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MATCHDAY PROGRAMME: NORTHAMPTON SAINTS (GP: R1)

Friday 20 September 2024

By Bath Rugby

September 20^th, 2024

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MATCHDAY PROGRAMME: NORTHAMPTON SAINTS (GP: R1)

Welcome to The Rec for our first home game of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season.

We are delighted to see you, our loyal and passionate supporters, back for what promises to be another exciting year for Bath Rugby both domestically and with top-flight European action returning once again.

There couldn’t be a more compelling opening game of the Premiership then the top two sides in the league last season and finalists at the Allianz Stadium, squaring up again under the lights at The Rec this Friday night.

We welcome the players, staff, and travelling supporters from Northampton Saints. With our most recent meeting being that final in July, Friday’s fixture is sure to be another thrilling encounter featuring many of the best players in world rugby.

It's also set to be a very special night as we join in congratulating Miles Reid on making his 100th senior appearance for Bath, his boyhood club. Miles joined as a promising Academy player aged 13 and has gone on to become a leading figure within the group and an inspiration to everyone associated with the Blue, Black, and White.

Facing Saints will be no easy task. They’re a formidable side, and we have great respect for what they achieved last season and what they bring to the game. For every team, the early fixtures are not just about the results – it’s also a matter of setting the right tone and getting off to a flying start.

Our pre-season series saw Johann van Graan giving priceless minutes on the pitch to more than 50 players across the squad in preparation for what will be another long, hard campaign.

The Bath Rugby spirit and togetherness within the squad was again evident in those warm-up fixtures and on the training pitch which is testament to the work of Johann, the coaches, staff, and players themselves.

Seeing our newest signings Ross Molony, Francois van Wyk and Guy Pepper in action and bolstering an already strong squad has been very encouraging, underlining the club’s intention to invest in the First Team.

In recent weeks, we’ve also been given a tantalising glimpse into the future under Johann with our exciting crop of gifted academy players in their teenage years and early twenties making a significant impact during pre-season.

In addition to the excitement on the field, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to improve your matchday experience. Whether you’ve been a long-time season ticket holder, or this is your first match, we want to create a welcoming, electrifying environment where everyone can feel part of the team.

Elsewhere, as one of the 10 top-flight clubs in England, we look forward to working with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby Ltd (PRL) in implementing the recently announced new Professional Game Partnership (PGP).

One of the most notable changes outlined within this landmark agreement is the expansion of the Bath Rugby Academy catchment area into Hampshire and Berkshire.

We are incredibly excited about the new direction the Bath Rugby Academy is taking as part of the PGP, allowing us to tap into a wider talent pool while upholding the high standards of player development that Bath Rugby is known for, in an environment where young players can thrive, progress, and succeed at the highest level.

Turning attention back to First Team matters, we hope you enjoy the game this Friday and I look forward to seeing you over the course of the season either at The Rec, the club’s various supporter events, or on our travels domestically and in Europe.

Together, let’s make this a flying start.

COYB!

Best wishes, Tarquin.

VISIT THATCHERS

REID BECOMES CENTURION FOR OPENING GAME OF PREMIERSHIP

Set to make his 100th appearance for his boyhood club, Miles Reid will pull on the Blue, Black and White to mark his centurion appearance for Bath.

Ben Spencer remains captain for the 2024/25 season and will continue his leadership from scrum-half.

The fixture could also see a debut double from the bench for Francois van Wyk and Guy Pepper.

Johann van Graan’s selection remains consistent from that of the 2023/24 final, making just four changes to the side that started at Twickenham in June.

Across the front row, Beno Obano and Will Stuart are named at loosehead and tighthead respectively.

Tom Dunn will start at hooker in what will be his 14th season in Blue, Black and White.

Locks Quinn Roux and Charlie Ewels rekindle their familiar partnership of last season in the second row.

Across the back row, Ted Hill starts on the blindside, with Reid starting on the openside for his 100th Bath Rugby appearance.

Alfie Barbeary completes the forwards pack in the Number 8 jersey.

Captain Spencer is partnered by Finn Russell at half back.

Across the backline, Will Butt comes into the starting line-up at inside centre, will Ollie Lawrence alongside him in the 13 jersey.

Down the wings, Will Muir and Joe Cokanasiga start at 11 and 14 respectively, with Tom de Glanville completing the XV.

In a 6-2 bench split, Niall Annett, Francois van Wyk and Archie Griffin line up as front row replacements, with van Wyk set to make his official debut in the hoops of Bath Rugby.

Jacques du Plessis, Guy Pepper and Jaco Coetzee complete the replacement forwards, with Pepper also set to make his debut.

Louis Schreuder and Orlando Bailey are named as replacements backs.

The game kicks off on Friday night at 19:45 in a clash between last year’s finalists.

