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MATCHDAY PROGRAMME: STADE ROCHELAIS (ICC: R1)

Friday 6 December 2024

By Bath Rugby

December 6^th, 2024

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME: STADE ROCHELAIS (ICC: R1)

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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

REDPATH TO START AS BATH KICK OFF 2024/25 INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP

Making one change to his side to face French giants Stade Rochelais on Friday night, Johann van Graan brings Cameron Redpath into the starting set-up as The Rec launches the 2024/25 Investec Champions Cup.

Consistency is a key theme in van Graan’s selection as the city of Bath kicks off Europe’s biggest rugby competition under the Friday night lights.

Keeping his pack the same as last week, Bath’s Head of Rugby names Thomas du Toit at loosehead, with Tom Dunn at hooker and Will Stuart at tighthead.

Quinn Roux and Charlie Ewels will lock in in the second row, seeing Ted Hill on the blindside and two of last weekend’s try-scorers, Guy Pepper and Miles Reid, completing the starting forwards.

Captain Ben Spencer will command at half-back alongside Finn Russell.

In the midfield, Will Butt retains the 12 jersey, with Cameron Redpath coming into the starting line-up at outside centre.

Will Muir, Joe Cokanasiga and Tom de Glanville also retain their positions across the back line.

Named as replacements, Niall Annett and Francois van Wyk line up on the bench, seeing Archie Griffin return to the Bath shirt as replacement tighthead.

Ross Molony, Josh Bayliss and Jaco Coetzee will complete the replacement forwards selection.

In a 6-2 split, Louis Schreuder and Max Ojomoh will provide their impact from the bench.

JOIN US AND MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE BOYS!

Our Matchday Ambassadors will be gathering fans from 18:45 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

Johann van Graan has spoken of his excitement as he prepares his Bath side to face two-time former European Champions Stade Rochelais in the opening game of the 2024/25 Investec Champions Cup.

The Blue, Black and White welcome the Top 14 French side to The Rec this Friday (kick-off 20:00) for what promises to be an epic encounter under the lights.

In last season’s competition, van Graan’s side reached the knockout stage for the first time since 2015 after beating Ulster, Cardiff and Racing 92 in the pool stage, before eventually losing in the Round of 16 to Exeter Chiefs at a windy Sandy Park.

This week, Bath have faced a quick turnaround after defeating Chiefs in the Premiership on Saturday to move back to the top of their domestic league.

With attention now on Europe, van Graan says he’s relishing the opportunity of facing different opponents, starting with Ronan O’Gara’s side this weekend.

READ THE FULL PREVIEW

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT!

Our Premium Matchday Experiences make the occasion more than just a match.

You can now treat your junior rugby fanatics to a premium matchday experience, seeing them run out with the team come game time!

Our Hospitality packages are the perfect way to celebrate special occasions, catch up with friends & family, or treat your loved one to something special.

Give the gift of rugby this Christmas and book today.

PURCHASE A MASCOT PACKAGE

LE RECCY: LA GRANDE NIGHT OUT!

Bath Rugby open the 2024/25 Investec Champions Cup campaign at The Rec this Friday in La Grande Night Out!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Jamma de Samba & free face painting in SouthGate 17:30-18:00
Gates at The Rec open at 18:00 🕕
Happy Hour! 🍻 (18:00-19:00)
Live music from Twisted Vinyl🎤
Max the Mascot 🦁
THE BIG GIVE, for Bath Rugby Foundation 💷
Click & Collect on drinks
Bath Rugby Foundation raffle 🎟️
Tunnel of noise for players arrival at 18:45 🤩
Light show - download the app!🔥
'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 🚌
LED Stilt Walkers 🔵
New and improved Wi-Fi 📱

READ THE FULL RECCY

Wearing the striking new Euro Kit, our La Grande Night Out will see the players take to the pitch in a huge occasion for the city as Bath hosts the opening night of Europe's elite rugby competition.

The city-wide initiative will see local businesses and club partners joining together to activate across the city, offering all Bath Rugby v Stade Rochelais ticket holders special discounts and opportunities.

Including an official after party at Walcot House's Bread & Jam and a stunning light exhibition at Bath Abbey, you won't want to miss a moment of our star-studded night in the City of Bath.

OUR EXCLUSIVE MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY PACKAGES FOR 2024/25

Make your matchday memorable

The Blue, Black & White Club is open for matchday bookings for the 2024/25 season.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, catching up with loved ones, or entertaining clients, The Blue, Black & White Club provides the perfect venue to create a matchday to remember.

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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.

SHOP NOW

ONES TO WATCH: STADE ROCHELAIS

Back-to-back European champions in 2022 and 2023, Stade Rochelais travel to The Rec with proven big-game experience in this elite rugby competition. Ronan O'Gara's side make the relatively short trip, as far as the Champions Cup is concerned, across the Channel in 6th place in France's Top 14 competition following defeat against RC Vannes at the weekend.

Last season, Stade Rochelais made it to the quarter-final of the Champions Cup, beating both Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks in the pool stage, eventually losing to beaten 2023/24 finalists Leinster.

Captained by Grégory Alldritt, they are also boosted by the likes of Will Skelton, Teddy Iribaren, Jack Nowell, UJ Seuteni, Kane Douglas, Matthias Haddad and Tolu Latu.

JOIN THE BATH RUGBY BUSINESS CLUB

Annual membership grants members the opportunity to interact with other Bath Rugby business community members, become part of an exclusive Business Club members group for exchanging ideas and resources, and attend a range of networking events with distinguished keynote speakers from diverse business and sports sectors.

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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!

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TRY MR FILBERT'S

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!

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 - 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

SIGN UP TO NEXTGEN TODAY

AN UPDATE FROM BATH RUGBY SUPPORTERS' CLUB

From Andy Warren, BRSC Member

Whilst it’s only the 6th of December, it’s our last trip to The Rec before the man dressed in red (don’t worry he’s not a Gloucester fan) comes down our chimney.

As per usual with the end of the calendar year it’s time to reflect on the previous 12 months. On behalf of all at BRSC we’d like to thank our members (over 1,200 now) and the club for the support they’ve given us and also for the memories they’ve given us in 2024.

A very credible trip to Toulouse, an away win at Exeter, THAT noise at home to Sale in the play-off and the epic performance at Twickenham that left us all disappointed but very, very proud.

And now onto this season, a rip roarer at Kingsholm and a smash and grab at The Stoop that had a distinct late 80’s ‘never in doubt’ vibe to it. Let’s just not mention our friends at The Gate….