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MATCHDAY PROGRAMME: ASM Clermont Auvergne (ICC: R3)

Sunday12 January 2025

By Bath Rugby

January 12^th, 2025

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME: ASM Clermont Auvergne (ICC: R3)

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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM DOM MCKAY, EPCR

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2024/25 EPCR season, an incredibly special one as we celebrate the 30th season of the prestigious Investec Champions Cup. This is a significant milestone for our tournament, and we are excited to embark on this journey with our clubs, partners, broadcasters, and most importantly, the fans who make this competition so thrilling.

Over the past 30 years, the Champions Cup has gone from strength-to-strength, becoming the pinnacle of international club rugby, and this season promises to be one of the most exciting yet. With 24 of the finest international teams, the road to the 2025 Finals will be a showcase of passion, skill, and drama. We are particularly thrilled that this season's grand final will take place in the heart of Welsh rugby, at the magnificent Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday 24 May – a perfect stage for what we know will be a truly memorable conclusion to the 30th season and an incredible moment to return to the city that hosted the inaugural final in 1996.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our title partner, Investec, for their continued and unwavering support. These long-term partnerships a key pillar in the success of the Investec Champions Cup, and we look forward to another exciting season together. We are also immensely grateful to all our partners, including Investec, Heineken, DHL, Georgia Tourism, OMODA | JAECOO, Tissot, Gilbert, Macron and Qatar Airways, whose contributions help elevate this competition to the world-class level we all expect.

We are also thrilled to welcome Premier Sports to the EPCR family as our new UK and Ireland broadcaster. Their involvement will ensure even more fans can enjoy the action, and we look forward to a successful partnership with them throughout the season.

A special thanks also goes to our partner broadcasters – RTÉ, beIN SPORTS, France Télévisions, SuperSport, S4C, and FloRugby – as well as the additional broadcasters who bring EPCR action to over 100 countries worldwide, bringing the action into the homes of rugby fans across the globe. Your coverage plays an essential role in connecting our fans with the tournament and in sharing these unforgettable moments with the world.

We have also recently launched our new digital platform EPCR TV, which will provide fans with unparalleled access to the best of international club rugby with innovative tailor-made viewing options and global reach.

As we celebrate 30 years of incredible rugby, we look forward to another thrilling season filled with unforgettable matches, remarkable performances and moments of brilliance. To all the world-class players, teams, officials, media, and fans, we thank you for being a part of this extraordinary journey. Here's to a spectacular 2024/25 Investec Champions Cup season!

Yours in rugby,

Dominic McKay,

EPCR Chairman

BATH MAKE FIVE CHANGES FOR VISIT OF ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE

Bath Rugby make five changes from the side that played Northampton Saints last weekend in the Premiership as Johann van Graan’s squad welcome ASM Clermont Auvergne to The Rec in round three of the Investec Champions Cup.

Ahead of Sunday’s match (kick-off 17:30) which could prove pivotal to how Pool 2 ends up, Thomas du Toit comes into the front row alongside hooker Tom Dunn and fellow prop Beno Obano.

Charlie Ewels returns in the second row to partner Quinn Roux with Ted Hill taking the number six jersey, joining Miles Reid and Alfie Barbeary in the back row.

An unchanged half-back pairing of captain Ben Spencer and Finn Russell will be looking to get Bath on the front foot whilst the midfield combination sees Max Ojomoh and Ollie Lawrence linking together again in the centres.

Two of the alterations from the starting XV against Northampton are at full back where Tom de Glanville returns whilst winger Ruaridh McConnichie makes his second Investec Champions Cup appearance of the campaign following the game against Benetton in Round 2.

Following starts last weekend, Will Stuart, Ross Molony and Orlando Bailey rotate to the replacements as part of a forwards and backs, six-two split.

Niall Annett comes in as impact hooker whilst Francois van Wyk continues in the 17 jersey.

Josh Bayliss and Louis Schreuder will add further fresh legs off the bench whilst Bath Rugby academy graduate back row Ethan Staddon completes the matchday 23.

JOIN US AND MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE BOYS!

Our Matchday Ambassadors will be gathering fans from 16:00 at the William St Gate ready to welcome the team into the stadium!

