"I think if you'd seen us in pre-season, I saw us heading in the right direction in terms of that. I think it's a bad day in the office but we have got to be constantly working on that and that is the direction we are going in - we're working really hard on our skills and we've got to work even harder."

ONE TO WATCH - ALFIE BARBEARY

Alfie Barbeary burst on to the scene with Wasps in 2019/20, scoring four tries in his first five Premiership appearances.

He started out as hooker before switching to back row and sticking there following an impressive number of performances. His displays have caught the attention of England Head Coach Eddie Jones who has included him in several warm-up squads.

The 21-year-old is a physical ball carrier and has a positive impact in defence. He is one of a number of Wasps Academy players who have graduated and proved influential at senior level.

MEET EDDIE ERSKINE

School: Millfield School

Club: Dorchester RFC

Position: Lock

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

Playing at Kingsholm for Bath Rugby Under-18s and beating Gloucester convincingly.

What are your dream goals in rugby?

I would like to play for Scotland Under-20s and in the future sign a senior contract with Bath Rugby.

What do you get up to outside of rugby?

Outside of rugby I spend time with my mates in my university halls and I will be busy attending my lectures once university starts.

Who has had the biggest impact on your development?

The people who have had the biggest impact my development would be my two coaches at school, Mr Baxter and John Mallett. I would not be in the Bath Academy without their coaching at school.

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

At the end of the career I want people to say that I was a hard working, good player on the pitch and and equally good at being a good lad who loves being social off the pitch.

BEECHEN CLIFF MAKE IT TWO WINS FROM TWO

Beechen Cliff followed up on last week's resounding win at Filton College with another dominant performance in Round 2 of this season’s ACE League.

The Bath Rugby partnership school defeated Truro College – who are affliated to Exeter Chiefs - 38-14 at home in front of a large crowd. The RFU ACE League pits the partner state schools or colleges of all the Premiership clubs against each other in a National League of exceptional quality.

Truro started strongly with an extended period of possession that tested the Beechen Cliff defence, but they held firm and set a defensive standard that they maintained for the remainder of the game. Having finally turned the ball over, the Beechen Cliff backs swiftly counter attacked leading to centre Rory Crum outpacing the defence to open the scoring with Raff Weston converting.

Next it was the forwards turn, with a well-drilled driving maul from a close-range line-out. Hooker Max Dorrington was given the touchdown, but credit should handed to the entire pack. The third try came soon after with wing Henry Bartlett scoring a stunning individual try from his own half. Catching a missed touch kick, he set off on a mazy run, evading numerous tacklers before scoring under the posts.

Arguably at this point, Beechen were guilty of taking their foot off the pedal and allowed Truro back into the game. A series of needless penalties and some over-expansive play resulted in conceding possession and territory and Truro claimed a converted try of their own.

The half-time break allowed the team to reset and make some personnel changes. The second half performance was more assured and the replacements made a real impact. WingWyatt McLaughlin, fresh off the bench, scored not long after the restart. Replacement hooker Ben Stoaling scored another from close range before McLaughlin scored his second with the final play of the game.

The win puts Beechen Cliff in a buoyant and confident mood, with a maximum of 10 league points from two games, going into next week's game against Gordon’s School, the Quins partner school.

GLOUCESTER - PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP

Bath Rugby take on Gloucester in a Premiership Rugby Cup West Country derby on Wednesday 28 September (kick-off 19:45).

Tickets remain on sale for the midweek encounter, available to juniors for just £5 and adult tickets are priced at £22.

With Bristol Bears our second home game in the competition on Wednesday 19 October, we have a fantastic ticket bundle available which will see you attend both games for £30, a saving of £14!

See you at The Rec - get your tickets here!

HOMEGROWN FOCUS

Judging by their Premiership Rugby Cup squad to face Worcester Warriors in the week, Gloucester are using the competition to blood some younger players as well as returning players. Nineteen of their matchday 23 selected were products of their Academy.

TALENTED HALF-BACKS

Both 21-years-old, Stephen Varney and George Barton (pictured right) have exciting futures in the game. Scrum-half Varney is a fully-fledged Italy international, for whom qualifies through his Italian mother, and he shot on to the Gloucester scene with three tries in his first three games at senior level in 2020. Fly-half Barton was a standout at Under-18 level for both club and country. A silky footballer, he could have played football for Cheltenham Town but chose rugby and Gloucester where his kicking out of hand and eye for a pass has seen him earn 13 appearances in the Gallagher Premiership.

POWER IN THE BACK ROW

A back row with power, experience and talent was picked to start against Worcester. Jake Polledri is steadily progressing his way back from a long-term absence from the game but he offers international experience, ability over the ball and great defence. Another physical flanker, Jack Clement (pictured) earned his first start of the season in the Cup and is one of many talented young players in the Cherry & White ranks. Number 8 Ben Morgan, a 31-capped England international, has proved an effective ball carrier and tryscorer over the years and has over 100 Premiership appearances to his name.

