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DIGITAL PROGRAMME: SALE SHARKS (GP:R13)

Sunday 24 March 2024

By Bath Rugby

March 22^nd, 2024

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WELCOME FROM OUR CEO

Welcome to The Rec as Premiership Rugby returns after an eight-week break for the Six Nations.

We welcome our visitors Sale Sharks and extend our greeting to those travelling away supporters who have made the trip for Sunday’s clash.

We are two thirds of the way through the league season, meaning there are just six rounds of regular Premiership matches left, with a number of clubs still vying for a coveted top-four place, including us and this weekend’s visitors.

Our most recent encounter with Sale ended in a narrow away defeat last November so we’ll be looking to even things up come Sunday afternoon.

We also have an exciting Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 fixture against Exeter Chiefs to look forward to on April 6, which follows our visit to Harlequins over the Easter weekend.

We are now entering the business end of the season which is exciting for everyone, so it was great for us to welcome back our 12 players from England, Scotland, and Wales who were called up to the Six Nations, the most of any club for this year’s Championship.

Johann’s rotation of our squad throughout the campaign has been very effective in keeping the players fresh as we build on the excellent performances in both domestic and European competitions.

Thank you from everyone at the club for your support, particularly at The Rec which has once again been incredible.

I know from my conversations with the players and coaching staff that you have been the difference at times between us winning and losing through your passion and support for the Blue, Black and White.

This week, we launched our season ticket renewals for 2024/25. Thank you to the many supporters who have already renewed. Understandably, we have also been asked questions regarding price rises for the season ahead, such as the reasons why they have increased and how we compare to other clubs.

I will have the opportunity to address these and other questions in person at our Club Members’ Event on Tuesday next week at Ludo Sports Bar and Kitchen, along with Lee Blackett and Finn Russell talking all things rugby.

For those who cannot attend on Tuesday, I will be following up with a letter to our Season Ticket Holders, addressing questions raised at the event and talking more fully about renewals and the season ahead.

We recognise that there is never a good time to announce price rises. We have limited price increases as much as possible over several years; at the same time, we have experienced significant increases in our operating costs over recent years and this will continue next season, not least with the stepped rise in the Salary Cap.

We are committed to delivering great rugby at The Rec, with an exceptional team of players, coaches and support staff working together to produce winning performances in front of you, our passionate and loyal supporters.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you all. Your passion and loyalty for the club is part of who we are at Bath Rugby and is something we do not take for granted.

COYB!

Best wishes, Tarquin.

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INTERNATIONALS RETURN TO TAKE ON SALE SHARKS

Johann van Graan has named his squad to take on Sale Sharks in the return of the Gallagher Premiership this weekend.

Bath Rugby are back in Premiership action this weekend in what will be their first competitive fixture in eight weeks.

Remaining match fit, Bath have seen two impressive victories over the course of the international break, beating both Gloucester and Leinster in friendlies at home.

The Blue, Black and White get back to their domestic competition on Sunday as they take on Alex Sanderson's Sale Sharks in Round 13.

In his front row, Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, names Beno Obano at loosehead, partnered by Thomas du Toit at tighthead and Tom Dunn positioned between the two at hooker.

Quinn Roux will lock in with Charlie Ewels in the second row. Ewels delivered an impressive performance for England A against Portugal last month which saw him captain his national side.

In the back row, Ted Hill returns to the Premiership after picking up a leg injury earlier this season.

He'll pack down with Sam Underhill fresh from the Six Nations on the open side and Alfie Barbeary at Number 8, who also delivered a strong performance for England A.

Ben Spencer and Finn Russell will rekindle their partnership at half-back, with both fresh from England and Scotland camp respectively.

In the midfield, van Graan names another international duo and familiar Bath coupling in Cameron Redpath and Ollie Lawrence.

After scoring two tries on his return to Bath in the friendly against Leinster last week, Will Muir willl have his sights set on Horse corner.

Joe Cokanasiga will take the 14 jersey adding his power and ball carrying ability out on the wings.

Completing the starting XV, Matt Gallagher secures the full back position and will look to counter Sale Sharks' aerial attack under the high ball.

