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BATH RUGBY V WORCESTER WARRIORS

By Bath Rugby

September 8^th, 2020

STUART HOOPER: WELCOME

Hello everyone

Welcome back to our digital programme and another evening of rugby at the Rec.

It’s great to be back here at home after a strong performance at the weekend. We knew Harlequins would present a tough challenge and we went out there and did what we needed to do.

Tries from Ruaridh, Elliott and Lewis gave us that all-important bonus point and we’re once again within touching distance of the top four. Rhys kept the scoreboard ticking over with his ever-reliable boot.

It was special to have spectators there as well. It feels like we are slowly returning to some sort of normal. Massive thanks to everyone at Quins who made it happen – the team behind-the-scenes did a great job of getting people in and keeping everyone safe.

Despite the score, the Quins fans were great and applauded all of our players off the pitch. That is what rugby is about – that, and getting the wins.

The big target is that top four and getting to Twickenham on 24 October. We need to keep our focus, continue to bring out those performances and earn as many points as possible.

The real challenge this week is having three matches in just eight days. I’m proud of how the lads used the disappointment of the defeat to Wasps to bounce back and play our own game at the Stoop. I know being back at the Rec will be energizing for them and buoyed by the result on Saturday. We’ll get our game faces on and go again.

We welcome a tough Worcester side who will bring a big pack and plenty of physicality. We’ll put our trust in each other, trust in the game plan and aim to come out on top. It’s a real chance to build the points and edge back into the top four.

We know you’ll be cheering us on wherever you are – do send us your pictures and we’ll turn our channels Blue, Black and White!

We hope you enjoy the match.

Cheers,

Hoops

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CHARLIE EWELS: WELCOME

Hi all

We’re running out on the pitch back at the Rec for Round 19 and it’s good to be back at home.

We were really happy with our performance last Saturday against Harlequins and it was a great experience to have spectators back again.

Of course, we missed our Blue, Black and White supporters but just having cheering crowds and noise in the stadium was pretty special. The Quins fans demonstrated true rugby values and we want to say a big thank you to them and the team at the Stoop for getting crowds back into a rugby match.

I think it was really important to put in that performance at the Stoop. With a tight turnaround – just four days between matches – it’s good to have a big win in the bag and that will really help with our momentum building into our match against Worcester.

Our opposition today are a big physical team with some outstanding players who can really turn a match around. They had an intense match against Bristol and showed where they can do damage. Players like Nick Schonert and Ethan Waller are strong scrummagers who will give us a real challenge in an area of our game where we know we are strong. In the backs, Francois Hougaard and Duncan Weir are the dangermen. We welcome the challenges Worcester bring and will have to make sure we’re at our best.

We know you’ll be showing your support and we will aim to put in another big performance, get those points and do you proud.

We hope you enjoy the match!

Cheers,

Charlie

CLUB NEWS

VOTE FOR YOUR GALLAGHER COMMUNITY PLAYER OF THE 2019/20 SEASON!

As part of Premiership Rugby’s annual end of season awards, league sponsor Gallagher will be looking to name their Gallagher Community Player of the Season 2019/20.

With one nominee from each club, we wanted you, our supporters, to have the final say in who Bath Rugby puts forward to represent the Blue, Black and White. Read on for your choices…

Ruaridh McConnochie

Flying wing Ruaridh McConnochie entrusted the clippers to housemate Max Clark during lockdown to #BravetheShave and raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Support. Former 7s teammate AJ Davis, who has done a lot of work with cancer charities, brought the cause to Ruaridh’s attention during lockdown and the crisis faced by the NHS. He raised close to £30,000 for the Macmillan, as well as raising awareness about the amazing work done by the cancer charity.

Not only this, but Ruaridh has volunteered for two years with Give Us A Shout, the confidential text service that helps people in crisis. As one of the 2000-strong trained volunteer group, Ruaridh supports Give Us A Shout by responding to messages and helping people in distress.

He says: “We try to be that open, non-judgmental space for people to text in. There was a lot of anxiety during lockdown with people uncertain about their jobs and their futures. It’s good to be there as a sounding board.”

Charlie Ewels

When lockdown started, Bath Rugby Club Captain Charlies Ewels got in touch with Bath Rugby Foundation CEO Lynne Fernquest to find out how he and the playing squad could support Bath Rugby’s charity.

