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DIGITAL PROGRAMME: SARACENS (GP:R16)

Sunday 24 March 2024

By Bath Rugby

April 25^th, 2024

LEARN MORE ABOUT DYSON ZONE

WELCOME FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE, TARQUIN MCDONALD

Welcome everyone,

We’re back at The Rec for what is going to be a momentous occasion both on and off the pitch.

Welcome to our visitors, Saracens, who will no doubt bring fierce competition in a hugely experienced, Premiership winning side.

It was this fixture last year that the boys in Blue, Black and White delivered a performance to be proud of, securing European Champions Cup qualification in our final game of the season.

More recently, our encounter with Saracens away from home this year saw us seal another win taking away five points from the StoneX and handing Saracens their first home defeat since January 2022.

With just three matches left, and it all to play for, we are going into battle sitting second in the league, and our opponents sitting in third, so the anticipation weighted on this game has never been higher.

Johann’s management of the team has been excellent, with huge performances delivered across the squad.

Last week’s win was deemed by Johann our biggest win away from home this season, handing us five league points and – importantly with the league run-in so tight – denying Chiefs any league points at Sandy Park which has been a fortress for them over the last two years.

We want to continue this momentum as we head into our final Friday Night Lights game of the season.

Tonight, we welcome back our winning side of 1984 who stormed to victory in the John Player Cup 40 years ago precipitating the club’s (first) golden era. Thank you to John Hall for organising such a special reunion at Rengen House. The cup-winning team will also be in the Swift Half this evening for you to meet with them together with the John Player Cup itself. We are also recognising the team’s achievement as we present them with their 1865 Club caps and unique player numbers, part of an unbroken chain of player numbers stretching back to 1865.

We're also under two weeks away from the end of our Season Ticket Renewal campaign. Thank you to all who have renewed your seats!

I'd also like to extend a huge thank you to each and every one of you for your unwavering support for Bath Rugby this season. Everyone at the club hugely values your voice and the passion you bring in support of the club we all love!

COYB!

Best wishes, Tarquin

VISIT THATCHERS

JOHANN VAN GRAAN NAMES HIS SQUAD TO FACE CHAMPIONS SARACENS

The Blue, Black and White return to action at The Rec this Friday as they host Mark McCall's Saracens in Round 16 of the Gallagher Premiership.

Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, has named his 23, with Beno Obano and Will Stuart retaining their spots in the front row and Niall Annett coming in for Tom Dunn at hooker.

Paired in the second row, Quinn Roux and Charlie Ewels continue their partnership at lock.

Completing the pack, Ted Hill and Sam Underhill are named on the flanks, with Alfie Barbeary at Number 8.

Half-back pairing of Ben Spencer and Orlando Bailey combine after their successful outing at Sandy Park last week.

In the back line, Will Muir and Joe Cokanasiga continue their excellent run on the wing and Matt Gallagher completes the backfield at 15.

On the bench, van Graan opts for a 6-2 split, with Louis Schreuder and Cameron Redpath named as replacement backs. Redpath returns after being side-lined by an injury during Bath’s Champions Cup Round of 16 fixture against Exeter Chiefs.

Thomas du Toit, Tom Dunn and Archie Griffin take the replacement front row spots, each player having made international appearances.

Jacques du Plessis, Josh Bayliss and Jaco Coetzee will look to make their impact on the game as the remaining replacements in the forwards.

CHANGE YOUNG LIVES BY RUNNING THE BATH HALF MARATHON!

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

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RUN THE BATH HALF

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!

FOLLOW ALONG ON X

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!

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.

GUY PEPPER SIGNS FOR BATH

We are delighted to announce the signing of Guy Pepper from Newcastle Falcons on a three-year deal.

The 20-year-old, former England U20s back row has agreed to join Bath Rugby for the start of the 2024/25 season initially until the summer of 2027.

Hailing from Harrogate, Pepper is a product of the Newcastle Falcons Academy having made 22 appearances for the North East club.