Be there, wave your hands and clap your banners for the arrival of the Blue, Black and White!

MATCH PREVIEW: BATH RUGBY V ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE

Speaking ahead of the game, Head of Rugby Johann van Graan emphasised the importance of this encounter, both in terms of the challenge their opponents present and the implications for each teams’ progression in this year’s competition.

Clermont sit third in Pool 2 with five points from their opening two matches with the Blue, Black and Whites three points behind. It’s a match which could have a huge say on how the final table shapes up.

“We haven’t spoken about the word knockout really,” said van Graan. “We identified after the Benetton game that this is a must-win game for us in this competition. But it’s such a long season that we are consistent in our approach, so we are not going to do anything different this week.

"The biggest difference this week is adapting to the new laws and making sure that we try and get whatever competitive advantage we can. We did that pretty well at the start of the season against Northampton with the new kicking law, so we know it’s an 80-minute game against Clermont. If we want to progress further in the competition it’s a game that we must win preferably by a bonus point while denying them a bonus point, but we’re not going to get influenced by that too much.”

The South African is well-acquainted with the prestige surrounding the French Top 14 club steeped in European rugby history. “When I started watching this competition in the early 2000s, they were one of the teams and I remember with Munster, we went during Covid and just getting to Clermont and getting to that stadium, you can feel rugby history and European history. I have so much respect for them and what they’ve done.”

“If we look at them this season, [they are] a very hardworking side, some very good individuals but one thing about them is the structure. They are quite a structured French side, very good kicking game. Their nine is fantastic. Very good in contact and they’ve got a fantastic maul. So, yes, that’s why you play this competition.”

Placed fourth in the Top 14, a league renowned for its depth of talent and competitiveness, Clermont presents a test that excites van Graan even with the unusual kick-off time and day.

“It’s certainly the first time I’ve been involved at Bath in a game at that stage. A few things we’ve got to make sure we get right in the week and then enjoy the challenge, it’s certainly not a challenge we are afraid of, it's a challenge we are going to embrace and what will happen, will happen on Sunday afternoon.”

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Le Reccy: Investec Champions Cup Round Trois!

Bath Rugby welcome ASM Clermont Auvergne to The Rec for the club's first home fixture of 2025!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Gates at The Rec open at 15:30 🕕
Sax player 🎷
Happy Hour! 🍻 (15:30-16:30)
Live music from Funk City 🎤
Max the Mascot 🦁
Click & Collect on drinks
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle 🎟️
Tunnel of noise for players arrival at 16:10 🤩
'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 plus Park & Ride 🚌
New and improved Wi-Fi 📱

READ THE FULL RECCY

Supporters invited to submit comments on amended stadium application

Bath Rugby are issuing a rallying call to supporters and those interested in plans for a new state-of-the-art stadium at The Rec to submit their comments on the project.

The Blue, Black and Whites are looking to redevelop the club's historic home in the heart of the city since 1894 with significant public benefits that will positively contribute to the entire Bath community.

An amended application which reflects valuable feedback from the public, key stakeholders, and Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), was submitted at the end of December, with the public now able to comment via the Council’s planning portal as from today (Thursday 9 January) until Saturday 8 February 2025.

Here’s how to make comments:

1. Click the link below (or copy it into your search engine i.e. Google): https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/comment.html?refval=23%2F03558%2FEFUL

2. Click on the ‘start now’ tab to submit a new comment

3. The club invites supporters and members of the public to select ‘Support the application’ and click continue

4. Add your comment and click continue

5. Enter your postcode or, if you are not local use ‘Can I search another way’ and add your address manually and click continue

6. Add your contact information and click continue

7. Submit your comment

The submission documents can be found here

The new stadium design boasts significant improvements, including lowering the heights of the West and East Stands. These enhancements are not just aesthetic; they aim to elevate the matchday experience while preserving the unique character of the surrounding area.

"This submission is another important milestone for the club and the city. We’ve listened closely to the community and our stakeholders, as well as the numerous statutory consultees that are invited to comment on planning applications, and we are committed to delivering a stadium that not only meets the needs of our fans but also respects the rich heritage of Bath," said Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby.

