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DIGITAL PROGRAMME: NORTHAMPTON SAINTS (GP:R18)

Sunday 24 March 2024

By Bath Rugby

May 17^th, 2024

A WELCOME FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE, TARQUIN MCDONALD

Welcome to The Rec for our Premiership fixture against Northampton Saints, our final home game of the regular 2023/24 season and where the stakes couldn't be higher.

I’d like to extend a warm greeting to our visitors and congratulate them on their successful season, having already guaranteed a top two finish with a game to spare.

Our bonus point victory away at Newcastle Falcons last Friday has put us in a strong position to also secure that coveted spot in this year’s play-offs.

Reflecting on how we've arrived at this juncture, it's a testament to the resilience and tenacity of the Bath Rugby spirit. Our journey is the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and sheer determination from our players, coaches, and staff.

As we step onto the field at the weekend, we are also acutely aware of the crucial role our supporters will play. Your passion and support continue to be a key driver behind our successes. In this pivotal moment, we draw strength from your unwavering belief in our team.

Regardless of the outcome of this season, it's important to recognise the achievements and milestones we've reached along the way. Our journey in Europe’s elite rugby competition, the Investec Champions Cup, saw us qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time since 2015.

Our brilliant win at home against Racing 92, coming back from 8-22 down in the second half, was arguably the stand-out performance of our European campaign. The noise that reverberated around The Rec that afternoon was the loudest we’ve heard in many a year. We can look forward to another season of Investec Champions Cup rugby in 2024/25 and challenging again the best sides in Europe.

In the league, we recorded rare and hard-fought away wins at Saracens, Gloucester, and Exeter, demonstrating that this current group of players are determined to write their own histories.

Off the pitch, the significance of a host of current players renewing their contracts at the club in recent months is huge. We’ve also locked-in a crop of highly sought-after young talents to Senior Academy contracts, whilst for the first time in the club's history, Bath claimed the Premiership Rugby U18 Academy League title.

Inevitably with new arrivals, other players move on. Josh McNally confirmed this week that he would be leaving Bath. A strong character and club captain, Josh deserves our heartfelt thanks and recognition for his significant contributions throughout his time with the team.

From a leadership perspective, we were delighted to announce recently that Johann has committed his future to Blue, Black, and White until 2029/30, a testament to his belief in the vision and his dedication to the cause.

Under Johann’s leadership, we have become a united team that’s tough to beat and there is a clear vision and alignment running through the club, players, and staff.

With Johann at the helm, we can all be confident that the best is yet to come for Bath Rugby.

COYB!

Best wishes, Tarquin

DIGITAL PROGRAMME: NORTHAMPTON SAINTS (GP:R18)

TEAM NAMED FOR FINAL ROUND AT THE REC

Josh Bayliss comes into the starting XV at Number 8 in place of Alfie Barbeary who takes a spot on the bench.

The rest of the pack remains the same from Bath Rugby's bonus point win over Newcastle Falcons last weekend seeing Beno Obano, Tom Dunn and Thomas du Toit retain their places in the front row.

Quinn Roux and Charlie Ewels will partner up in the second row, with Ted Hill and Sam Underhill completing the forwards set-up on the flanks.

Johann van Graan has also picked the same back line as last week, seeing Ben Spencer captain from nine, coupled with Finn Russell at fly-half.

Cameron Redpath and Ollie Lawrence will pair up in the midfield, with Will Muir and Joe Cokanasiga manning the wings.

Matt Gallagher retains his fullback jersey, countering the Northampton's aerial threat.

Replicating last week's replacement front row, Niall Annett, Juan Schoeman and Will Stuart feature again.

Elliott Stooke, Barbeary and Miles Reid complete the six replacement forwards.

Louis Schreuder and Orlando Bailey are named as replacement backs.

Bath Rugby currently sit third in the Premiership Rugby table with this weekend being one of the most closely contested final rounds in league history.

CHANGE YOUNG LIVES BY RUNNING THE BATH HALF MARATHON!

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Free limited edition running vest
Pre and post run massage sessions
Warm hub close to the start/finish line
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Pre and post run food and drink

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RUN THE BATH HALF

FOLLOW THE ACTION

You can follow the action LIVE on our Bath Rugby X channel.

The game will also be shown on TNT Sports via the red button, discovery+ and PRTV.

FOLLOW ALONG ON X

TNT REMAINS THE HOME OF ENGLISH CLUB RUGBY

TNT sports renews deal with premiership rugby to remain home of English club rugby and will show more matches than ever before.

