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MATCHDAY PROGRAMME: Gloucester Rugby (CC QF)

Saturday 29 March 2025

By Bath Rugby

April 11^th, 2025

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME: Gloucester Rugby (CC QF)

WELCOME MESSAGE FROM DOM MCKAY, EPCR

Dear rugby fans,

On behalf of EPCR, I am delighted to welcome you to these eagerly awaited Round of 16 and Quarter-Final matches – the first knockout weekends of the 2024/2025 season. Following a thrilling and action-packed pool stage, with progression going right down to the wire, we now enter the knockout phase, where every match will be decisive. The pressure is intense, and this is the time when the courage and team spirit of our participating clubs will truly be tested.

The 30th season of our competition is a significant milestone in EPCR's history, and it is thanks to the dedication and passion of the players, clubs, and of course, you, our incredible supporters, that we continue to grow this competition. Your energy and enthusiasm add a unique dimension to every match.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our valued partners who make this event possible: Investec, DHL, Georgia Tourism, OMODA | JAECOO, Tissot, Gilbert, and Macron. A special thanks to Investec, our title partner, for their unwavering support, which enables us to continue delivering an exceptional tournament.

The upcoming matches are crucial, and we know that every team will be fighting to move one step closer to Cardiff 2025. This journey is both exciting and historic, and we look forward to experiencing every moment with you.

May the passion for rugby continue to shine, and may the best team win. We look forward to seeing you in the stadiums, ready to write the next chapters of this incredible story.

Yours in rugby,

Dominic McKay - EPCR President

Captain's Comment

"Welcome to The Rec for what promises to be a huge occasion — an all-English European quarter-final against Gloucester Rugby.

When you run out in front of the fans at The Rec wearing the Bath jersey, every game has meaning but a knockout fixture at home against one of our West Country rivals, carries an extra edge for the supporters of both clubs.

These derby games always stir those feelings of pride, history, and that extra bit of emotion. We know Gloucester will come here full of belief and physicality, and we’ve got to match that and then some. It’s about delivering when it matters and keeping in mind the strength and togetherness that this special group of players and staff possesses.

Our supporters have been incredible all season. A special mention to those who travelled to Pau at the weekend, we heard you and it made us proud to know we had you with us.

We need that same energy from the stands this weekend. Every voice, every cheer, every bit of noise you bring — it lifts us. It makes a difference. And in tight moments, that can be the edge we need.

Enjoy the game — and let’s get The Rec rocking!"

Bath name squad for Euro quarter-final

Bath’s Head of Rugby Johann van Graan has made six changes to his starting XV for Sunday night’s EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final against Gloucester Rugby at The Rec (kick-off 17:30 BST).

The front row is unchanged from last weekend’s Round of 16 with Archie Griffin playing alongside hooker Tom Dunn and fellow prop Beno Obano, both of whom scored in that impressive 24-49 away victory against Pau.

Similarly, the second row combination of Quinn Roux and Ross Molony remains the same.

It’s a fresh back row from last weekend as Ethan Staddon starts at openside flanker with Ted Hill taking his position on the blindside and Alfie Barbeary coming in at number 8.

In the back line, captain Ben Spencer will again lead the side at scrum-half, partnered by a returning Finn Russell at fly-half.

Will Butt is joined in the midfield by Cameron Redpath with Tom de Glanville starting on one wing opposite Will Muir, after the ‘Horse’ opened Bath’s try account against Pau.

Ciaran Donoghue, who was named Player of the Match by host broadcaster Premier Sports in that game playing fly-half, switches to fullback.

Niall Annett and Thomas du Toit are selected on the bench alongside Francois van Wyk as the front row replacements.

Having started last weekend, Josh Bayliss and Miles Reid will be looking to make an impact if called upon as will Jaco Coetzee.

Max Ojomoh and Tom Carr-Smith complete a six-two split on the bench.

Bath Rugby Starting XV: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Ethan Staddon, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Will Butt, 13 Cameron Redpath, 14 Tom de Glanville, 15 Ciaran Donoghue

Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Josh Bayliss, 20 Miles Reid, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Max Ojomoh, 23 Jaco Coetzee

Gloucester Rugby Starting XV: 1 Ciaran Knight, 2 Jack Singleton, 3 Kirill Gotovtsev, 4 Freddie Clarke, 5 Cam Jordan, 6 Deian Gwynne, 7 Harry Taylor, 8 Ruan Ackermann, 9 Caolan Englefield, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 11 Jake Morris, 12 Will Butler, 13 Chris Harris (c), 14 Christian Wade, 15 Santi Carreras

Replacements: 16 Seb Blake, 17 Val Rapava Ruskin, 18 Afo Fasogbon, 19 Freddie Clarke, 20 Lewis Ludlow, 21 Jack Clement, 22 Tomos Williams, 23 Charlie Atkinson

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