JOIN US AND MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE BOYS!

Our Matchday Ambassadors will be gathering fans from 18:00 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!

BATH RUGBY’S PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP CALENDAR 2024/25

RFU Championship sides will play Premiership Rugby sides in a second season of the broadened competition.

Being drawn in Pool 4 of the Cup competition, Bath Rugby will take on West Country and Premiership Rugby rivals Bristol Bears, alongside Bedford Blues and Ampthill from the RFU Championship.

Tickets for all three home fixtures are on sale now to Season Ticket Holders (for additional tickets) and to Club Members, allowing the purchase of up to four tickets in the priority window.

General Sale for the Premiership Rugby Cup campaign starts this coming Monday! Bag yourself a bargain, with a child's ticket free with every adult ticket.

BATH RUGBY'S PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP SCHEDULE

Round 1 - Ampthill v Bath Rugby

Saturday 2 November 2024, 14:00

Round 2 - Bath Rugby v Bristol Bears

Saturday 9 November 2024, 13:00, The Rec

Round 3 - Bedford Blues v Bath Rugby

Saturday 23 November, 15:00

Round 4 - Bath Rugby v Bedford Blues

Friday 31 January 2025, 19:45, The Rec

Round 5 - Bath Rugby v Ampthill

Saturday 8 February 2025, 13:30, The Rec

Round 6 - Bristol Bears v Bath Rugby

Saturday 15 February 2025, 15:00

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FOLLOW THE ACTION

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

The game will also be shown on TNT Sports and Discovery+.

FOLLOW ALONG ON X

DOUBLE HEADER ANNOUNCED FOR ROUND 6

Bath Rugby take on Sale Sharks followed by Bath RFC Ladies taking on Richmond FC Women.

In an action-packed day at The Rec, Bath RFC Ladies will also be taking on Richmond FC in Round 5 of the Championship South.

Tickets for Bath Rugby's fixture against Sale Sharks have gone on sale to Season Ticket Holders this morning.

Season Ticket Holders can purchase an additional four tickets Bath Rugby's clash with Sale Sharks with an exclusive 15% discount (check emails for more information).

THE RECCY: YOUR MATCHDAY GUIDE

WHEN GATES OPEN FROM 17:45

Live music from Break Cover 🎤
Rythmatic gymnasts
Glow juggling duo
Guest Olympians and Paralympians from Paris 2024
Jamma de Samba Tunnel of Noise 🥁
Vinalba wine tasting 🍷
New clapper banners
Max the Mascot 🦁
St Austell BOGOF 🍻
Happy Hour! 🍻 (17:45-18:45)
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle 🎟️
Pyro show🔥
Free face painting 🎨
Matchday Ambassadors 👋
Food & beverage 🌭 +10% discount for Club Members
Bath Rugby Shop 👕
Bath Rugby Supporters' Club 🤝
Click & Collect will be available.

READ THE RECCY IN FULL

OUR EXCLUSIVE MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY PACKAGES FOR 2024/25

This season, we invite you to do more than just watch the game - immerse yourself in a matchday experience like no other.

With last year’s prices being frozen until 31 August, our Early Bird window offers the best value to secure your unique Premium Matchday Experience.

Nestled in the historic city of Bath, our iconic location at The Rec provides the perfect backdrop for a day filled with passion, epic performances, and unforgettable memories. Our hospitality packages are designed to cater to a variety of needs, whether you’re entertaining clients, celebrating a milestone, or simply looking to treat yourself to a special day out.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT VYOO

PARRY AND GREEN HEAD OUT ON LOAN TO DONCASTER KNIGHTS

The duo will play the 2024/25 season in the RFU Championship.

The club can confirm the loan release of two Bath Rugby Academy players, Will Parry and Arthur Green, to RFU Championship side Doncaster Knights.

Both products of Sherborne School, the duo are currently studying at Durham University.

The season-long loan will see them remain in the north to continue with their studies and rugby careers.

Parry, 21, and Green, 20, both sit on two Bath Rugby caps after making their debuts at centre and back row, respectively, in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Each will earn valuable competitive game time whilst with the Doncaster outfit competing in the RFU Championship for the 2024/25 season.

Green and Parry, studying Sociology and Geography, respectively, are entering their final year of university.

PURCHASE VIÑALBA

MATCH PREVIEW, DELIVERED BY HUBOO

With the Premiership Rugby season finally upon us, Bath Rugby get 2024/25 underway this Friday against Northampton Saints, who we last faced in June in an epic final at a sold-out Twickenham Stadium.

Johann van Graan and the Blue, Black and White head into the new season after a period of off-season rest back in June/July, and have since been putting in the work during pre-season.

This featured four friendlies for Bath, seeing over 50 players getting valuable game-time against tough oppositions, including Munster Rugby, Cardiff Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders and Dragons RFC.