"The amended submission showcases an exciting vision for the future, with significant public benefits that will positively contribute to the entire community.”

Key benefits of the new stadium design include:

• A new curved roof form which reduces the heights, resulting in increased views of the city and surrounding hills

• Enhanced landscaping to the river

• Redesign of East and West Stand facades

• Re-engineered and enhanced seating in the stadium bowl

The resubmitted plans still retain all the key benefits included in the original application from 2023:

• 18,000 capacity stadium with significantly enhanced accessibility provisions

• Contemporary and sensitive design

• Significantly increased community use with new stadium facilities

• 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

For more information, please visit the dedicated Stadium for Bath page on the Bath Rugby website

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BATH RUGBY TRAINING RANGE 2024/25

Unleash your potential with Bath Rugby's 2024/25 Training Collection. Embodying the team's ambition, the Bath Rugby Training Range merges sleek design with uncompromising performance.

Whether you're powering through the scrum or lining up that match-winning drop kick, our Dark Slate, Caviar, and Viridian Green colourway exudes minimalist style while delivering maximum impact.

Showcase your Bath Rugby pride and shop the 2024/25 Training kit now, both in-store and online.

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ABOUT THE OPPOSITION: ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE

ASM Clermont Auvergne, formed in 1911 as AS Michelin, are based in the town of Clermont-Ferrand.

The club, which plays its home matches at the Stade Marcel Michelin, changed its name to ASM Clermont Auvergne in 2004.

Currently sitting 4th in the French Top 14, it’s a competition they have won twice in their history, but have yet to lift the Champions Cup trophy losing all three finals in which they have played. They have had success in the Challenge Cup, winning it three times.

They began this year’s Champions Cup with a win at home to Benetton, 28-0, followed by an away defeat at Leinster, 15-7.

ONE TO WATCH: ALIVERETI RAKA

Alivereti Raka is arguably the opposition player to watch when ASM Claremont Auvergne visit The Rec on Sunday.

Nicknamed "Raka Rocket", the Fijian speedster has reportedly clocked 35kmh across the grass but it’s his pace combined with explosive power that have made the winger a firm favourite amongst fans.

Scoring the only try of the 2017 Top 14 final against Toulon, Raka helped ASM Claremont secure the title.

He has gone on to score 87 tries in 151 games for the French side, making the 30-year-old one of the most prolific try-scorers in the club's history.

JOIN THE BATH RUGBY BUSINESS CLUB

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U20 SIX NATIONS RETURNS TO THE REC

The home of Bath Rugby will open its doors for England U20 Six Nations fixtures against France and Italy.

The Rec and Kingston Park will host England U20 Men’s home Six Nations fixtures in 2025.

The U20 world champions travel to The Rec to take on France in Round 2 (Friday 7 February, 20:00 GMT) and Italy in Round 4 (Friday 7 March, 19:45 GMT), with a meeting against Scotland set to take place at Kingston Park on Friday 21 February (19:15 GMT) in Round 3.

Tickets are on sale now!

LEARN MORE

TRY MR FILBERT'S

SUPPORTERS INVITED TO SUBMIT COMMENTS ON AMENDED STADIUM APPLICATION

Bath Rugby have issued a rallying call to supporters and those interested in plans for a new state-of-the-art stadium at The Rec to submit their comments on the project.

"The amended submission showcases an exciting vision for the future, with significant public benefits that will positively contribute to the entire community.”

Key benefits of the new stadium design include:

• A new curved roof form which reduces the heights, resulting in increased views of the city and surrounding hills

• Enhanced landscaping to the river

• Redesign of East and West Stand facades

• Re-engineered and enhanced seating in the stadium bowl

The resubmitted plans still retain all the key benefits included in the original application from 2023:

• 18,000 capacity stadium with significantly enhanced accessibility provisions

• Contemporary and sensitive design

• Significantly increased community use with new stadium facilities

• 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

For more information, please visit the dedicated Stadium for Bath page on the Bath Rugby website

BATH RUGBY x TRUESPEED

Bath Rugby have agreed a new multi-year strategic partnership with Truespeed Communications as Official Broadband and Public Wi-Fi provider.