TNT Sports in the UK & Ireland will remain the home of Gallagher Premiership Rugby after Warner Bros. Discovery reached agreement to broadcast even more matches than ever before, with a commitment to show every game of the competition from the 2024-25 season.

The new deal with Premiership Rugby will see all 93 matches – including the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Play-Offs and Final – on TNT Sports and discovery+*. TNT Sports will also continue to broadcast select games from the Premiership Rugby Cup.

OUR JOURNEY

LEARN MORE ABOUT VYOO

THE RECCY: REC FEST!

Join us and Dick Lovett for Rec Fest as gates open from 12:00.

Live music from FOUR acts on our Band Stand 🎤
Jamma de Samba Tunnel of noise 🥁
Dick Lovett Defender fleet + games! 🛞
Happy Hour! 🍻 (12:00-13:00)
St Austell korev Camper
Tribute offer for Season Ticket Holders & Club Members🍺
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle 🎟️
Pyro show & Guard of Honour 🔥
Thatchers Hot Air Balloon 🍎
Max the Mascot 🦁
Circus Tent with Super Pirates & Face Painter 🎪
Basketball shoot-out 🏀
Rugby Tricks 🤹
Muddy Walkabout 🤪
Viñalba Wine Tasting Gazebo🍷
Touch Rugby tournament 🏉
Matchday Ambassadors 👋
Come on You Bath clapper banners - bring the noise! 👏
Food & beverage 🌭 +10% discount for Club Members
Bath Rugby Shop 👕
Bath Rugby Supporters' Club 🤝
Travel sorted with Centurion 🚌

Please note, the Swift Half, Wine Gin & Fizz bar and outfield vendors and all other activations in the Fan Village will be open from 12:00 (excluding Click & Collect which will be open from 13:00). All other stadium bars and Clubhouse Bar will open from 13:00. To access Rec Fest, from 12:00-13:00, please use William St Gate, Riverside Gate or Sports Centre Gate. Stewards will be on site to direct supporters to the right entry points. The other gates will open from 13:00.

READ THE RECCY IN FULL

PURCHASE VIÑALBA

MATCH PREVIEW, DELIVERED BY HUBOO

Bath Rugby host league leaders Northampton Saints at The Rec this Saturday in the final round of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership regular season.

Reflecting on last week’s victory up at Newcastle Falcons, Head of Rugby Johann van Graan was pleased to get the bonus win, noting that his side took away some learnings ahead of Northampton’s visit.

“The points we have picked up on the road since the break have been very valuable, the two points against Harlequins, the five against Exeter and the five now against Newcastle have all proved to be the reason we are competing at the top end of the table this season,” he said.

“We took our learnings from that [Newcastle] game. I thought we played positively in the first half but all credit to Newcastle in the second half as they stopped us from playing the rugby we wanted to play, but ultimately we’ll be preparing for Northampton well, off the back of that win.”

Saturday’s game will prove to be a fascinating challenge as Bath look to secure their place in the play-offs, while Northampton aim to retain top spot in the league ahead of their home knockout tie in two weeks’ time.

On how Bath are preparing for this game, van Graan said: “It’s always good to play at The Rec in front of the supporters on the final day of the season. The atmosphere is always special and I’m sure it’ll be an exciting game as Northampton are the in-form side in the Premiership at the moment. They’ve gone far in the Champions Cup this season and they’ve been really consistent in the league as well so I have no doubt it will be a tough test for us on Saturday, but one we are all massively looking forward to.”

The last time the teams met, it was the hosts who took the spoils at Franklin’s Gardens back in November as Saints recorded a 24-18 victory with tries from Tom Pearson, Alex Coles, and George Hendy making the difference. Van Graan’s men will be eager to rectify that defeat and secure their place in the play-offs, with only one point enough to guarantee a top four spot.

“We’ve gone through all the different scenarios to make sure we are all on the same page as a squad, but ultimately, we’ll be focused on ourselves and stick to the process that has put us in this position and we’re all aware that it’s in our hands for that play-off spot in two weekends time,” added van Graan.

“We’re looking to approach this game in a confident manner, we’re going to stick to our process and not take anything for granted. We’re building something special here at Bath and I’ve been proud of what has been achieved this season and we’ll go out there to play for the big play-off game which is what we as a group want to be a part of collectively.”

FULL HUBOO MATCH PREVIEW

McCONNOCHIE PENS NEW DEAL WITH BATH RUGBY

Ruaridh McConnochie has renewed his contract with Bath Rugby keeping him at the club until the summer of 2025.

The winger’s current deal was due to expire at the end of the season, but he has now put pen to paper on a one-year extension.