In his first seven appearances for Falcons, the commanding 6ft 3in back rower scored three tries in his 2022/23 breakthrough season.

WELCOME FRANCOIS VAN WYK

We can confirm the signing of loosehead prop, Francois van Wyk on a two-year deal.

Joining from Leicester Tigers, the South African will arrive at Farleigh House ready for 2024/25 pre-season training.

Standing at 6ft 2in and weighing in at almost 18 stone, the 32-year-old will bolster Johann van Graan’s options at loosehead.

Francois boasts more than 130 Premiership appearances from his four seasons with Northampton Saints (84) and three seasons with Leicester Tigers, where he has scored four tries this campaign and brought up his 50th appearance for the club.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VYOO

ROSS MOLONY JOINS BATH FROM LEINSTER

The 29-year-old lock crosses the Irish sea to join the Blue, Black and White ahead of the 2024/25 season.

His arrival on a three-year deal will see the towering forward commence training with the club in pre-season this coming summer.

Molony made his Leinster debut whilst still on an Academy contract with the club, aged just 19, where he was named to play against Zebre Parma in February 2015.

Born in Dublin, the 6ft 6in lock has been with Leinster for the last decade, seeing him earn more than 175 caps for the Irish outfit and winning the Guinness Pro 14 league four times.

A renowned line-out caller, the lock has started Leinster’s last two Champions Cup finals against La Rochelle.

THE RECCY: 80S NIGHT!

Mullets, mauls and the best 80s music. We have a Prince calibre party in store for you this Friday!

WHEN GATES OPEN FROM 17:45

Live music from The Hammervilles 🎤
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle 🎟️
Pyro show 🔥
Pre-match drummers, including a half-time performance 🥁
1984 John Player Cup reunion 🏆
Get a selfie with the Gallagher Premiership trophy 📸
Bath Rugby U16 Guard of Honour 👏
Food & beverage 🌭 +10% discount for Club Members
Extended Park & Ride services
Bath Rugby Shop 👕
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

PURCHASE VIÑALBA

MATCH PREVIEW, DELIVERED BY HUBOO

Bath Rugby return to The Rec this Friday as they welcome champions Saracens in a battle for second place and a play-off spot in this year’s tightly contested Gallagher Premiership campaign.

Reviewing last weekend’s win at Sandy Park, Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, was pleased with the response the team made to get back to winning ways away from home saying: "It was an incredibly physical game. Both teams kept the intensity high until the final whistle and it was very pleasing to get the win at Sandy Park to put right the disappointment we felt two weeks prior.

"That was our best away performance of the season so far and we have to make sure we back it up with a good performance at The Rec on Friday night which promises to be a massive occasion and one we’re all looking forward to.”

Looking ahead to the game against Saracens this Friday, Bath return to The Rec after beating Sale Sharks over a month ago and will look to carry on their fine run of form at home, where every point matters now in the run for the play-offs.

Van Graan added: “We’re really looking forward to being back at The Rec this Friday. The challenge each week is being able to perform well home and away, and each game from now is so important.

"The atmosphere at The Rec has been incredible since the start of the season and we’ve had some really special moments throughout the season and we’re lucky to have such loyal supporters turn up to each home game. They certainly play their part in delivering what is a truly special atmosphere at the heart of the city."

FULL HUBOO MATCH PREVIEW

VISIT HOMEWOOD

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

In Bath Rugby’s victory over Exeter Chiefs last week, Charlie Ewels played an important role in assisting Ben Spencer’s try just before half-time to put us 14-0 up at the break. Reflecting on what that try meant to the team going into the half, Charlie said:

“Scoring just before half-time is massive. There have been so many games this year which have been tight and whoever scores a try before the break comes out with the momentum and more often than not it makes the difference to the final score. "The scoreboard pressure we were able to build off the back of that try was important for us at the break and made a big impact for us on securing the victory.”