He was the first to step forward and sign up to Bath Rugby Foundation’s Sponsor a Student campaign, which sees individuals and businesses sponsor a participant to help with the extra things they may need to learn of find a job – bus fare, interview clothes and even a daily meal.

In fact, when participants on Bath Rugby Foundation’s Advantage programme needed smart shoes for job interviews, Charlie donated two pairs of his own.

Bath Rugby’s first match following lockdown was Charlie’s 100th for the club. Ahead of the match against London Irish he got in touch and offered his shirt from the match to the Foundation to help raise funds. The shirt raffle, promoted by Charlie and the squad across social media, raised more than £1,200 for the Club’s charity.

Charlie also recently joined the ranks of #BraveTheShave, as some of you may have noticed during the match against Wasps!

Max Clark

Last up is Ruaridh’s housemate Max Clark. During lockdown, the centre reached out to the Bath Rugby Foundation to ask if he could volunteer his time to support the charity.

Max gave up a full day to travel across Bath and North East Somerset to visit members of the Foundation’s Mixed Ability rugby squad. The team, part of Premiership Rugby’s Project Rugby programme, had been due to travel to Spain on their first ever international rugby tour, before the Covid-19 pandemic caused it to be cancelled.

Foundation coach Dan Hine was due to check in with the participants and deliver their tour kit – which had been donated by Bath Rugby and was to be a surprise reveal on tour. Max offered his time to accompany Dan on the (socially distanced) visits, spending the day chatting to participants, taking pictures and handing out full playing kits, prompting one participant to share their “the best day ever” on social media!

CAST YOUR VOTE NOW!

Voting closes at 12pm on Thursday 10th September

BATH RUGBY AND COMPEED ANNOUNCE SHORT-TERM PARTNERSHIP

Bath Rugby and Compeed have seized an opportunity to form a short-term strategic partnership for the remainder of the 2019/20 season.

This innovative partnership marks the first of its kind for both brands, offering agility and flexibility when it is most needed. You may have seen Compeed featuring on the back of the Blue, Black and White jerseys against Harlequins, which will continue until the close of the 2019/20 campaign.

Mark Morrell, Bath Rugby’s Head of Partnerships, thanked Compeed for their enthusiasm and openness during this unique restart period, saying: “Compeed has a long history of supporting athletes and we’re delighted to align with such a respected international brand. We’re looking forward to working with them during this exciting conclusion to the season.”

HRA Pharma CEO David Wright added: “We’re incredibly proud to join forces with Bath Rugby. I’m well-versed in the club’s history and its enviable pedigree on and off the pitch. Our UK team are very excited by this strategic partnership and we look forward to a successful end to the season.”

FULL STORY HERE

MATCHDAY TEAMS

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LUKE CHARTERIS ON BATH RUGBY’S SET PIECE WEAPON

Bath Rugby Line-Out Coach Luke Charteris has been enjoying his first season under Stuart Hooper. The 74-capped Welsh forward discusses his transition from professional athlete to coach, and inspiring the Gallagher Premiership’s leading set-piece.

Luke Charteris has relished his opportunity to enhance the line-out platform and craft it into a key weapon in the Bath Rugby armoury. Despite it only being his first year, the former Welsh international has been able to learn from those around him as he develops as a coach.

Charteris said: “I’ve really enjoyed the transition. I was definitely ready to finish playing. Both physically and mentally I was pretty shot and getting more and more excited about a new challenge.

"Coaching was something I'd been thinking about for a few years and when the opportunity came up to stay at Bath and keep working with this group, I jumped at it. It was a perfect step for me, and it has been an interesting journey so far. I keep learning things every day and that's my aim."

Throughout the 37-year-old’s career, Charteris has worked under many coaches during his time with Newport, Perpignan, Racing Metro and with Bath Rugby. He insists his coaching style is much like his playing style: calm and easy-going.

He continued: “I’m probably pretty relaxed. I’m not one who shouts and screams too much – the biggest thing for me was to not try and change from how I was as a player. I was never a player who would lose their cool or scream and shout, it would be pretty disingenuous, and the boys would pick up on it pretty quickly.

“I try and keep as calm as I can, hopefully set some good standards and the boys are responding. They’re a great bunch to coach so I think it makes it pretty easy for me at the moment.”

Upon his evolution from player to coach, helped by the longest-ever pre-season, Charteris has been able to use his relationship with the players as an advantage and he believes this is key to building something powerful.