On the bench, Niall Annett returns to Bath action for the first time since the international break.

Juan Schoeman takes the replacement loosehead spot with Archie Griffin returning to play after picking up an injury in his debut for Wales in the Six Nations.

Elliott Stooke, Miles Reid and Jaco Coetzee complete van Graan's six replacement forwards, with Louis Schreuder and Orlando Bailey named as replacement backs.

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When you sign up to run the epic Bath Half Marathon as part of the Bath Rugby Foundation team, you get the best runners' package to support your efforts:

Free limited edition running vest
Pre and post run massage sessions
Warm hub close to the start/finish line
No long queues for the toilets
Secure bag storage
Pre and post run food and drink

We look after you all the way with training tips, fundraising support, and lots more. And the best part is you'll be helping to change the lives of local vulnerable youngsters too.

All we ask is that you raise a further £250 on top of your entry and we will support you to reach your goal.

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FOLLOW THE ACTION

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

With running commentary as the action happens, stay tuned by turning on post notifications and get the updates straight to your phone!

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SEASON TICKET RENEWALS ARE NOW LIVE!

Bath Rugby are pleased to announce that our season tickets for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign are now available to purchase in the early bird renewal window, saving at least 25% compared to buying on a match-by-match basis.

Junior season tickets prices have been frozen to encourage more families to support their heroes together at The Rec.

RENEW NOW

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.

DU PLESSIS SIGNS FOR BATH RUGBY

Bath Rugby are pleased to confirm the signing of powerful forward Jacques du Plessis following the completion of a successful rehabilitation period with the club.

Jacques, who was named Pol Roger Player of the Match on debut for Bath against Gloucester Rugby in the Foundation Day derby, has had his contract confirmed until the end of this season in addition to an option for 2024/25.

The former South African under-20 is available for selection against Sale Sharks this weekend in the Gallagher Premiership.

Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, said: “I am excited that Jacques has joined our journey here at Bath Rugby. Credit to both the player and our medical and physical performance teams for the work they have put in to get Jacques not only playing but also performing.

"I also want to express my thanks to the Bulls in South Africa for their co-operation to enable this to happen. His quick fit into our system is also credit to the work of his former team’s medical unit. I can’t wait to see Jacques in the Blue, Black and White.”

Previously with the Vodacom Bulls for whom he made more than 80 appearances, Jacques also represented Montpellier in the Top 14 in excess of 100 times, winning the 2015/16 European Challenge Cup.

INJURY UPDATE AHEAD OF ROUND 13

Bath Rugby's Head of Medical, Rory Murray, has issued an injury update ahead of this weekend's fixture against Sale Sharks on Sunday 24 March.

CHRIS CLOETE

Chris has returned to controlled contact training after suffering a shoulder injury during training in February. He will become available for selection within the next two weeks.

TOM DE GLANVILLE

Tom fractured a bone in his foot in the Leinster Rugby game on Friday (15 March) and will require surgery. It is anticipated that this injury and subsequent rehabilitation will sideline Tom for around 10 weeks.

JOSH MCNALLY

Josh continues his rehabilitation with our medical team following a neck injury sustained in training. He will return in late April.

GJ VAN VELZE

GJ is continuing his recovery after fracturing his thumb in the game against Bristol Bears at the end of January. He is aiming to return in early April.

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THE RECCY: RETURN OF THE PREMIERSHIP!

Sale Sharks are heading to The Rec in the return of the Gallagher Premiership. Here's what's in store for Round 13.

WHEN GATES OPEN FROM 13:00

Live music from The Shadow Monkeys 🐒
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle 🎟️
Pyro show 🔥
Tunnel of Noise with Jamma de Samba + a pre-match performance! 🥁
Thatchers Apples half-time show 🍎
Food & beverage 🌭 +10% discount for Club Members
Bath Rugby Shop - take a look at our new Lifestyle Range! 👕
Face painter 🎨
Max to Mascot 🦁
Ticket office open for on the day purchases and Season Ticket renewals! 🎫
Travel sorted with Centurion 🚌

READ THE RECCY IN FULL

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MATCH PREVIEW, DELIVERED BY HUBOO

We're back in Premiership Rugby action after a seven week break and in Round 13 of the competition, we're welcoming Sale Sharks to The Rec.

