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DIGITAL PROGRAMME: LEICESTER TIGERS (GP: R3)

Saturday 28 October 2023

By Bath Rugby

October 27^th, 2023

TEAM NEWS

Show of squad depth as eight changes made in starting XV to face Tigers

After clinching their first ever win at the StoneX last weekend against Premiership champions, Saracens, Bath Rugby return to The Rec to run out in Blue, Black and White.

Making eight changes to his starting side, Johann van Graan has switched his front row, with Beno Obano, Tom Dunn and Thomas du Toit to start.

After coming off the bench last week, Josh McNally will get his first start of the season alongside Charlie Ewels in the second row.

Fresh from being announced as the Waratah’s new signing, Fergus Lee-Warner takes the blindside spot, with Miles Reid switching to openside, and Alfie Barbeary retaining his Number 8 jersey.

Ben Spencer and Finn Russell were harmonious in Bath Rugby’s win over Saracens last week seeing the half-backs keep their spots.

Will Muir comes back in on the wing, with Joe Cokanasiga retaining his spot on the opposite side.

Cameron Redpath will return to inside centre after a spell at 13 last week, partnered by Max Ojomoh on the outside.

Being named at full back, Matt Gallagher will complete van Graan’s starting XV selection.

Niall Annett, Juan Schoeman and Johannes Jonker line up on the bench to switch in in the front row.

After being handed the captaincy for the Premiership Rugby Cup, Ewan Richards will get his first Gallagher Premiership appearance of the season coming off the bench.

In a six-two split, Jaco Coetzee and Chris Cloete complete the replacement forwards.

Orlando Bailey and Louis Schreuder will be this week’s replacement backs.

DIGITAL PROGRAMME: LEICESTER TIGERS (GP: R3)

INJURY UPDATE

Bath Rugby's Head of Medical, Rory Murray, has issued an injury update ahead of the weekend's fixture against Leicester Tigers.

Ted Hill

Ted Hill has undergone surgery following a leg injury sustained during the game against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday 14 October. The back row’s rehabilitation process is likely to last a number of months.

Quinn Roux

Quinn Roux left the field of play in the first half of Saturday’s game against Saracens for a head injury assessment (HIA) and did not return after failing his HIA. As a result, the return to play concussion protocol automatically rules him out of Saturday’s home game against Leicester Tigers.

GJ van Velze

GJ van Velze continues to be in rehabilitation with Bath Rugby’s medical staff following an injury sustained in the game against Northampton Saints on Saturday 30 September and is unlikely to be available for the game against Leicester Tigers on Saturday.

Josh Bayliss

Josh Bayliss continues his rehabilitation with our medical team

STADIUM FOR BATH

Bath Rugby have submitted their planning application to B&NES Council to redevelop the current facilities at The Rec.

A new Stadium for Bath will deliver an exceptional, fit for purpose and modern home for Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground, the spiritual home of the rugby club for over 125 years.

The plans also include the regeneration of the riverside in the heart of the city, the creation of significant sporting and community benefits for all, whilst ensuring that the Club continues to provide a considerable contribution to the city’s economy for decades to come.

Key highlights of the application include:

18,000 capacity stadium with significantly enhanced accessibility provisions
Contemporary and sensitive design
New hybrid pitch increasing community and amateur use
Regenerated riverside including the new Spring Gardens Walk
Retention of mature trees, as well as further landscaping and bio-diversity measures
A host of sustainability measures to support a target of net zero operational carbon
Riverside café/restaurant, Club shop and museum for non-matchday use

SUPPORT THE NEW STADIUM FOR BATH

LEE-WARNERS TO HEAD TO THE WARATAHS

Bath Rugby can confirm Fergus Lee-Warner’s short-term contract extension will draw to a close at the end of November, seeing the loose forward depart for the New South Wales Waratahs.

The Australian, who has been a hit with supporters since his arrival ahead of the 2022/23 season, has featured regularly in Blue, Black and White and the club would like to thank him for dedication both on and off the field.

Of Lee-Warner, Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, said: “Fergus has been fantastic for our group since his arrival at Bath Rugby.

“He made a significant contribution on the pitch when he started playing for us, more importantly he will be remembered for the man that he is and the positive influence he has had on us in our journey. Fergus, your best is yet to come; you are a mountain of a man.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT VYOO

THE RECCY: TIGERS ARE IN TOWN!