So far this campaign, the Olympian and GB sevens silver medallist from Rio 2016 has registered two tries, one against Saracens at the start of the season and more recently versus Harlequins, to add to the 19 he’s already scored for Bath Rugby since joining the club.

With his quick footwork and finishing ability fine-tuned from a career in sevens rugby, McConnochie often gets fans of the Blue, Black, and White off their feet.

'I owe a lot to this special club as it was the only one which gave me a shot coming from sevens in 2018.

"I still feel I can contribute here on and off the field as this group grows and be part of a squad that wins silverware for this city. Thanks to Johann for giving me this opportunity.”

Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan said: “Ruaridh is a true professional, a club man, and always does his best for the team.

"He is also an exceptional rugby player, specifically in the air, an extremely good communicator and a very good finisher. I am very glad that he is staying at Bath Rugby.”

VISIT HOMEWOOD

"IT'S ABOUT WHAT WE CAN PUT OUT ONTO THE FIELD." - TED HILL ON THIS WEEKEND'S CHALLENGE

"I think for us it's not so important about what Saints bring, it's about what we can put out onto the field. They've got some electric backs, they've got some dangerous forwards and I think they've been amazing this year and in the past couple of seasons.

"You look at them and think there's not any weak points but I think we can give them a really good contest.

Asked about Northampton's huge win over Gloucester last week, Hill commented: "I didn't manage to catch it but obviously saw the result and knew it was a big win for them. They'll be confident but we hope to give them a different challenge this weekend."

Speaking of coming back from a long-term injury suffered during Bath's opening Gallagher Premiership fixture against Newcastle, Ted added: "It's really nice being back. So much credit goes to the staff here and all the medical staff because they've managed to get me back on the field which has been great.

"It's not nice being away, not playing and seeing the guys do well, you definitely get jealous, but it's great to come in and play my part now. I'm thankful for Johann and the coaches for putting me in.

"It's amazing to think of where we were when I first came here, and where we were before that. We've developed so well and it would be really good to cap off with a good couple of last games."

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION: NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

Phil Dowson’s side currently sit top of the Premiership table and are the only team to have secured a home play-off spot ahead of this weekend's matches. They travel down to The Rec after recording an impressive 90-0 victory over Gloucester last weekend at Franklin’s Gardens.

This campaign’s top try scorer Ollie Sleightholme is set to feature on the wing whilst Fin Smith will be expected to pull the strings from fly-half to further improve on their impressive attacking statistics of being the top try and points scorers in the Premiership.

Long standing forwards Lewis Ludlow and Courtney Laws will be set to play their final regular season game in the Premiership before their moves to France over the summer and will be set to pair up alongside the in-form Curtis Langdon looking to add power in the front row.

HOT WINGERS

See how our wingers faired when taking on a series of Hot Wings!

With Will Muir, Ruaridh McConnochie and Joe Cokanasiga.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS LAST VISIT TO THE REC

Bath Rugby 27-14 Sale Sharks

Saturday 22 October 2022

TRY MR FILBERT'S

JOSH MCNALLY TO LEAVE BATH RUGBY

The club can announce the departure of Josh McNally at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Former RAF technician, McNally, joined the ranks of the Blue, Black and White in 2019 and has gone on to captain his side during his five years at the club.

The 33-year-old sits on 84 Bath caps, making his most recent appearance back in January against Bristol Bears.

McNally’s rugby journey began when serving in the RAF which saw him go on to join the Henley Hawks as part of the Royal Air Force Rugby Union Centre of Excellence in 2012.

In a message to the Bath Rugby supporters, McNally said: “It’s time to say goodbye and thank you.

“It’s been a true honour to have had the opportunity to wear the Blue, Black and White, to represent everyone who works for this club, and to represent this great city.

“Bath will always hold a special place in our hearts. A place where myself, Sarah, Toby and Alice have made friends and memories to last a lifetime.

"Thank you to all the players, coaches and staff over the last five years who have pushed me, guided me and put me back together along the way.

"It’s been full of highs and lows, but I’ve learnt so much and I'll leave this club a better person.

"I love this club, I love this city and I will do everything I can to help the lads finish this season with silverware.

"Thank you."

On McNally’s departure, van Graan said: “Josh added so much to Bath Rugby on and off the field. He is a very good rugby player, a consistent and dependable leader but most importantly, a great team man.

"He leaves Bath Rugby in a better place, and I wish him and his family the very best. Josh will make a success in whatever he chooses to do in life!"

NINE ACADEMY PLAYERS RENEW AT BATH RUGBY

The club is pleased to confirm nine Bath Rugby Academy players have renewed their contracts, committing their futures to the Blue, Black and White.