As the Gallagher Premiership returns to The Rec this weekend, we are set to take on last season’s Premiership finalists in what promises to be a fiercely competitive match as both sides are in contention for play-off spots.

Previewing the fixture, Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, said: “We’re looking forward to being back in the Premiership, it’s a competitive season, with positions one to eight in the league table being tightly contested so we know that we are in for some big games in the coming weeks."

Sale currently sit five points behind Bath Rugby in the table, but the return of international stars for both teams will have a significant impact on team preperations as van Graan mentioned: “Whenever international players come back into training, everyone else in the squad lifts their standards as well and it’s so important to us that we recognise that from a Sale point of view, as they have a lot of talent in their squad.”

Reflecting on Sale as a group, van Graan praised Alex Sanderson's squad saying: “They are a class team; we had a competitive battle with them earlier this season where we narrowly lost the game off the back of a George Ford penalty he kicked in the end, which was disappointing for us but that is the nature of the game.”

Speaking on Sale’s style of play, van Graan added: “They always bring physicality, that’s one of their main attributes; they’re well coached and play in a specific way.

"They’ve improved their attack and have threats all over the pitch, so that’s one area we will need to focus on to make sure we come out on top.

"The last two encounters we've had with them have ended up being very tight so we’re looking forward to it.

“I believe it will be a fascinating run in to the end of the season, there is going to be ups and downs for all the teams involved and we are committed to getting better week by week as the season progresses.

"We need to make sure we are adaptable as a squad as the season progresses. We understand we need to be able to change the plan when we need to but there's a lot of trust within the squad that facilitates us to do that."

VISIT HOMEWOOD

"EVERYONE WAS IN QUITE A GIDDY MOOD SEEING EACH OTHER AGAIN"

After being called into Steve Borthwick’s England training squad ahead of the Six Nations, Will Muir has returned to Farleigh House and is raring to get back into the Premiership competition.

We caught up with Will ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Sale to hear about all things England camp and how it feels being back at Bath after eight weeks away.

“There are lads I haven’t seen for the best of two months really. I kept in contact with them on the phone and things but it was good to be back with everyone. Everyone was in quite a giddy mood seeing each other again, it was good.

“I’ve just come through the coaches office there and speaking to one of the coaches, he said ‘You look a lot sharper, you look like you’re looking for things a lot more. So there’s an individual and in my part of the game, I’m looking to get my hands on the ball as much as possible. It’s good to know its been recognised and have come out of England camp a better player.

When asked about who he spent time with whilst in England camp, will said it was nice to mix it up and get to know those you wouldn’t normally spend time with.

“I was with a lot of the Northampton lads and I knew a couple of the lads, like Jamie Blamire, from being up in Newcastle. To be honest I’ll float around with anyone. Played a lot of darts in my spare time as there was a group of us playing darts a lot. Ollie Chessum and Freddie Steward must be playing a lot at Leicester because they are very good!

“I guess you never really know about selection for future tournaments and things. I’d like to think I’ve put a foot in the right direction and it was good to get a lot of feedback from the coaches [in England camp] on things to work on. Hopefully from playing well for Bath you put yourself in the best place possible but ultimately it’s from getting good results at Bath which is what I’ll be concentrating on.

“We’re feeling good ahead of the Sale game. Feel good, feeling pretty fresh and good to go. Once we’d got seeing the lads out the way yesterday it was back to previewing and reviewing from the Leinster game so I feel like we’ve hit the ground running.

“The results [from the friendlies] look good but you have to be playing well. There are bit that we were happy with and there’s bits that we wanted to tweak and improve coming into this weekend, but it’s always valuable playing games like that regardless of the result.

Looking at the table, Will said: “It’s crazy. I think its something like one win can take you from seventh to second or something like that. It’s just which teams, after this gap, can get back into it the quickest will benefit the most I guess.