We're back at The Rec for Round 3 of the Gallagher Premiership to welcome Leicester Tigers to Bath as the epic rivalry continues.

Happy Hour - secure your discounted drinks! 🍻🍷
Tunnel of noise for the players' arrival 👏
Live music from Rich Reeves & Band 🎹
Half-time show - Super Six Kicks 👟
Saxophonist! 🎷
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle with exciting signed Bath Rugby prizes to be won 🎟
Thatchers Fan of the Match 🕺
Food & beverage 🍔
Bath Rugby Shop - secure your new kit! 👕
Mascot Max 🦁
Fan Radio 📻
Bath Rugby Supporters' Club 🤝
Face painter 🎨
Travel sorted with Centurion Travel 🚌
Information for supporters ‼

READ THE FULL RECCY

PURCHASE VIÑALBA

MATCH PREVIEW, DELIVERED BY HUBOO

In two wins from two, Bath Rugby return to The Rec this weekend to take on age-old rivals, Leicester Tigers.

After last year's epic win over the Tigers, seeing Will Butt dive over for a photo finish, game-winning try, the Blue, Black and White head into the Round 3 fixture looking for the same final whistle elation.

Looking ahead to the weekend's fixture, Tom Dunn speaks of the clash and reflects on Bath's two wins in the opening two rounds.

"There's still a lot more to come from us. We have some errors in our game that we can fix and that are controllable. And there's still that eighty minute performance that we've got in us."

Reflecting on the win over Saracens, Dunn said: "It was huge. I think the biggest thing for us was that is was a group performance. It was a different XV playing to the week before; players who hadn't played yet this season, and it just shows the standard we're at as a squad, rather than just the individuals, and I think that's awesome.

"I think we showed some really good mental toughness. We went down 7-0 really early from a charge down, and then the ability to take control and stay calm, they're the big wins and show the growth in the group.

"The conditions were bleak. You come on and you're given a wet ball and they say 'there's a towel' and the towel is wetter than the ball, so you're just closing your eyes and throwing it in.

"To be honest with you, I don't mind those sorts of games, they're a bit of a leveller to me. I don't get any slower in the rain and I don't get any less skilful. It's normally some of the others around me that would maybe struggle a bit more so I don't mind playing in those conditions, I just pray for that dry towel."

Looking ahead to this weekend, Dunn added: "Leicester is always circled on the fixture list, especially with their front row and set-piece being as profound as it is. That's what they come and do so it's always a great challenge as a front row forward knowing you're going to get a bite of the apple.

"My favourite memory of playing Leicester is I think we won away at Welford Road. Luke Charteris was playing and he stole a line-out in the last minute and I scored a try that day. It was a little bail out from the front of the line-out and Matt Garvey gave me an offload so that was a win I'll always remember.

"I was lucky to be involved in the first game of the season, 2013 or 2014, and we beat them at home something like 45-3, that's another memory I've got. That Butty [Will Butt] try from last year will always live with me too.

"Tigers have a lot of talent in their squad. They were champions two years ago and a lot of their current squad were playing. They've been themselves so far. I think Bristol matched them at the set-piece which gave Bristol a way into the game. And similar at the weekend, I think the way Sale attacked, they dominated at the gain-line, they played on top of Leicester and Leicester couldn't get control.

"The Leicester we all know of old, their set-piece was brilliant and they won the physicality. There'll be a reaction from their last two games this weekend, they'll come here and want a reaction and we're ready to go toe-to-toe.

"Home advantage is huge. The Rec is a special place to play and always has been. Especially at the minute with the weather conditions. We've got the home advantage, we've got the sixteenth man and I'm confident we've got what it takes to win this weekend."

VISIT HOMEWOOD

MEET: FINN RUSSELL

Our exclusive first interview with Bath Rugby's Finn Russell! As the Scottish fly-half settles into life with the Blue, Black and White, we sat down with our newest signing to reflect on his upcoming journey with Bath Rugby.

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION: LEICESTER TIGERS

Having fallen short in their opening rounds of the Gallagher Premiership, Leicester Tigers head to The Rec with a point to prove.

After the departure of Steve Borthwick last year, Dan McKellar took to the helm as Head Coach in February 2023.

With many of their top performing players out at the World Cup in France, Tigers strength in the depth of their squad is evident, with the likes of Mike Brown, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Hanro Liebenberg all still at Welford Road.