He said: “That’s something I debated in my head – whether it was better to stay here or go and explore other opportunities in coaching elsewhere. The conclusion I came to, is that I’ve already built great relationships with a lot of these boys.

“I figured it would be a massive advantage for me coaching here. I know how the boys think, how they work. If you’re going off to a new team, half the challenge is building those relationships.

“That’s the core of how I see it in terms of coaching, so it’s been an advantage and the way we’ve gone so far, it’s certainly proved to be the case.”

Despite the unusual 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership, Charteris has looked at the positives of the situation the Club, players and coaches find themselves in and remains grateful for his opportunity and the fact that rugby union is being played.

He continued: “With the whole COVID-19 situation and lockdown, it’s been a pretty unusual time for the players. I’ve got massive respect for the boys – the way they’ve kept themselves in shape over that lockdown period is unbelievable.

“I know if I was playing still it would have been a bit of a challenge, but they’ve all come back in unbelievable condition. It’s allowed us as a coaching group to get on with the rugby side of things.

“It just shows how motivated they are and how switched on professionally. It’s allowed us to get straight back into rugby and that’s been a big part of how we’ve had a good start to this block in terms of the results we’ve had.”

Having been a set piece specialist in his playing career, Charteris has certainly made an impact within the line-out both in attack and defence this season from a coaching front. Bath Rugby boast a 94% succession rate at the line-out, the best of any side in the league winning 185, losing just 12 in total.

“The biggest thing that we’ve done this season is ripping up our whole call book and our set ups on movements. We started from fresh again. I think it was a good time – we’ve had a similar line-out for the last seven or eight years, so it was good to start afresh, put some new ideas in, and the boys responded really well to that.

“Putting in that longer period around pre-season during the World Cup gave us time to build up our fundamentals and basics from scratch and that’s formed the basis of our line-outs. It hasn’t really changed much so we’ll keep working on that drill every day and the boys will deliver what’s being asked of them and we’ll see those results on the pitch at the weekend.”

He said: “The platform you can create on both sides of the ball is a massive opportunity. With new interpretations of the laws at the moment, we’re seeing a lot more line-outs on both sides because there are a lot more penalties with both teams kicking more so it’s not unusual to average 35-40 line-outs a game between both teams. They do form a huge part of it.

“A big thing we’re going after is trying to disrupt the opposition platform, so putting a bit of work into our defensive line-out, getting up and either getting steals or messing the ball up to disrupt quality ball that they can launch their attack from.

“On the flip side, we’re trying to create the best platform. We’ve got an unbelievable back line here - we’ve got some world class players so it’s our job from the line-out to get that ball delivered with quality ball and we’re starting to see some of the tries and some of the strikes now coming off of it.”

With analysis now being a huge part of the modern game, there is a lot of detail and time that goes into every aspect of the game and Charteris explained the amount of work that goes into perfecting this area of the sport. The Bath Rugby line-out and driving maul is fast becoming a feared weapon in the Premiership.

Charteris explained: “I think we’ve done a lot of work trying to make the tank a weapon. Mark Lilley has done a brilliant job in terms of that, how we incorporate a lot of that from the scrum into our set ups, and we’re starting to see that come to fruition. Scoring a hat trick from that, the first game, that was quality to see. Certainly Lills was very excited next to me in the coaching box!

“It’s great we can use that as a platform. The more we can use that as a threat, the more teams will defend that little bit more, which will hopefully start creating some space out wide for the backs and we’ll get that relationship working as the basis of a really good exciting team.

“The more teams that worry about you and how they’re going to negate your threats, the less time they can worry about themselves and certainly that’s an area we’re trying to go after. We’ve got a young pack, a big powerful pack and I think they’re going to get better and better. The set piece is certainly the foundation of all of that.”

LEWIS BOYCE: FROM 'BORO TO BATH

One of ‘Boro’s finest, Bath Rugby loosehead prop Lewis Boyce, has been in fine fettle of late as the 24-year-old made his mark against former club Harlequins in Round 18 of the Gallagher Premiership last time out.

The prop had scored his first in the Blue, Black and White of Bath Rugby against Leicester Tigers two weeks prior to this and the front row forward was very appreciative of his teammates for setting up the opportunity to score his first for the Club.

Boyce started by saying: “The first one against Leicester, it’s a bit like a tap-in in football, I was just on the end of it. Tom Ellis carried it first and passed it back inside to Faletau and he did the hard yards. He stepped off three defenders and gave me the offload.

