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DIGITAL PROGRAMME: NEWCASTLE FALCONS (GP: R1)

Saturday 14 October 2023

By Bath Rugby

October 13^th, 2023

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DIGITAL PROGRAMME: NEWCASTLE FALCONS (GP: R1)

A MESSAGE FROM CEO TARQUIN MCDONALD

Welcome to The Rec for the start of what promises to be a hugely exciting Gallagher Premiership season for 2023-24.

We extend our greeting to visitors Newcastle Falcons and their players, staff, and supporters who are making their first visit since our last meeting on New Year’s Eve, when we secured a 24-16 win.

We go into Round 1 on the back of a strong performance last Saturday against Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

That win saw a dominant display from our forward pack alongside an exciting attack which demonstrated everything Johann, his players, and coaching team have been working towards, supported by our recruitment strategy as a Club.

This week saw the launch of Mud, Sweat, and Tears: the exciting docuseries that reveals the behind-the-scenes drama from the 2022-23 Premiership Rugby season. Looking back at how that campaign played out along with what we’ve seen so far in this year’s Rugby World Cup, it’s clear just how important the power game is and that was evident in how we played against the Chiefs to provide that solid platform for us to attack.

We have recruited some world class talent and leadership on the pitch over the summer to bolster what was already an outstanding group of senior players, many of whom have come through the Bath Rugby system.

Having a stronger than ever academy and player pathway programme underpinning our development of the squad is vitally important.

Our recent pre-season saw more than 50 players getting invaluable minutes across our five Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures as well as the friendly against Edinburgh where the average age of the squad was just shy of 22 years.

This game experience for our younger players who are developing along the Club’s pathway is vital for our squad succession planning. The recent appointment of Rob Burgess as Head of Recruitment reinforces our focus on strengthening the expertise in this area.

As part of the Premiership Rugby Cup being opened to Championship teams, we were delighted to welcome Jersey Reds to The Rec only to hear the very sad news a few days later about the club potentially going into administration. Our best wishes continue to be with the players and staff impacted.

This tragic situation underlines the need for rugby to be built on solid foundations. Where we see our role as a Club in that is bringing exciting rugby to The Rec that people love to watch whilst at the same time really focusing on participation locally across both the men’s and women’s games.

We have a concerted drive over the next few years to get a rugby ball into the hands of every primary school child in our region. That means working closely together with our community, the amateur clubs, and our other stakeholders to harness all the physical, mental, and societal benefits that participation in sport brings regardless of age, ability, or aspiration. The women’s game in particular offers us huge opportunities to grow participation numbers and we will continue to increase our investment in support of our partners and colleagues at Bath College, the University of Bath, and Bath RFC Ladies.

On that theme of inspiring future generations, England’s progress in the Rugby World Cup means we go into the start of the Premiership still without Ollie Lawrence, Will Stuart, and now Sam Underhill following his call to join Steve Borthwick’s squad. We wish them all well ahead of Sunday’s quarter final against Fiji.

For our Scottish World Cup pairing of Finn Russell and Cameron Redpath, whilst it was obviously disappointing for them that their journey in France came to an end last weekend, we were delighted to welcome them home to Farleigh this week. Both were given the option of having some time off before joining up with us, but they were adamant they wanted to be in before the start of the Premiership season which demonstrates just how committed they are to being part of what we are building here at Bath.

Many of you will have seen our stadium planning application to redevelop the current facilities at The Rec has gone in. It’s an historic milestone for the Club and has been a huge undertaking so an even bigger thank you to everyone for their input, including our supporters’ focus groups. We’ve directly addressed feedback from all consultees and stakeholders to put forward and submit proposals that we hope and very much believe can be approved. Please express your support via the planning portal which can be found here:

https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=23%2F03558%2FEFUL

All of this means that both on and off the field there is a genuine sense of excitement around the Club as we look forward to the season ahead. Thank you as ever for your loyal and passionate support.

COYB!

Best wishes, Tarquin.