Looking ahead to Friday's clash between last season's top two teams, Johann van Graan remains calm and measured about the challenge ahead.

When asked what makes this weekend so special, the Head of Rugby commented: "Everybody is at the same point in the log and at zero. You finish something and then you start something new and this is just something new.

"It's a totally new competition. We've made minimal changes but there are some new people in. The opposition has changed and the game has changed so much over the last three months. If you look at what happened in the internationals and some teams playing in warm-up games, we all love to be part of the game and the pressures that come with it.

"From my point of view [it's special] just to be in rugby again. When you finish you think 'it's been a long season' but once you've had a few weeks break you want to get back into it so we're really looking forward to it."

READ THE MATCH PREVIEW IN FULL

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION: NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

After facing off in one of rugby's epic battles, Northampton Saints manage to stave off Bath's attack from five yards within their own try-line in the closing seconds of the Premiership Rugby final.

This Friday's fixture will prove to be another epic contest between last year's top performing teams.

Seeing George Furbank named their 2024/25 captain, Northampton Saints will have a new leader commanding from full back.

Saints' team is equally as packed with international talent as the Blue, Black and White, with Alex Mitchell up against England teammates Ben Spencer at scrum-half, plus a Finn Russell v Fin Smith battle at fly-half. The pair of 10s sit just two points apart in number of points scored last season (155 v 157).

Phil Dawson remains at the helm after leading the side to a semi-final in his first season (2022/23) and winning the league in 2023/24.

THE LAST TIME WE MET NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

Northampton Saints 25-21 Bath Rugby

Saturday 8 June 2024, Twickenham Stadium

BATH UNITED REASSEMBLE TO PLAY EDINBURGH RUGBY A IN OCTOBER

The club can confirm it will be hosting a developmental fixture against URC side Edinburgh Rugby 'A' next month.

Providing valuable game-time across Bath’s squad, the match will take place on Saturday 12 October, coinciding with Premiership Rugby's first 'Derby Weekend' of the season.

The Bath United fixture will be played at The Rec, kicking off at 13:00, whilst Bath Rugby touch down in Gloucester for their Round 4 clash at the Kingsholm Stadium.

Familiar rivals, Bath and Edinburgh faced off in a developmental fixture last season.

This will be a free fixture for supporters. Please register for your free ticket below.

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET

TRY MR FILBERT'S

BLACKETT LOOKS AHEAD TO THE NEW SEASON

Lee Blackett reflects on his journey with Bath Rugby over the last 12-months as a new season approaches.

As Bath Rugby continue their preparations for the start of the upcoming season, assistant coach Lee Blackett took time out to offer his insights into the journey the club has been on since he took up his role just over 12 months ago.

Reflecting on the 2023/24 campaign, analysing the team’s attacking play during his tenure so far, discussing the latest additions to the Blue. Black and White, and sharing his thoughts on the club’s opening Premiership fixtures, Blackett discusses where he believes the team sits currently and where it aims to go.

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.

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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TRICKY'S TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN QUIZ

Looking for something to do on Halloween? Look no further! Our Tricky's Trick or Treat Halloween Quiz will be a fantastic night of fun and fundraising to help Bath Rugby Foundation change young lives! Teams of 4 - Come and enjoy a fun and spooky evening with us to raise money for the Bath Rugby Foundation! Halloween Quiz, welcome drink, and great company!

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BECOME A NEXTGEN JUNIOR MEMBER!

NextGen, the destination for junior Bath Rugby fans.

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 - 4-11 YEARS MEMBERSHIP 24/25

A 96-hour priority ticket purchase window ahead of general sale.
Exclusive Bath Rugby junior membership welcome pack
Junior Monthly Newsletter
Entry into regular competitions
Access to Bath Rugby events & experiences
Priority access to grassroot events
Exclusive Merchandise
Access to Matchday Members Zone at The Rec
Personalised birthday message
Win a chance to be a Matchday Mascot

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AN UPDATE FROM BATH RUGBBY SUPPORTERS' CLUB

A rare home game for the start of the season and from the fans' perspective it is a cracker, although not sure the coaches would agree. A repeat of last season's final to whet the appetite and increase the heart rate.

Last season is done and dusted and now consigned to the history book. We start with a clean sheet and must climb to the top of the mountain again. No easy task in a very competitive league. BRSC wish JvG, his coaches and all the players the very best of luck, and be assured of the fans' confidence and full support in you all

We are pleased to report that BRSC membership is already passed the 1000 mark and we are busy planning events and travel to away games in preparation for the new season.

During the off-season, BRSC held its Annual Awards ceremony accompanied by a Dinner, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Bath. It is our Members' time to say thank you to the squad and make some deserved awards, some of which are voted for you.