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DIGITAL PROGRAMME: FOUNDATION DAY

Saturday 9 March 2024

By Bath Rugby

March 8^th, 2024

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"Thank you for being a vital part of the Bath Rugby Family – together, we are changing young lives."

WELCOME FROM BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE, LYNNE FERNQUEST

Dear Bath Rugby Family,

As the proud CEO of Bath Rugby Foundation, I am thrilled to welcome you to a wonderful occasion that goes beyond the boundaries of a rugby match. Bath Rugby Foundation Day, featuring an electrifying clash between Bath and one of our closest rivals, also symbolises our commitment to harness the power of collective action for a cause that transcends the try line – a fair start in life for all our children and young people.

Today, as we gather at The Rec, we are not just witnessing a fierce rugby battle, we are standing together as a community dedicated to making a lasting impact on young lives. It’s more than a game; it’s a celebration of shared values, teamwork, and the unwavering belief that when we join forces, we can create positive change.

Bath Rugby Foundation is not just a charity; it’s a beacon of hope for the many thousands of children and young people in our community who face challenges that often seem insurmountable. With your support, we are breaking down barriers and providing opportunities. We believe in the transformative power of sport, education, and community engagement, and today, we invite you to be an integral part of this journey.

This Foundation Day is not just about raising awareness; it’s about showcasing the collective potential of a community that cares. Together, we can be the driving force behind brighter futures, inspiring resilience, fostering growth, and instilling a sense of belonging in every child we reach.

So, let’s cheer and let the rivalry on the pitch fuel our passion for change, and let the spirit of togetherness guide us toward a future where every child’s potential is valued.

Thank you for being a vital part of the Bath Rugby Family – together, we are changing young lives.

Lynne Fernquest

CEO, Bath Rugby Foundation

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Bath Rugby Foundation believes investing in all children and young people is not just about giving them a good education, it’s about providing them with the tools they need to succeed in life.

It’s providing access to quality healthcare and housing, and creating a safe and supportive environment where they can grow and thrive.

The charity strives for a more prosperous, safer, and more just society, where children have access to the same opportunities, regardless of their background, regardless of their start in life. It wants a more vibrant democracy, where children are engaged in their communities and feel they have a stake in the future.

As a whole, Bath and North East Somerset remains one of the least deprived local authorities in the country. However, within some areas, inequality is widening.

To help us combat deprivation and change young lives, donate today 💛

DONATE £10

REID TO CAPTAIN IN BATH RUGBY'S RETURN TO THE REC

Running out in the iconic yellow away kit this weekend in support of the Bath Rugby Foundation, Reid will lead the Blue, Black and White, with Ewan Richards and Jaco Coetzee joining him in the back row.

Elsewhere in the pack, Juan Schoeman, John Stewart and Johannes Jonker will start in the front row, with Elliott Stooke and Jacques du Plessis completing the forward pack. After undergoing rehabilitation with Bath Rugby, this will be du Plessis’ first game for the club.

In the backs, young duo Tom carr-Smith and Sam Harris will link up in the half-back positions. With Ruaridh McConnochie returning to the wing alongside Regan Grace who is also set for his first run-out for Bath Rugby.

Orlando Bailey is set to showcase his versatility as a back, after being named as one of this Saturday’s starting centres alongside Will Butt, with Matt Gallagher finishing off the starting XV at fullback.

Named as front-row replacements, Arthur Cordwell, Hame Faiva and Kieran Verden will start Saturday on the bench. With the experienced second row Quinn Roux pairing up alongside Will Jeans, George Timmins, Thompson Cowan and Nahum Merigan in the forward replacements.

Louis Schreuder is the only half-back named on the bench, with Max Wright, Will Parry and James Short named as a trio of centre replacements.

Finishing off the backs, Joe Cokanasiga and Tom de Glanville will bring their experience off the bench.

THE RECCY

It's Foundation Day! We have so many things for you to enjoy as you join us to celebrate the work of Bath Rugby Foundation.

WHEN GATES OPEN FROM 13:00

Live music from The Shadow Monkeys 💿
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle - win Max the Mascot's SIGNED Bath Rugby shirt and a whole load of other prizes donated by our partners. You may even see some of our players selling the tickets! 🦁
Matchday Ambassadors 👋
Guard of Honour & Pitch Parade by Foundation learners and participants 😁
Coin collections - bring your spare change to donate to the Foundation! 🪙
Watch England v Ireland in the Swift Half after the live rugby on the pitch! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇮🇪
Half-time celebration for our U18 champions 🏆
Mixed Ability Rugby showcase 👏
Cheers for Charity donation option! 🍻
Food & beverage 🌭
Bath Rugby Shop - with 20% of all Away shirt sales going to the Foundation 👕
Bath Rugby Supporters' Club 🤝
Face painter 🎨

READ THE FULL RECCY

MEET TODD BURGE, OUR KIT MANAGER FOR FOUNDATION DAY

Todd Burge, 22, has had his life changed through the support from Bath Rugby Foundation and now is a part of Bath Rugby club, helping Kit Manager, and Bath Rugby legend, Steve Middleton every week at Farleigh House.