KICKING COMP!

Fly-half duo Orlando Bailey and Piers Francis went head-to-head in a kicking drill during pre-season. Who collected the most points?

BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION

Who we are We’re a charity that helps young people who need all kinds of emotional, practical, and physical support - but don’t get it.

What we do We put our hearts and souls into helping any challenged young person stop feeling judged, crushed, or underestimated and start feeling self-assured, hopeful, and happy.

How we do it We re-ignite confidence and self-worth in young people and give them the life skills and opportunities to not only survive but to thrive in the world.

Where we do it Every year we change the lives of thousands of young people by being active in their communities, schools or at our home at the Rec.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

ALTERNATIVE LEARNING HUB

Launched last month, Bath Rugby Foundation's Alternative Learning Hub gives vulnerable and challenged children and young people the opportunity to study and learn in an alternative setting.

Designed for learners who struggle with mainstream education, or find regular school or college unsettling, the Hub offers a solution to ensure no young person goes without education.

BOOST - A programme for 14-16-year-olds to help them cope with mainstream education. Quite often these are children who may have been disruptive or struggle to settle in class. To not let this behaviour affect both the learner and their peers, the child is referred to the ALH to help them learn ways to better settle and cope in school, using support and coaching as a solution.

PHASE - For children and young adults aged 16-19, sometimes older. Learners are usually people who have left school at 16 or have been referred to the ALH for their further education studies. The programme offers participants a safe learning space that is different to mainstream education. It provides work experience opportunities and builds learners’ confidence and life skills.

ADVANTAGE - For young people aged 19-25 who live in B&NES, Bristol and Wiltshire who would like to be in work or training but have struggled to find where they fit. The programme helps young people identify their prospects and improve their self-confidence. Childcare funding is available for those with care commitments and all equipment is supplied.

If you know a child or young person between the age of 14 and 19 who could benefit from one of our programmes, our team of qualified coaches would love to hear from you.

MAKE A REFERRAL

FOUNDATION'S CARYL THOMAS OFF TO NEW ZEALAND FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP

Bath Rugby Foundation's much-loved coach, Caryl Thomas, has been selected to fly out to New Zealand to appear at her fourth Rugby World Cup to represent Wales Women.

Thomas made her international debut against Italy in 2006 and 16 years later, maintains her international standard of rugby, being selected in Ioan Cunningham's 32-player squad.

She had dedicated the last 10 years to the Foundation, helping vulnerable children and young people in Bath.

"I’ve been with Bath Rugby Foundation for over a decade now and I’m really passionate about the work we do. Every day is different but that just shows the variety of what the Foundation offer to young people," said Caryl.

Caryl and the rest of her teammates will face Australia, Scotland and hosts New Zealand in the pool stages of the tournament.

Everyone at Bath Rugby and Bath Rugby Foundation wishes Caryl the best of luck and a huge congratulations!

"DO WHAT WE DO BEST: SUPPORT THIS GREAT CLUB WITH OPTIMISM AND GOOD HUMOUR"

We all left The Rec last Saturday with a familiar gloomy sense of frustration. Yogi Berra, the famous New York Yankees catcher had a quote for every possible sporting scenario. In this instance: ‘It’s like déjà vu all over again' seems more than apt for our defeat by Sale Sharks.

The first home game of any season is always cause for both optimism and expectation. Even more so given the sense of renewal at The Rec and the positive impact JVG and his team have had across the city. By teatime on Saturday, it certainly felt like we had returned to earth with a bump!

As JVG rightly stated in his post-match comments, we are only on game two of a longer journey, so perspective is needed. We are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to get back on track quickly tonight as we welcome back old adversaries Wasps to The Rec.

Divergent fortunes in the professional era and the imperious form of Wasps in the 00s means that we have often played the team from London and now Coventry with a sense of optimism rather than expectation. Nevertheless, there have been some memorable occasions where the team on the pitch delivered more than the BB&W faithful expected.

The early days of professionalism in 2000/01 brought a thrilling 36-31 win at Loftus Road and a brace from Tom Voyce in a league semi-final for Jon Callard’s men that didn’t exactly go to form.

That victory was swiftly followed by a remarkable run of success domestically and in Europe for the team in Black and Gold; this made back-to-back victories at Wasps St Georges Day Twickenham games in 2010 and again 2011 even sweeter. A brilliant performance by Olly Barkley and three tries by Joe Maddock (what ever happened to him?) led to a comprehensive 35-19 win in 2010.

Our reputation as party poopers extraordinaire was cemented a year later when we went and did it all over again. It was another fan favourite winger Tom Biggs’ turn to score a hat-trick in an emphatic win in the southwest London spring sunshine.

What can we learn from these great memories? Bath fans are all clambering for a return to a period in our history where we can expect success. Today we can all support our new Head of Rugby charting the return to the top end of the table by doing what we do best: supporting this great club with optimism and good humour.