“I was just screaming my head off, I could see the sticks there, there was no-one in the backfield, so I was pegging it. I was just on the end of it though – credit goes to Tommy Ellis and Faletau who did the hard work.”

The modest forward added: “It felt wicked – it’s one of those things, as a prop you don’t get on the end of many of those – but like I say, Ellis and Faletau did the hard work and I just finished it off.”

On scoring his second and arguably his best try in Bath Rugby colours, the 24-year-old plucked the ball out of the channel in midfield to steam in from almost 40 metres out as the Blue, Black and White earned a third bonus-point win since rugby restart.

He added: “I was just near the edge of the 15 and I looked up and I could see there were three forwards there, I knew I was going to hit the middleman from the chat between Lang and the other Quins forward.

“I was getting ready to line my man up and I thought ‘you know what, I reckon I could get this ball here,’ so I just went for it and got it. At first, honestly, I thought I was going to knock it on, just whack it out of my hand, but it sat in there nicely and I just had to gallop over at the end.

“I was knackered after! If you watch the video back, I am absolutely sucking air, breathing really hard. That was good though, I was in the right place at the right time and just backed myself.

“It was made even better because when I was warming up, there were two fellas in the stands telling me that I couldn’t catch or run or scrum… so when I took my bib off and I was told I was going on I said ‘you’ll see me play now fellas’. And funnily enough I get the ball, go under the sticks, and they were both sitting there – so that made it really special! If they’re watching – cheers for geeing me up before the game.”

Boyce attributes a huge amount of his motivation and success to the support his family have shown throughout. His family are committed to supporting the young forward and have done since the talented prop started playing. His nearest and dearest travel from Middlesbrough in the North East to every single game Boyce plays – a stellar effort all round.

Boyce continued: “My family’s support has been massive. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family, particularly the gang that comes to all the games – my mam, nan, brother and sister. They’re my absolute world so to have them there when they can be just makes it that much more special.

“We’re originally from Middlesbrough (if you can’t tell from the accent) and that’s a good five hours – maybe four-and-a-half if Mam’s driving – and a long drive for them to come to every game. And it’s been like that since day dot.

“My Grandad’s back at home as well, he doesn’t get to come to the games as much but he’s always supporting at home with my auntie Rachel. I’ve got a lot of love there – they’ve always supported me, and it just makes it that much more special.”

With football and rugby league dominating in the North East, Boyce began playing school rugby, but struggled to find a place to flourish. The 24-year-old persisted and soon found his heart and home at Middlesbrough RFC.

Boyce said: “I played at Macmillan Academy, my school, but we didn’t have much of a team there back then. It was hard to put a team together because everyone was playing football. I remember I played a game at Acklam Rugby Club for my school and my Grandad came to watch.

“A coach who was a mate of his was there as well and he said ‘bring your lad down, it looks like he’d get stuck in, tell him to come along’. So I went down that Sunday, didn’t have a clue what I was doing, absolutely no idea what was going on!

“My family aren’t a big rugby family – rugby league I maybe knew a bit more about but not rugby union. Joined Acklam, played there for a season or so, and then I moved to Middlesbrough Rugby Club under John Burridge, played there and had a wicked time.

“John was an unbelievable coach – it was a club when I look back at my grassroots, the coaches and the players were just class. I absolutely loved it there. From there, I got picked for Carnegie Academy, played there for six years and then got offered to go to Quins, I was there for two years and now here I am at Bath.”

Having been in Bath for the best part of a year now, Boyce was asked what he most enjoyed about living in the West Country and what his favourite parts about the City were and he said: "I really like Thatchers Gold. That’s a really nice drink, I drink it now I’ve moved down South as they don’t really have it up North.

“Pimms, I like a Pimms. The cider is real wicked though, I’ll give them that. And it’s just a lovely city – the Bath stone, all the buildings, it’s just a nice place. You walk down the road, you don’t worry about anything, it’s a breath of fresh air.”

LAST TIME OUT

BATH RUGBY v WORCESTER WARRIORS: THE STATS

Bath have never lost at home to Worcester in the Premiership, winning each of their 13 such meetings; the Warriors are the only side Bath have hosted on more than two occasions in the Premiership while maintaining a 100% win rate.

The last two Premiership meetings between Bath and Worcester were both won by the side who trailed at halftime, with both games eventually being decided by a margin of fewer than three points (Bath W1, Worcester W1).