Charlie, who won his 150th cap for Bath this season, says the team are eager to get back to playing at The Rec this week. On playing in front of a sold out crowd he adds: “We haven’t played at The Rec since the Sale game a month ago so it will be good to be back playing in front of the fans. The league is so tight at the moment but we’re staying focused on making sure we play the best rugby we can and winning our games to put ourselves in the best position come end of the season.”

Saracens will no doubt bring a whole host of internationals in their squad, and with Charlie having played with a number of Saracens players in an England shirt, he will also be well accustomed to the challenge and intensity they bring.

“Their squad is full of internationals; they’ve been in playoff contention like this for many years in a row and they went all the way to win it last year, so we know what’s coming for us this Friday. We’ve got an opportunity to test ourselves against the best and to play in front of a sold-out Rec is always a privilege and one that I always look forward to.”

After recovering from an injury that saw Charlie being sidelined for all of last year’s campaign, he has come back from his short term stint at the Bulls and is back to playing consistently for the Blue, Black and White each week.

“I’ve taken it week by week since I’ve been back to full fitness. You’re never sure how you’re going to come back after such a major injury, but once I was fit again and after playing a few games for the Bulls and getting back into playing rugby, it’s safe to say I’m really enjoying being part of the success at Bath this season.”

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION: SARACENS

Saracens currently sit third in the Premiership table and travel to The Rec after registering an impressive 46-24 victory over Gloucester at the StoneX last Saturday.

Players to watch out for include Tom Parton who scored a hat trick of tries last week and former England captain Owen Farrell who will be eager to finish this season on a high before his departure to France at the end of the season.

Juan Martin Gonzalez and Theo McFarland are set to feature in Friday’s clash as two forwards with the most offloads this season and will look to line up alongside England internationals Ben Earl and Maro Itoje who both continue to impress for club and country this season.

Saracens, who beat Sale Sharks in last year’s final, will be eager to retain their Champions status this season and the winner of the game on Friday will sit in second place being in pole position for a home play-off spot in June.

HOT WINGERS

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

With Will Muir, Ruaridh McConnochie and Joe Cokanasiga.

SARACENS LAST VISIT TO THE REC

Bath Rugby 20-37 Sale Sharks

Saturday 8 October 2022

TRY MR FILBERT'S

‘CLASS OF 2024’ SIGN SENIOR CONTRACTS WITH BATH RUGBY

Bath Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of five promising young talents to Senior Academy contracts, bolstering the club's commitment to nurturing the next generation of stars in Blue, Black and White.

Connor Treacey, Charlie Griffin, Tyler Offiah, Kepu Tuipulotu, and Jack Woods have each impressed along their development journeys in the sport to this point, making them exciting additions to Bath Rugby's pathway system.

The contract signings represent a significant milestone in each player’s career as they transition from junior ranks to the Senior Academy setup under the guidance of Bath Rugby’s coaching staff at Farleigh House.

"We are thrilled to welcome these five talented individuals to our Senior Academy," said Johann van Graan, Head of Rugby. "They have already showcased immense talent and dedication at every stage of their development, and we believe they have the potential to make a significant impact on the future of our club."

The signings underscore Bath Rugby's commitment to investing in youth development and providing a pathway for young players to fulfil their rugby aspirations at the highest levels as well as supporting them in their education. All five athletes will study at the University of Bath, following in the footsteps of current First XV players such as Max Ojomoh, Orlando Bailey, and Sam Harris who have successfully balanced their sporting and academic careers.

"We take great pride in our academy system and the role it plays in nurturing young talent," added van Graan. "These signings are a testament to their hard work and also that of the team here at Bath Rugby in identifying them as having the potential to be amongst the next generation of Bath Rugby stars."

“On behalf of everyone at Bath Rugby, we extend our congratulations to Charlie, Tyler, Connor, Kepu, and Jack and look forward to supporting them as they embark on this exciting next chapter of their rugby careers.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLASS OF '24

REGAN GRACE SIGNS FOR BATH

Bath Rugby are pleased to confirm the signing of wing Regan Grace following his successful rehabilitation with the club.