Scott Kirk, Mackenzie Graham, Will Jeanes, Harvey Cuckson, Will Parry, Luke Graham, Mikey Summerfield, Ciaran Donoghue, and Neil Le Roux have all put to pen to paper on contract extensions.

The group featured for Bath this year, either during the Premiership Rugby Cup campaign or the series of friendly fixtures, except for Le Roux who commits to the club after a successful rehabilitation period.

Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, said: “We’re on a journey here at Bath and that spans across the whole of the club into our Academy and pathway.

“Nurturing young talent with coaches and support staff who care brings out the best in players and I’m glad these young men will be continuing their journey in Blue, Black and White.”

READ THE FULL NEWS

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BATH RUGBY MOURNS THE LOSS OF FORMER PLAYER GERRY PARSONS

It is with deep sadness that Bath Rugby received the news of the passing of Gerry Parsons.

Born on 24 September 1952, in Bedwas, Monmouthshire, Gerry learned his rugby at Bassaleg Grammar School from where he played for Monmouthshire Schools. He turned out as a teenager for the neighbouring Machen Club.

He joined Avon and Somerset Police and played regularly for the force team, which he captained in 1975.

On the back of his performances in the police team he came into the Somerset side and played with such distinction that, because of his dual qualifications, he was selected for the England trials that season.

He left the police force and joined Bath immediately establishing himself in the 1st XV, playing mainly as a rampaging wing forward but occasionally at No. 8.

Making more than 140 appearances for the Blue, Black and White from December 1977 to November 1981, Gerry later joined London Welsh.

He was not only a well-respected Bath Rugby player from his time proudly wearing the jersey, but also a friend to many.

The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gerry’s friends and family at this difficult time.

The funeral service will take place at 11:15 on Thursday 23 May at Kingsdown Crematorium, SN25 6SG, and afterwards at The White Hart, Oxford Road, SN3 4JD.

DONATE TO BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION HERE

BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER

Bath Rugby Foundation’s annual Fundraising Dinner, held on 25th April, was a huge success with supporters attending from far and wide.

Head of Fundraising, Halena Coury, said of the evening: “It was a fantastic evening and so well supported by the Bath community. We raised over £60,000 which will go towards changing young lives across the region by building confidence, developing life skills, and creating independence.”

Thanks to everyone’s kind donations and support. If you would like to attend next year’s Dinner.

AN UPDATE FROM BATH RUGBBY SUPPORTERS' CLUB

The 2023-24 Gallagher Premiership season has been the closest for many years and as we approach the final game of the regular season. Only one club has booked a home fixture in the play-offs.

By 5pm this Saturday afternoon we all hope that Bath Rugby will have qualified for the first time since 2014-15, which indecently is the last time Northampton Saints finished top of the league. If Bath Rugby is to be away from The Rec in the play-offs, Bath Rugby Supporters' Club (BRSC) intends to organise a coach and match ticket offer for its Members.

Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club (BRSC) continues to go from strength to strength and this season our Membership falls just short of 1,100. Our charity fundraising for Bath Rugby Foundation has also seen a boost and we hope to reach the £5,000 figure for the first time.

We continue to enjoy excellent working relationships with Bath Rugby and are extremely grateful for the time and consideration they extend to the Supporters’ Club.

We have also been delighted to see the return of the road trips to Cardiff, Bristol and Exeter, which were all sold out. We will continue to run coaches to selected games next season. The 2024-25 season will get underway on 20th September 2024 and fixtures will be announced on 23rd July 2024.

BRSC’s final event of this season will be a 'Tour of Farleigh House' on 29 May 2024. Full details have been circulated to Members and bookings are now open.

This will be followed by our AGM on 4 June 2024. We will shortly be opening the voting for the BRSC Annual Awards and the presentations and supper will take place at the DoubleTree, by Hilton, Bath hotel on Tuesday 20 August 2024. Tickets will be on sale nearer the time.

Our events this season have included a very well attended 'Quiz Night', with Dave Stock as quizmaster and Tony Spreadbury once again joined us for 'Ask the Ref' with his fascinating insights from the 'man in the middle'.

The annual 'Legends Evening' in aid of Bath Rugby Foundation returned, hosted by David Trick, who was joined by guests – Gareth Chilcott, Kevin Yates and Stuart Barnes. Another great night, full of perceptive and very amusing tales from the past.

We say goodbye to Paul Russell who stands down from the BRSC Committee at the 2024 AGM and would like to thank Paul for all his work over the last 5 years.

We would also like to say thank you and farewell to all the players and staff from Bath Rugby who will be moving on over the Summer, the best of luck to you all.