“I know from talking to the lads here it’s been a tough couple of months for them and they’ve worked hard, so I’d like to think we’ve worked on a lot of fundamental things and sounds like the fitness stuff has been pretty tough. You’d like to think we’re now able to pick up where we left off and move forward at least."

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION: SALE SHARKS

The last time the teams met, Sale edged out a narrow 11-9 victory at the Salford Community Stadium, with Jonny Hill’s try and George Ford’s penalties making the difference between the two sides.

Sale currently sit in 7th place in the Gallagher Premiership table but are only 4 points off being in the Top 4 in this year’s competitive season.

Looking to hit the ground running for the start of this season’s run in, star players like Ernst van Rhyn, who leads the league in tackles, will look to carry on his defensive work rate this weekend.

Meanwhile, the attacking threats of winger Tom O’Flaherty and centre Sam James in midfield will look to pull the strings in their talented backline.

Sale Sharks also welcome back their international stars who featured in the Guinness Six Nations campaign, with the likes of former Bath player George Ford and England internationals Manu Tuilagi, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Ben Curry all expected to feature in this weekend’s game.

SALE SHARKS LAST VISIT TO THE REC

Bath Rugby 20-37 Sale Sharks

Saturday 8 October 2022

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WIN WITH THATCHERS!

To celebrate our ongoing partnership with Bath Rugby, we’re giving a local rugby club the opportunity to travel to the Premiership team’s training base for a once in a lifetime training day.

The winning team will be invited to Farleigh House, the state of the art training ground of Bath Rugby, and will be put through their paces by Bath’s players and coaches.

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CLUB CONTINUES COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROMOTING MATCHDAY SAFETY

Every week, Bath Rugby supporters travel from far and wide to support the Blue, Black and White in their Gallagher Premiership campaign.

Whether at home at The Rec, or travelling across the country, win or lose the Bath Rugby faithful is there to cheer the team on.

As a club, Bath Rugby wants to make sure it is doing all it can to ensure the matchday experience is a safe space for all its supporters and the wider community.

After the success of its campaign with Avon & Somerset Police and British Transport Police last season, Bath Rugby has joined forces once again with the two organisations to tackle violence and harassment against women and girls in the South West area.

The initiative promotes the act of being an active bystander, where we as a community can come together and safely challenge unacceptable behaviour on a matchday, on the journey to the stadium and when travelling home.

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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!

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DONATE TO BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION HERE

RUN THE BATH HALF FOR US IN 2025!

The biggest of thank yous to the amazing and inspiring runners who took on the challenge of running the Bath Half Marathon on behalf of Bath Rugby Foundation.

Your fantastic efforts in taking on this challenge will change young lives in Bath and beyond.

THANK YOU!

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AN UPDATE FROM BATH RUGBBY SUPPORTERS' CLUB

Hello and welcome back to the Rec! Although it has been lovely seeing Bath Rugby’s stars on the international stage, with some wonderful performances, it is also lovely have them back home.

It has been rather strange to be away from the Rec for so long and I am so pleased to be back as the first signs of spring arrive. Where better to be on a March Sunday?

We have had two friendlies in the last two weeks, but the last competitive game I attended was away against Toulouse in the Champions Cup in January. I was lucky enough to be there, and despite the loss, had an incredible time.

Stade Ernest-Wallon is known colloquially as a ‘temple’ to rugby – and it really was. The atmosphere was electric. Even though we lost, it was an amazing display and let’s hope we’ll see more European magic for the next round.

That is against Exeter in a few weeks, and Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club has organised two coaches for our members, to help fill up Sandy Park and support our team as they venture into the knock-out stages.

In other BRSC news, we had a very successful and entertaining ‘Ask the Ref’ evening with Tony Spreadbury, head of match officials at EPCR, in February.

Tony’s insight as an ex-referee who operates at the very top level of international referees, was insightful and engaging as ever. We are also in the early stages of planning another ‘Bath Rugby legends’ event, in aid of Bath Rugby Foundation.

Last year, David Trick, Jeremy Guscott, Nigel Redman and John Hall joined us at the Rec for an evening of stories. We discussed Bath Rugby then – and now. Planning for another similar evening is underway, and we’ll share details as soon as we have them.