This weekend, Todd's story will be highlighted at Bath Rugby's dedicate Foundation fixture against Gloucester Rugby.

Todd is testament to the brilliant work we do here at the Foundation, demonstrating just how our programmes can change lives and build confidence.

READ TODD'S STORY

MATCHDAY RAFFLE WITH AMAZING PRIZES!

Our matchday raffle is here, and this time we have a whole bunch of amazing prizes on offer!

Whether you're coming to the game or will be following from home, you can purchase your raffle tickets both at the ground on Saturday or online right NOW!

The first prize will be our very own Max Worn Shirt - worn by Max the Mascot and SIGNED by the whole Bath Rugby squad, donated by Bath Rugby's Official Retail Partner, Castore.

There are also other amazing prizes to be won, kindly donated by our partners at Bath Rugby.

🍎 A crate of Thatchers Gold PLUS a Thatchers Cider Farm & Factory tour for two, donated by Thatchers
⛳️ A round of golf for four people at Bowood Golf Resort, donated by Grant UK
🛁 A one night stay at Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, donated by Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
🏌️ A round of golf for four people at Cumberwell Park, donated by Cumberwell Park Golf
💤 A midweek overnight stay in a junior suite at Homewood, donated by Homewood Hotel, Kitchen & Spa
🐎 Hospitality for four people at Badminton Horse Trials, donated by MJ Church
🎁 A £150 gift voucher, donated by Castore

Purchase your tickets today or find our volunteers to get yours on Saturday. You may even see our players selling tickets too!

PURCHASE YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS

20% OF AWAY JERSEY PROCEEDS DONATED TO BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION

We'll be playing in YELLOW this weekend to mark Foundation Day. This means the team will be wearing their yellow away strip to demonstrate the ways in which the Foundation change lives and spread positivity across Bath and beyond.

Our Official Retail Partner, Castore, has kindly offered to donate 20% of all Away jersey proceeds to Bath Rugby Foundation! Pick up yours from the Bath Rugby Shop on Argyle Street, or visit our pop-up shops in the ground once gates open on Saturday (13:00).

If you're not joining us, shop your shirt online!

SHOP NOW

We'd like to extend a huge thank you to the Bath Rugby Season Ticket Holders who have kindly gifted their match tickets to the Foundation for this fixture!

Whether you were unable to make it or you decided to gift your ticket on this occasion, each and every one of you has done something great in taking a step towards changing young lives in and around Bath.

We will forever be grateful for the generosity from our Bath Rugby family.

Thank you!

OUR IMPACT REPORT 2022/23

We helped over 4,000 children in the year 2022/23, changing young lives for the better.

Many people think we do this through sport alone, given we are a Bath Rugby Foundation, but there is so much more to us than what our suggests.

Through inclusion, education and social interaction, we build life skills and develop confidence to improve young lives right across Bath and beyond.

The donations made to the Foundation are always put into helping children and young people in our local areas.

Our Impact Report details just how we have done that over the past year. Read about the ways in which our work is improving young lives on our doorstep.

READ IT HERE

EDI IMMERSIVE WORKSHOPS

Is your workplace an environment where diversity thrives? Do your employees feel welcomed, valued and respected, regardless of different needs and ways of thinking.

At Bath Rugby Foundation and our ‘Lose The Labels’ EDI training we support businesses and organisations with their inclusive workplaces and to champion equality and diversity.

LEARN MORE

MATCH PREVIEW, DELIVERED BY HUBOO

Miles Reid has described this weekend’s Foundation Day friendly against Gloucester Rugby as the perfect preparation for the return of the Gallagher Premiership.

Bath Rugby face their West Country rivals on Saturday (kick off 14:30) and whilst it’s a non-competitive fixture, Reid, who will captain his side for the game, knows from experience that this derby matters to players and fans alike.

“With an eye on getting back into Premiership action, we couldn’t have asked for a bigger game than a derby fixture against Gloucester. Our games against them are always a fierce battle, and whilst it’s being called a friendly, it’s a challenge I am sure both sides will be relishing,” he said.

The two teams last met in January when Johann van Graan’s side won 17-10 courtesy of two tries from Tom de Glanville with Will Muir, making his 50th appearance for the Blue, Black and White, registering Bath’s other score.

Since then, the Cherry and Whites have made it to next Friday’s final of the Premiership Rugby Cup so will no doubt be seeing this game as an excellent opportunity to blow away any cobwebs after the recent break from domestic action.

Both teams return to Premiership Rugby later this month for what promises to be an exciting run-in.

And Saturday’s game has added significant given it’s a celebration of the work of the Bath Rugby Foundation, as Reid explained.