Bath have won four of their five Premiership games since the league returned in August, only Exeter (5/5) have won more; Bath’s four victories in that spell have each come by 14+ points.
Worcester have averaged 162 tackles per game in the Premiership since it returned in August, almost 30 more than any other side (Leicester, 133), however they’ve also missed the most tackles per game too (27).

Five of the top six players for tackles made since the Premiership restarted in August play for either Bath or Worcester; overall, Bath’s Tom Dunn tops the charts (52), with Same Underhill (48) and Worcester trio Andrew Kitchener (50), Matt Kvesic (48) and Beck Cutting (47) also featuring in the top six (also Bristol’s Daniel Thomas).

Facts and stats courtesy of Opta

REVISIT THE MATCH REPORT FROM FEBRUARY

WELCOME WORCESTER WARRIORS

Introducing Alan Solomons

We welcome Worcester Warriors to the Rec today under Director of Rugby Alan Solomons. Solomons took charge at Sixways in December 2017 having amassed a wealth of coaching experience across the globe including spells with the Stormers, Northampton Saints and the Barbarians. He was part of South Africa’s coaching team not only for the 1999 Rugby World Cup, but when the Springboks equalled New Zealand’s record of 17 consecutive Test wins.

Solomons had three successful seasons in charge of Ulster and worked as a High Performance Consultant for the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby) between 2007 and 2011 before he joined Eastern Province, steering them to two Currie Cups. After a spell with Southern Kings, Solomons worked as head coach of Edinburgh, taking them to the European Challenge Cup final in 2015. He succeeded Gary Gold as Director of Rugby at Warriors in December 2017.

Warriors – the season so far

Warriors resumed the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season with a familiar-looking playing squad but a new-look coaching team.

Former Wales flanker Jonathan Thomas – a former Warriors captain – returned to Sixways as forwards coach from Bristol Bears, also taking responsibility for defence. Mark Irish also arrives from Bristol as Warriors’ new scrum coach with Matt Sherratt, who began his coaching career in the Academy at Sixways, arriving from Ospreys as the new backs and attack coach. Sherratt is assisted by former Gloucester, Leeds and Bristol full-back Jonny Goodridge who has joined Warriors from Hartpury and who is also the new Academy backs transition coach.

Overseeing it all is the experienced director of rugby Alan Solomons who believes that having strong synergy within his new coaching team will be key to Warriors’ future success.

Solomons has added only three new players to his squad with England back-row forward Matt Kvesic returning to Sixways after a seven-year absence following stints with Gloucester and Exeter. Fly-half Billy Searle has made the short trip across the West Midlands from Wasps having previously worked with Solomons at Bristol and lock Joe Batley has been recruited from Bristol.

An update on Michael Fatialofa

Lock Michael Fatialofa had his career was ended by serious spinal injuries sustained at Saracens in January. Fatialofa spent five months in hospital – the first month in intensive care – and has defied the pessimistic initial medical prognosis by walking again and continuing his rehabilitation at Sixways under the supervision of Ryan Kehoe, Warriors’ head of medical. Fatialofa’s recovery has been well documented on social media and has been an inspiration to all at Warriors during a season of fluctuating fortunes.

FOUR WARRIORS TO WATCH...

Will Butler

Will Butler’s appointment as assistant club captain to Ted Hill reflects how highly the centre is regarded by Alan Solomons. Butler, 22, is from Ledbury in Herefordshire and, after progressing through the England age group pathway, he made his Warriors debut in 2016 in European Challenge Cup against Enisei-STM. He scored a brace of tries in only his second Premiership appearance against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens in May 2018. He has returned to action following an ankle injury sustained here in the Premiership Rugby Cup match 12 months ago and continues to impress.

Billy Searle

The talented fly-half signed for Warriors in January, penning a one-year extension to his existing two-year deal just before he arrived at Sixways from Wasps in July. Searle played his formative senior rugby in Cornwall – at Launceston, Plymouth Albion and in the County Championship – before heading to Bristol Bears. During Alan Solomons’ spell as a consultant with Bristol, he earmarked Searle as an exciting talent.

Scott van Breda

A versatile back who can play anywhere from full-back to fly-half, van Breda joined Warriors in the summer of 2018 after a season with Jersey Reds. A proficient goal-kicker, van Breda scored 405 points in 64 games for Eastern Province Kings between 2012 and 2015 before he moved to Western Province. He moved to England in 2017 and had success on loan with Southern Kings in the Guinness Pro-14 earlier this season, winning Man of the Match in their victory over Ospreys.