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TEAM NEWS

Falcons set for a Russell of feathers

In his first Premiership team of the 2023/24 season, Johann van Graan has named a full-strength side to take on Newcastle Falcons this weekend.

Welcoming his Scottish duo back into the fold, van Graan selects Cameron Redpath at 12, with his fly-half teammate, Finn Russell, set to get his Bath Rugby debut off the bench.

From loosehead through to Number 8, van Graan and Defence Coach JP Ferraira’s forwards pack starts with Beno Obano, Tom Dunn and Thomas du Toit in the front row, seeing the latter getting his first home start in the Blue, Black and White.

Locking in in the second row after a formidable reclaiming of the number 4 jersey, Charlie Ewels is partnered with Irish international Quinn Roux.

On the flanks, Ted Hill slots back into the number six jersey, after a stint in the second row last week, accompanied by Chris Cloete at openside and Alfie Barbeary at Number 8.

Ben Spencer will lead the team out at The Rec for the first time in 2023/24, with Orlando Bailey pulling strings at fly-half.

Out on the wing, Will Muir gets a run out, bringing with him his Guisborough travelling support, with Joe Cokanasiga out on the other wing.

Max Ojomoh will pair with Redpath, and Matt Gallagher returns to the fold at full back after taking a knock during Bath Rugby’s fixture against London Scottish.

On the bench, Juan Schoeman and Johannes Jonker are named replacement props, with Niall Annett set to replace Dunn at hooker.

Fergus Lee-Warner and Miles Reid will provide fresh strength in the pack, whilst Louis Schreuder also takes his place on the bench.

After returning from the World Cup less than a week ago, Russell will get his Bath Rugby debut in front of a home crowd in a much-anticipated run out for the Scot.

Completing the matchday-23, Tom de Glanville will look to add to his five tries in three games tally come time for substitutions.

Bath Rugby’s opening fixture kicks off against Newcastle Falcons at 14:00, Saturday 14 October.

Catch our World Cup pairing in action and get your tickets now!

Ross Batty describes The Rec as “an unbelievable and iconic venue” ahead of season opener

Former Bath Rugby hooker Ross Batty has described The Rec as “an unbelievable and iconic venue” ahead of the weekend’s Gallagher Premiership opener against Newcastle Falcons.

Batty, who represented both teams during his 16-year playing career, says it was only after he retired in 2021 that he fully appreciated the overall impact rugby has on the city.

The 37-year-old remains a fans’ favourite amongst Bath Rugby supporters and continues to attend matches at The Rec as part of the Legends Lounge experience.

“Being in and around Bath on a matchday, playing on the pitch, you enjoy it when you are there but it’s only afterwards that you realise what a spectacle it is for the city,” he said.

“I don’t think you realise, when you are in that professional bubble, how much rugby at The Rec means in terms of getting the city going. It’s such an unbelievable and iconic venue.

“Being able to run out there as many times as I did is something I am very proud of.”

Saturday’s game is the first time since 2015 that Bath have played at home on the opening day of the season in front of fans, with the 2020 Round 1 fixture at The Rec happening during the Covid lockdown.

For Batty, the start of any new campaign and the first game is more about the players being “desperate for it to come.”

“Yes, training is a great opportunity to get into the best shape of your life, but playing games is why you get into rugby. I was always desperate to get playing and leave the ‘floggings’ behind us,” he said with a smile. “The boys put themselves through so much during the week just to be able to be up for selection at the weekend never mind the game itself. The physical confrontation of the front row is something I really miss, and you can’t replicate that anywhere. It’s pretty special.

“When you got on the pitch it was the chance to show everyone what we are really about. When I played, we had a really close-knit group. I am sure the lads in the current squad have that and it’s about standing side-by-side playing and fighting for each other, you don’t want to let anyone down.”

On the Clubs hopes ahead of the new season, Batty believes there are reasons to be cheerful.

“I think Bath have got a good chance,” he said. “There is still quite a bit of youth in there and over the last couple of years we’ve seen a few talents come in which have been massive additions and needed. You look at the front row with the likes of Dunny [Tom Dunn], Beno [Obano], Will Stuart and elsewhere starting to get that strength in depth. For me, as an old front row, I used to train and play against those lads so it’s great to see them showing how good they are and being recognised as quality Premiership players and internationals.