“The Foundation does so much great work in the community which can often go unnoticed so it’s brilliant to have this opportunity to showcase what they do and celebrate the people behind the scenes and those who have benefited from it,” he said.

With tickets for this Foundation Day Derby starting from as little as £5 for juniors and a family package available for £29, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy an exciting day of rugby and community celebration.

READ THE FULL MATCH PREVIEW

ABOUT THE FIXTURE

One of our oldest rivals, the debate over which derby is Bath Rugby's biggest is often challenged amongst fans.

In recent months, the rivalry seems to have been deepened by Bath's two victories over the Cherry & Whites, seeing the shed "shhhhh'd" in Finn Russell's first visit to the Kingsholm.

Will this weekend be any different considering it's a "friendly"? In Miles Reid's own words, there is no such thing as a friendly between these two sides and it is a challenge both of them are relishing.

In their third match up of the season, will Gloucester be able to put their stamp on Bath Rugby, having not been able to so far in 2023/24?

GLOUCESTER'S VISIT TO THE REC LAST SEASON

Bath Rugby 17-10 Gloucester Rugby

Sunday 7 January 2024

BATH RUGBY V GLOUCESTER RUGBY 23/24

CELEBRATING OUR U18 CHAMPIONS!

In a club first, Bath Rugby U18 have their hands on the Premiership Rugby U18 Academy League Trophy!

Winning seven games from their seven outings, the team stole a closing minute victory over Northampton Saints at Kingsholm last month, seeing the term return to Farleigh House with their first piece of silverware.

We'll be welcoming our U18 champions to the pitch during half-time this Saturday in a show of celebration for their huge and historical achievement.

Parading their trophy and showing thanks to the great support you have shown them throughout their campaign, Head of Academy, Craig Lilley, his coaching staff and his players will be doing a lap of honour at half-time.

Give them a cheer!

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

Ever wondered what happens when a rugby player goes through a medical before signing for a new club?

In times past, the player medical was often a mere formality. But today, with the advances in medical science and the expert knowledge and insight of the modern rugby club’s medical team, the process is understandably more rigorous given the huge importance around every new signing and what that means for the future success of the team.

In this video, we go behind the scenes with Bath Rugby’s Head of Medical Services, Rory Murray, to help shine some light on the detailed process of a player medical with further specialist insight from our partners at Bath Clinic, the official imagery supplier of Bath Rugby.

In collaboration with Bath Clinic, Bath Rugby’s official imagery supplier, we’ll be releasing a series of ‘Recovery Journey’ videos during this season.

Focusing on a mix of behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive access, these videos will feature individual players and their return to fitness following injury as well as other content bringing insight and expert analysis from Bath Rugby’s medical team.

RUN THE BATH HALF FOR US NEXT WEEKEND!

Feeling inspired this year? Want to take on a new challenge? Open to pushing yourself? We're looking for people to run the Bath Half on behalf of Bath Rugby Foundation happening NEXT WEEKEND!

When running and raising money for Bath Rugby Foundation, you'll not only be changing the lives of young people in and around Bath, but you'll also get:

Free limited edition Bath Rugby Foundation running vest
Training runs and running clinics to improve your time and recovery
Massage sessions throughout your training, as well as on the day of the Bath Half
Secure bag storage
Warm space pre and post run
Food and hydration taken care of
Bath Half cheering support

FIND OUT MORE

NEWS FROM BATH RUGBY SUPPORTERS' CLUB

It seems like an age since we were last at The Rec. and to wet our appetite before the Premiership league restarts, we have a couple of “friendlies” and this weekend we welcome our oldest rivals from Gloucester. It was a little over a year ago that we sat in the stands at Kingsholm watching Bath play a home match against Toulon. It was very surreal looking over the pitch at an empty Shed. Gloucester Rugby pulled out all the stops to get the game played after a waterlogged pitch at The Rec, meant we would have had to forfeit the match. Massive thanks to Gloucester Rugby, the spirit of rugby burns bright in that part of the world.

Season tickets will go on sale in the next couple of weeks; many of the other clubs have had theirs on sale for several weeks and in line with the general rise in living costs, most have increased season ticket prices between 15-20%. We can debate ticket prices until the cows come home and the club is not immune from the ravages of inflation. The demise of three clubs and the loss of those competitive games has reduced the benefits of being a Season Ticket Holder. However, let’s not forget that the club has lost the revenue from three games and the future of the professional game remains finely balanced. Adjustments and compromise will need to be made by the fans, clubs and players over the next few years.

We are still well placed in the league and BRSC has two coaches travelling, full of supporters, to the Exeter Chiefs' game in the next round of the Investec Champions Cup and the next few games will define our season. However, we must commend Johann van Graan who is building a mouth-wateringly good squad of players and, more importantly, has harnessed their potential and performance.