Gareth Simpson

Born in Coventry but raised in South Africa, Simpson paid his own way to England two years ago when he played for Stourbridge in National Two North and successfully trialled with Warriors in the Premiership Rugby Shield. The former Kwa-Zulu Natal player was awarded a place in the Academy last season and stepped up to the senior squad this season. Simpson’s versatility – he can play in either half-back position and also kicks goals – has made him a valuable addition to the squad. He made his Warriors debut against Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Rugby Cup at the start of the season, scoring his first try in the victory over Enisei-STM last November and making his first Premiership appearance against Wasps last month. Oghre made his Premiership debut in 2018/19 off the bench against Saracens and made the step up to the Wasps first-team squad for the 2019/20 season.

BATH RUGBY COMMUNITY: BACK TO SCHOOL

Like classes in schools across the country during lockdown, Bath Rugby’s schools coaching sessions have been paused due to COVID-19.

Now, with the new academic year kicking off and schools finding their feet again, Bath Rugby’s Community team are also getting back into schools across Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire. We are picking up where we left off last year, aiming to hit a record number of hours delivered, teachers worked with and pupils engaged.

We appreciate many schools will have different ways of working, with which external providers like ourselves will have to comply. We will work with every school ahead of each coaching session to go through new guidelines, discuss how the sessions will work and tailor our programmes accordingly.

At Bath Rugby we are still offering all tag rugby sessions to primary schools including during the school day, after school, at lunchtimes and during our fantastic one-off roadshows! We know some schools may not want us coming in frequently across six-week period, so we have created one-off roadshows aimed at working with as many pupils as possible in a short period of time. For any schools with restrictions on team sports or group training, we also have on offer sessions tailored for specific needs – such as fitness sessions, smaller group workshops and leadership sessions.

Bath Rugby’s Community Delivery Lead Lewis Palmer says: “With the amount of time pupils have had off from school and exercise, it’s vital that, as a professional sports club, we are able to offer schools a way back to enjoying sport again in a safe and fun environment. Getting them involved in exercise again is also hugely important for their mental and physical wellbeing.”

If you would like to find out further information, please contact Lewis Palmer at lewis.palmer@bathrugby.com

BATH RUGBY ACADEMY: BACK TO SCHOOL WITH BEECHEN CLIFF

Bath Rugby ACE Programme at Beechen Cliff School

Bath Rugby and Beechen Cliff School have been partnered since 2015, working together to develop promising young rugby players in the Bath Rugby catchment area.

The Academy Colleges & Education (ACE) programme focuses on delivering an outstanding rugby and academic development programme for talented young players, enabling them to achieve their potential both on and off the pitch.

It is a groundbreaking partnership, providing a much-needed state school pathway to high-level rugby mirroring well-established and successful existing partnership Bath Rugby has with independent schools.

And we have already seen hugely talented players progress to the U18 and Senior Academies at Bath – as well as playing in the first XV.

Bath Rugby Academy Director Craig Lilley says of the partnership: “The ACE Programme with Beechen Cliff is a key part of our Pathway at Bath Rugby. We have identified some real talent through this partnership.

“One of the crucial parts of the partnership is working together to enable the young players in the pathway to balance their academic and rugby commitments. We can provide high performance-standard strength and conditioning, match analysis, positional coaching and physiotherapy to give players the best opportunity to achieve their full potential alongside the strong academic programme at Beechen Cliff.

“We are excited that the partnership gives us the opportunity to identify, recruit and develop talented young players and bring them through our Academy programme towards a professional contract and the senior squad. It is a crucial part of our goal to have a 50% homegrown squad by 2023.”

“We have already seen some great products of the partnership – such as Miles Reid, Tom De Glanville, Kieran Verden, Nahum Merigan, Gabe Hamer Webb and most recently Orlando Bailey

As part of the programme, Beechen Cliff enters a sixth form team in the RFU’s National ACE League, playing fixtures against the ACE programmes of other Premiership Rugby. This high-standard league exposes student players to hugely competitive rugby and helps them develop their game. Beechen Cliff have performed consistently well in the league, reaching the last two finals.

Senior Academy members Kieran Verden and Orlando Bailey named against Worcester Warriors

Kieran Verden and Orlando Bailey are both in contention for their first Senior appearances in the Blue, Black and White as they are named on the bench against Worcester Warriors.