Regan featured in both friendly matches in March against Gloucester and Leinster and, having returned to full fitness, has now signed a permanent contract with the club.

Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, said: “Regan has impressed both on and off the pitch over the last few months. He has a clear point of difference in his play and that will be very valuable for our team. It’s great to have Regan on board.”

Regan played 143 times and scored 89 tries for rugby league side St Helens across six seasons, during which time he won three Super League Grand Final rings and a Challenge Cup winners' medal, before making the switch to rugby union.

He joined Top 14 side Racing 92 in 2023 but picked up an Achilles injury shortly before arriving at the French outfit.

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GB7s AUSTIN EMENS EARNS BATH RUGBY CONTRACT

Austin Emens’ outstanding progression through the University of Bath rugby pathway has been rewarded with a Senior Academy contract with Bath Rugby.

The speedy back has caught the eye of the Blue, Black and White coaches with his excellent performances for the University men’s 1st XV in the national BUCS Super Rugby league. He has also enjoyed a breakthrough at international level having made his GB Rugby 7s debut in December.

“I’m really happy and proud to sign for Bath Rugby,” said Emens, who is in the third year of a Business degree at the University.

“I didn’t really expect this opportunity. I joined the University for the academic side of things, it was the best course for me, but I obviously also knew that rugby was a big part of life here and I knew the links to Bath Rugby were there too.

“The last couple of months have been a bit of a whirlwind – signing for Bath and playing for GB7s has all come at once – but it’s good fun and I’m really glad I have these opportunities. They are what I’ve wanted and worked for.”

Of adding Emens to his squad, Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, said: “I am really happy to welcome Austin on our journey. I have seen some real talent in Austin’s play and I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops over the next number of years.”

READ FULL STORY

DONATE TO BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION HERE

MIXED ABILITY RUGBY CUP 2024

Bath Rugby Foundation celebrated our annual Mixed Ability Rugby Cup at @melkshamrfc on Saturday, 20th April.

The event drew 16 teams from across the UK, all ready to compete in a safe and inclusive environment. Mixed Ability Rugby is truly inclusive, welcoming individuals with a wide range of barriers to participation, including physical and learning disabilities, as well as those without any barriers.

The community encourages everyone to showcase their social and physical skills, proudly represent their clubs, and create lasting memories with like-minded individuals.

🗣️ Bath Rugby Foundation CEO, Lynne Fernquest, said: “The Mixed Ability Rugby Cup celebrates not just the triumph of skill, but the victory of inclusivity and unity. It embodies Bath Rugby Foundation’s ethos of breaking down barriers and building bridges.

“To the teams who showcased courage and camaraderie, your spirit inspires us all and here’s to many more moments of shared joy.”

Thank you to all of the teams who participated in this year’s Cup!

LEARN MORE

RUN THE BATH HALF FOR BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION 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!

SIGN UP HERE

AN UPDATE FROM BATH RUGBBY SUPPORTERS' CLUB

A warm welcome to supporters from Saracens from all at BRSC. What other club better provides a template on how to emerge from a frustrating period of countless false dawns to an impressive period of sustained success?

Like many clubs we looked over at their shrewd blend of overseas players whilst they built a core of English youngsters . As well as delivering trophies for their club they have served the Red Rose with dedication and distinction.

Given this is the last time we will see Owen Farrell in a Sarries shirt at The Rec, BRSC would like to recognise his commitment to his club and thank him for his contribution to England and the Lions over many years. Good luck in France, Owen.

What about us since the last home game? A Quins game which if we’d of won it we had played for another 5 mins! A double bill with Exeter Chiefs that started with a frustrating European tie played in a wind tunnel and ended with us ruefully thinking what could have been.

Thankfully, the second act at Sandy Park provided much more cheer with a savvy and commanding performance. Maybe exactly the kind of performance we’ve come to expect from tonight’s visitors?