The deal will see the Bath-based broadband provider and Premiership Rugby Club offering free and improved ultrafast Wi-Fi for supporters as part of The Rec's enhanced Fan Village experience, along with joint community outreach programmes.

With the club's enhanced full-fibre connectivity and the additional Wi-Fi points from Truespeed, supporters can enjoy speeds of up to 300 Mbps around the stadium.

To deliver this experience, Bath Rugby and Truespeed have upgraded the connectivity to The Rec and installed an additional wireless network in the Fan Village to ensure seamless Wi-Fi.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

BATH HALF MARATHON 2025 SIGN ME UP!

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.

Bath Rugby's Chief Executive, Tarquin McDonald, has run on behalf of Bath Rugby Foundation on numerous occasions and will be running again in 2025.

Of the cause, McDonald said: "Running the Bath Half is a special experience, joining thousands of other runners with amazing support lining the streets every step of the way cheering you on. I have enjoyed it so much I signed up again for 2025!

"I will be running for Bath Rugby Foundation. They look after you so well as a runner, supporting you in the build-up to race day with training tips. On race day they provide a dedicated space to change pre-race, they look after your bag and possessions, and they are there to welcome you whenever you finish with their own goodie bags and massages to help recover sore legs.

"In the centre of all that is this amazing charity, Bath Rugby Foundation, which literally changes young lives for the better. What more motivation could you need than raising money for this brilliant charity."

Choose to run for Bath Rugby Foundation and help change young lives across Bath.

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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FOUR DAYS LEFT! BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE TO CHANGE YOUNG LIVES

We can double our difference and change young lives during the Big Give Christmas Challenge from 3rd-10th December 2024.

Bath Rugby Foundation is calling on supporters to help raise £36,500 to support vulnerable young people in the city. As part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge, every pound donated will be doubled.

The Foundation builds confidence, develops life skills, and creates pathways to independence for children and young people, particularly those facing challenges such as learning disabilities, mental health struggles, and socio-economic disadvantages.

Supporters can start donating to the Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club holding page allowing their donations to be matched during the Big Give week.

DONATE HERE

ENJOY A PREMIUM MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE AT THE BLUE, BLACK AND WHITE CLUB

Combining delicious food and drinks with player and legend features, our matchday hospitality packages are perfect for celebrating special occasions or treating friends, family and clients, making your visit to Bath special.

We have a range of premium matchday experiences to make your visit to The Rec one to truly remember.

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BECOME A NEXTGEN JUNIOR MEMBER!

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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 11, providing exclusive access to child-friendly content, unforgettable experiences and fantastic competitions.

BENEFITS OF NEXTGEN JUNIOR - YEARS MEMBERSHIP 24/25

A 96-hour priority ticket purchase window ahead of general sale.
Exclusive Bath Rugby junior membership welcome pack
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Priority access to grassroot events
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Access to Matchday Members Zone at The Rec
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Win a chance to be a Matchday Mascot

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AN UPDATE FROM BATH RUGBY SUPPORTERS' CLUB

From Nicola Curtis, BRSC Member

A very Happy New Year to all Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club members! And what a way to end 2024 and start 2025, at the top of the league.

Beating Saracens in such style was a very welcome late Christmas present. I was so impressed with the relentless attack and the innovation on display – the team simply did not let up for a moment, not even at the final whistle when the game was won. It is this streak of ruthlessness and determination to not give up which marks our current team out as a special group of players.

But for now, we are putting the Premiership on pause and spending some more time in Europe, and it is exciting to welcome ASM Clermont Auvergne to The Rec today. I was fortunate enough to visit Clermont when we played them at the end of 2019, and it was a wonderful place and a real rugby city. It is such a shame we aren’t playing them away this time around, as I would happily visit again! The atmosphere at the Stade Marcel Michelin was one of the best I have ever experienced – so let’s make any French visitors today feel the same way as they visit The Rec.

In BRSC news, we continue to welcome new members at every home game, and we are grateful to meet so many loyal Bath fans. We are currently working on the upcoming social events on our calendar, including our annual quiz and our popular “Ask the Ref” event with Tony Spreadbury. Details to follow on those soon.