Young fly-half Orlando Bailey secured progression from the U18 Academy group into the Senior Academy earlier this year and has committed his future to Bath Rugby.

Bailey is considered one of the most competitive and self-driven players in the Academy, with a determination to improve and learn that has helped him develop hugely as a decision-maker on the field.

His approach to the game is a real credit to him, balancing rugby, education and his social and family life. As a player, he has made significant appearances as a try-scorer and goal-kicker in the Gallagher Premiership U18 league and his appearance on the team sheet against Worcester marks another huge milestone in his continuing development as an aspiring professional.

Kieran Verden also makes his way onto the team sheet, appearing on the bench alongside Bailey.

A Beechen Cliff graduate, the imposing prop has a strong set piece and made his case for the Club in the 2016/17 season, captaining the Bath Academy throughout the year. His performances during the season saw him rewarded with a place in the England U18 squad for their summer tour of South Africa.

Kieran has gone from strength-to-strength, signing with the Bath Rugby Senior Academy and now graduating to a well-deserved spot on the bench.

Verden uses his stature and strength in both attack and defence to influence proceedings at the set-piece, making him a player well-suited to contribute to Bath Rugby’s weaponry. His ability to generate momentum and general work rate is a huge strength.

BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION

Shirt raffle

While supporters won’t be at the Rec, that won’t stop Bath Rugby Foundation’s matchday shirt raffle from taking place. The fundraiser has moved online and this week supporters have the chance to win a Blue, Black and White home jersey, signed by Bath Rugby and England and British Lions flanker, Sam Underhill. Tickets are just £1 and can be bought on the Foundation’s website. The draw closes at 12pm on Friday 11 September.

BUY NOW

How Bath Rugby supported disappointed Mixed Ability players during lockdown

Bath Rugby Foundation’s Mixed Ability squad had been due to travel to Valencia in April for their first ever international tour – until the Covid-19 pandemic caused the trip to be cancelled. However, Bath Rugby and Bath Rugby Foundation teamed up to put a smile back on the players’ faces, with a little help from centre Max Clark.

Bath Half

The Bath Half Marathon returns on Sunday, March 14, when we want to see YOU running in the famous Blue, Black and White of Bath Rugby. The Bath Half is not only the city’s biggest annual event, it is also a vital fundraiser for Bath Rugby Foundation. The Foundation has seen revenue fall dramatically in recent months due to the effects of lockdown, so we hope to sign up as many runners as possible to join our team.

WE'RE HERE!

I miss the Rec! The pre-match build up, the chat with the boys as they make their way past the BRSC Gazebo, the sound of our famous old ground with 14,000 people in full voice and the magnificent view over Bath from our seats in the top row of the Dyson Stand. Where else would a true BB&W supporter want to be on a critical matchday? (To be fair, my wife has just pointed out that whilst she agrees with all the above, she doesn’t miss the horizontal rain which is often a feature of our matchday experience!)

My point is that we Bath supporters are a resilient lot. Some of my counterparts in other Supporters’ Clubs have been concerned about maintaining enthusiasm and commitment during the lock-down period, but none of that applies to us. Since we opened our new BRSC Membership year on 1st September over 450 people have already either renewed or joined for the first time. That’s a great response; we’d be happy with that in a “normal” year and it reflects the mood amongst the BB&W supporter family. We're here, we're loud and proud and we'll keep on annoying the neighbours on match days until we can come back to the Rec once more!

Delivering events for BRSC Members has been challenging over the last few months but we’ve got a great one coming up on 14th September when we’re very much looking forward to hosting a “virtual” evening with Francois Louw. We said we might have some surprise guests on the night and we’re delighted that Neal Hatley and Lee Mears will also be joining us. I’m afraid we’ve reached our limit on numbers but I can confirm that everybody who has already registered has got a place. We’ll send you the Zoom link with some details about how it will all work by email.

There’s still time to vote for your choice for the BRSC Try of the Month for August. There were a lot to choose from so we need your vote! Don’t worry if you can’t find the email. The link’s on our BRSC Facebook page and on our allez-bath.co.uk website.

After a great re-start to 19/20 we had a difficult day at the office against Wasps but what a response at Quins! We could have done with one or two other results going our way though. Sarries, you had one job to do…just one job!

So today really matters. Pretend you’re at the Rec and give it “Come on you Bath” at the top of your voices. Really let the boys know that we’re here for them!