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.