“In terms of the backs, obviously the big signing in Finn Russell, that will be interesting to see. Orlando Bailey who, whilst still a young lad, has an incredible amount of talent but what Finn will bring is his edge and what you see on the international stage. Elsewhere you look across the backline and see the likes of Ollie Lawrence, Joe Cokanasiga, Tom du Glanville, there is quality in abundance there, for me it’s just about putting that together. As a young team, where they have been over the last two or three years, it’s about being able to understand how to win in the Premiership, which is very different to just having a quality team. For me you have to learn how not to lose and how to win and Bath are definitely on track to start putting that into fruition.”

SPENCER NAMED CAPTAIN FOR 2023/24

Bath Rugby is delighted to confirm that Ben Spencer has been named club captain ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Spencer joined the club during the summer of 2020 from Saracens and has gone onto make 75 appearances for the Blue, Black and White, scoring more than 200 points.

It follows his appointment as club captain last season by Head of Rugby Johann van Graan in recognition of the 31-year-old’s outstanding leadership and experience within the squad.

“It’s a huge honour to be named club captain of Bath Rugby for the forthcoming 2023/24 campaign,” Spencer said.

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

READ THE FULL NEWS STORY

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THE RECCY: FLOCK TO OUR FALCONS FESTIVAL!

WHEN GATES OPEN FROM 12:00...

Happy Hour - secure your discounted drinks 🍻🍷
Festival style fan village
Live music from The Hammervilles 🎙️
Half-time show - Thatchers Apples 🍎
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 🚌

READ THE RECCY IN FULL

PURCHASE VIÑALBA

MATCH PREVIEW, DELIVERED BY HUBOO

Bath Rugby will be welcoming Newcastle Falcons to The Rec on Saturday in their first outing of the Premiership season.

After seeing new faces arrive at Farleigh House in recent weeks, van Graan's set up is now one he has shaped himself.

Bath Rugby's victory against Exeter Chiefs last weekend was certainly a show of strength and an indication of what is to come from the Blue, Black and White.

Speaking about the season ahead, van Graan said: "We're looking forward to it. We've had a pre-season of 17 weeks, we've worked hard and we're looking forward to getting started on Saturday.

"We've spoken as a group about how everything's changed now I'm in my second year here. We started on the 11 July 2022 and it's incredible to see the difference in people, in the facilities and what we've done on the inside, the gym, the auditorium, the medical room, the coaches' office. And also the way that we play. We have a clear way in which we want to play the game and have the confidence to go after what we want and the main thing is to become better.

"The end of last season showed us that what we've been working on actually worked. The way we started this season from a Premiership Cup point of view, we used that to play our whole squad. More than 50 players played in the competition. We looked at the future. The average age of the squad that played against Edinburgh last week was 21 years and 8 months.

"We've made some coaching changes too. We had some terrific coaches last season but we have some new coaches in to make small differences in other areas of the game.

"We've got some current players that have got fitter and we have some brilliant new players that will hopefully push us forward as a group.

READ THE FULL MATCH PREVIEW

VISIT HOMEWOOD

MEET: THOMAS DU TOIT

We caught up with Thomas du Toit after his first week at training as the Springbok international front row begins his journey at Bath Rugby.

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION

Heading into the 2023/24 Premiership with a newly appointed Head Coach, Newcastle Falcons arrive at The Rec looking to get back at Bath Rugby for their New Year's Eve defeat of 2022/23.

Having previously coached at Harlequins in their forwards set-up, Codling will be no stranger to the Premiership competition.

The Falcons had wins over all three of Bath Rugby's West Country rivals last season, showing their ability to compete both home at Kingston Park and away from their Tyneside home.

With plenty of rugby talent in their ranks, Falcons will threaten Bath defensively and in their attack through the likes of Adam Radwan, Callum Chick and Jamie Blamire.