Some familiar faces also feature in the Tigers squad, with ex-Bath Rugby players Mike Williams and Jamie Shillcock in their ranks.

Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers have met 206 times previously, with Bath winning 74 of the cashes, Leicester winning 119 and 19 of the games ending in a draw.

In Bath's and Leicester last 100 outings at The Rec, Bath have come out victorious in 54 of the occasions, drawing 10 and losing 36.

THE LAST TIME THE TIGERS CAME TO TOWN

Bath Rugby 19-18 Newcastle Falcons

Friday 11 November 2022

BATH RUGBY V LEICESTER TIGERS (22/23)

TRY MR FILBERT'S

CHARLES TYRWHITT AND LOAKE COME ON BOARD AS OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

The two formalwear brands will become the club’s Official Footwear Supplier and Official Formalwear Supplier.

In the new venture, Charles Tyrwhitt and Loake, will provide the men’s first team and coaches with formalwear and footwear for the season for responsibilities that sit away from the pitch.

READ THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

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

THANK YOU, BATH HALF RUNNERS!

Bath Rugby Foundation is always touched by the generosity of its supporters, whether it be time, donations, fundraising or participation; the efforts are never taken for granted.

Everyone at the Foundation would like to take the time to send their thanks to the incredible team of people who took on the challenge of running the Bath Half on behalf of Bath Rugby Foundation.

The next Bath Half is coming up in less than six months time! Could you be in our next incredible team to take to the streets of Bath in the 13.1miles challenge?

We'd love for you to join our Bath Half team and be part of our journey to change the lives of young people!

There are so many reasons why running for Bath Rugby Foundation just makes sense, but here are a few more reasons that will also aid your training efforts:

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 half-marathon
Secure bag storage
Warm space
Food and hydration
Bath Half cheering support!

If you're yet to secure your place in the Bath Half Marathon, you can purchase through us at the Foundation for £45 and we'll get you signed up to our package.

BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY

IESTYN LEWIS IS JUMPING FROM A PLANE...ABOVE EVEREST BASE CAMP!

Just when we thought we had seen pretty much all fundraising ideas there are, Iestyn Lewis has blown us away with a monumental challenge involving a rugby ball, a helicopter and Mount Everest.

Beginning a trek to Everest Base Camp on the 1 November, 1st XV Club member, Iestyn Lewis, will be trekking to the bottom of the world's highest mountain and then has three days take to the skies and launch himself out of a helicopter carrying a Bath Rugby ball.

Crazy huh?! That's what raising money for Bath Rugby Foundation means to Iestyn, and we are honoured that he has chosen us as his charity.

Forget a Finn Russell offload, Iestyn could lay claim to the fastest Bath Rugby ball yet!

Funding the trip himself, Iestyn is calling on supporters to make a donation, big or small, and raise £29,031.69p (the height of Mount Everest), to help the Foundation's work of changing the lives of vulnerable and challenged young people in and around Bath.

DONATE TO IESTYN'S CHALLENGE

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WORKSHOPS - LOSE THE LABELS TRAINING

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

OUR OLDEST RIVALS!

In a week when we can transition exclusively from country to club loyalties what better time is there to welcome not our nearest but one of our dearest rivals to the Rec?

Last year’s fixture provided us with an undeniable season highlight, thanks to Will Butt's wonder try appearing to lift The Rec off the ground and into orbit. Whilst the chance of a show-stopping finale like that is unlikely to happen again, Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers seems to consistently throw up games that live long in the memory.

Wearing Blue, Black & White glasses and casting our minds back, how many of us remember a late, late, late penalty try in south-west London to win the Pilkington cup in 1996? Moving into the professional era, even the most one-eyed of us must accept that the 2000s have been more successful for the East Midlanders. Despite this uncomfortable truth, we’ve had our moments. The improbable 15-12 Heineken Cup away win when we were reduced to 13 men and a few years later Butch James’s genius try redefined ‘last gasp’ for a 25-21 win in 2008.

However, the main event is inarguably located in the 2014/2015 where we were spoilt with not one but two champagne performances; an early season 45-0 bonanza that was unbelievably superseded by the joyous 47-10 semi-final win in the spring sunshine.

Recent years may have been thin more than thick, but we can all agree that it’s a fixture to look forward to. Our early season optimism, great recruitment and good performances bode well not just for today but for many Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers tussles over the next few years.