THE LAST TIME BATH MET FALCONS

Bath Rugby 19-10 Newcastle Falcons

Saturday 31 December 2022

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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

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And the best part - it's all FREE!

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A MESSAGE FROM LYNNE FERNQUEST, BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION'S CEO

On the surface, Bath is a city known for its Georgian architecture, luxurious cars, and trendy bars. It’s easy to see it as one of the most affluent cities in the UK, but that's not the whole story, and that’s not the real Bath.

Hidden beneath the façade of prosperity are around 10,000 young people who are officially classified as vulnerable. These youngsters are largely from disadvantaged backgrounds or face the daily challenges of Special Educational Needs or Disabilities.

Thanks to the unwavering support and generosity of people like you, Bath Rugby Foundation is changing the narrative for 4,500 of these children and young people every year. We are not merely a charity; we are an active force within our community, our schools, and our home, the Rec.

Our approach combines classroom learning with a diverse range of sports and activities designed to ignite passion and build unshakable confidence. We provide mentoring and nurture trust, all while imparting essential life skills that empower young people to become self-reliant contributors to society.

For those who once felt helpless, we are the catalyst of transformation. We help them shed the negative labels society has imposed upon them, allowing them to confront the world with newfound self-worth and unwavering belief in themselves.

While there may be other youth charities in the area, we are the only one deeply intertwined with a Premiership Rugby team and its army of fiercely loyal fans. What sets us apart is our collective potential—the power of Bath Rugby, Bath Rugby Foundation, and Bath Rugby supporters working in harmony.

Imagine the possibilities if we, as a united force, committed to breaking the cycle for every challenged young person in our community. We don't need to wait for governments to change or policies to change. Together, we can be the change.

So, as you immerse yourself in the thrill of this Bath Rugby matchday, remember that your presence here is not just about the game on the field—it’s about the game of life we’re changing off the field.

Let us harness our collective potential, and continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

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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.

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HAPPENING THIS SUNDAY!

Taking place across the streets of Bath this Sunday is the much-anticipated Bath Half!

The Bath Half is one of Bath Rugby Foundation's biggest community fundraising events of the year. With plenty of dedicated supporters and donors running on behalf of Bath Rugby Foundation this year, could you be one of them?

We're recruiting for the next Bath Half happening in March 2024! Want to join us and help change the lives of young people in our community? Sign up today. With a whole load of benefits, including training groups, massages, race-day food and drink, you won't find a better package!

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WE CAN'T WAIT TO GET STARTED!

There is a confidence oozing through the club and its supporters which is more than the usual preseason optimism.

We have a squad which is our strongest in years and looks very well balanced, talented young players are waiting in the wings and then add a coaching set up that would flatter any international side, all this indicates that confidence is well-founded.

The “light at the end of the tunnel” for redevelopment of The Rec is significantly brighter than it has been for a very long time. A planning application has been submitted and we can all do our bit by supporting the application.

Supporters have been treated to some home games already this season, however we start the Premiership with a rare home fixture welcoming Newcastle Falcons to The Rec.

Bath Rugby Supporters' Club (BRSC) will be at its new gazebo in a new location! Located in the Fan Village near the Swift Half, the club is open for new memberships and renewals. We hope to be able to keep the gazebo open until 10 mins before kick-off, certainly for the early part of the season.

I would like to welcome all our new members for the forthcoming season, make sure to stop by the matchday gazebo and say hello.

BRSC managed to secure 120 tickets for the European Cup Match at Cardiff, and we will be running two coaches to the game. These have now sold out, however if you are making your way to Cardiff, we will be seated in the North Stand in sections NS 13 & 14.

We have a second away trip planned for January. Bath Rugby is away to Bristol Bears on 27 January and BRSC have booked 50 match tickets that normally retail at £44.25. We can offer our members a match ticket and coach travel for only £45 (£60 for non-members). Book soon to avoid disappointment!

BRSC membership starts at £10 for an adult and will open you up to exclusive events, discounts and a family of supporters who all love Bath Rugby just as much as you. Be part of a supporters' club run by supporters.