Moody ready for the fray

Lewis Moody is ready to lead England against New Zealand next Saturday after coming through Bath's 6-6 draw with Harlequins.

Read more...

Match reports - Quins V Bath

The clocks may have gone back an hour but this, for the most part, wasn’t a contest worth getting out of bed for.

With both Bath and Harlequins lacking a cutting edge and frequently opting for the boot, this offered a brief flashback to the dour days of last season, when tedium outstripped invention.

This is Bath
ESPN
The Mail
Sky Sports

It's hard to call!?

Sky Bet have not offered a handicap bet for the Quins game today, meaning they can't pick a winner!!

Match Result
Harlequins 10/11
Drawn Match 16/1
Bath 10/11

First Try Scorer
Biggs 11/1
Abendanon 12/1
Carraro 12/1
Banahan 12/1
Barkley 14/1

COME ON YOU BATH!!!

Bath team to face Quins (KO time and coverage)

Bath Rugby will be looking to match performance with a result this weekend as they travel to Twickenham to take on Harlequins on Sunday, kick-off 2.30pm - Live coverage on ESPN from 1.45pm.

Bath Team to play Harlequins
15 Nick Abendanon
14 Matt Carraro
13 Matt Banahan
12 Olly Barkley
11 Tom Biggs
10 Sam Vesty
9 Michael Claassens
1 Nathan Catt
2 Pieter Dixon
3 Duncan Bell
4 Stuart Hooper
5 Danny Grewcock
6 Simon Taylor
7 Lewis Moody
8 Luke Watson ( c )

Replacements
16 Ross Batty
17 David Flatman
18 Mark Lilley
19 Ignacio Fernandez-Lobbe
20 Ben Skirving
21 Mark McMillan
22 Ben Williams
23 Jack Cuthbert

Steve Meehan unworried by Bath results

Coach Steve Meehan is not concerned by Bath's mixed results so far this season and says he would prefer them to peak at the end of the campaign

Read more...

ZZZZZZZZZ.....

If you want to read another moaning letter from a 'moaner' moaning about Bath Rugby at at The Rec, click below...

Let's end this old saga of rugby on The Rec

New boy Taylor impressed by standard in Aviva Premiership

Just 114 minutes into his three-year deal at Bath, Simon Taylor picked up a hamstring strain that sidelined him for a month.

It was not the dream start for the Scotsman at his new club but he had nevertheless done enough in the space of just a game and a half to have head coach Steve Meehan singing his praises con brio

Read more...

PETER SHORT: Even one-eyed fans could see our forwards played well

Without too much japery or buffoonery behind the scenes this week from any of the usual suspects, I guess it means I have no choice but to talk about rugby, heaven forbid!

I travelled up to the East Midlands to watch the game and sat among the one-eyed faithful. I'm sure I won't be the first observer to note that maybe the bespectacled members of the Leicester crowd could save themselves some money and just buy monocles next time they are at the opticians.

Read more...

Steve Meehan: Why I said no to England request

Steve Meehan has revealed how he rejected England's request to limit Lewis Moody's involvement in Sunday's Aviva Premiership clash with Harlequins.

The England skipper will make his return to the Bath team after four weeks out with an eye injury when they go to Twickenham Stoop this weekend.

Read more...

TOM BRADSHAW: Meehan may have to think the unthinkable

When you get praise from Leicester boss Richard Cockerill for your play in the forwards, you know you're doing something right.

Bath Rugby skipper Luke Watson was the recipient of such praise after Saturday's loss to the Tigers at Welford Road – and his eye-catching performance in the number seven shirt poses a conundrum for Bath head coach Steve Meehan.

Read more...

EXCLUSIVE Sir Ian McGeechan open to Lions role

Sir Ian McGeechan says he is determined to play his part in steering the British and Irish Lions to victory on their next tour – but says "no decision has been made" over whether he will be head coach.

The Bath Rugby performance director is already fulfilling a consultancy role for the Lions, advising them on the best way to prepare for their 2013 tour of Australia.

Read more...

Meehan's men increase the intensity ahead of Quins trip

Steve Meehan says there has been a "frightening" increase in the intensity of training sessions at Bath Rugby.

The head coach has conceded he was perhaps a little too soft on players in previous seasons.

Read more...

Captain Luke praises pack's performance in Tigers test

By any measure, Bath Rugby's forwards have had a disappointing start to the season.

But skipper Luke Watson believes Saturday's strong showing by the Bath pack at Welford Road represents a turning point.

Read more...

FAN'S VIEW: Bath must build on their best showing yet

Whatever positive feelings Bath left Welford Road with last Saturday – and there should certainly have been plenty of them – it is now vital they keep all of them in their kitbags for their visit to the Twickenham Stoop.

Read more...

Lewis Moody cool on England captaincy talk - video interview

England flanker refuses to be drawn on whether he will captain his country against New Zealand next weekend and admits he needs to "test the body" in Bath's match against Harlequins on Sunday.

BBC video interview with Moody

Moody passed fit to play for England and will feature this weekend against Quins

Moody will return to Bath after England training on Wednesday. If he comes through unscathed against Harlequins on Sunday, he will be in prime position to lead his country against New Zealand at Twickenham on Nov 6.

Telegraph

The 4 Bath players to watch according to Quins

They are Bendy, Catt, Moody and Biggs. Click below for details...

Harlequins website

Bath chief Nick Blofeld eyes top two Premiership spot

Bath chief executive Nick Blofeld says the target this season is to finish either top or as runners-up in the regular Premiership season.

BBC link

Bath still prefer Rec option - Nick Blofeld

Bath chief executive Nick Blofeld tells BBC Points West their preference is still to stay at the Rec long term and develop the ground.

BBC link

Meehan proud of effort - video interview

BRTV talks to Bath head coach Steve Meehan who reflects on a strong performance from his side and a bonus point won in difficult conditions

Bath Rugby TV

Match reports and reaction - Tigers V Bath including Meehan, Cockerill, Watson and Abendanon

Match Reports
It may have been a loss on paper, but for the Bath Rugby pack this will have felt like a moral victory.

Much-criticised over the opening weeks of the Aviva Premiership, the Bath forwards fronted up superbly at Welford Road against a Leicester Tigers pack that tore them to pieces twice here last season.

This is Bath
Telegraph
ESPN
Daily Mail
Premiership Rugby

Match Reaction
Bath Rugby head coach Steve Meehan lauded his players' application and tactics after watching them come close to causing an upset at Welford Road.

This is Bath - Meehan
BBC - Cockerill

"Tough game tonight! Gutsy performance by the boys. Leicester are a great side and it was a brutal battle out there! So close. Next time ; )
Thanks to all the Bath supporters that made the journey! The team really appreciates it. For those who couldn't make it.. Thanks anyway!"
Luke Watson (twitter)

"Close game but the boys (especially the forwards) did an awesome job. Still looking for that infamous win at Welford road."
Nick Abendanon (Twitter)

Tigers V Bath odds!

Match Result
Leicester 1/4
Drawn Match 18/1
Bath 11/4

Handicap Betting
-8 Leicester 10/11
Handicap Draw 16/1
+8 Bath 10/11

First Try Scorer
Banahan 12/1
Carraro 14/1
Barkley 16/1
Abendanon 16/1

Bath Rugby team to face Tigers this weekend

Bath Rugby team to face Leicester Tigers
15. Nick Abendanon
14. Matt Carraro
13. Shontayne Hape
12. Olly Barkley
11. Matt Banahan
10. Sam Vesty
9. Michael Claassens

1. David Flatman
2. Pieter Dixon
3. David Wilson
4. Stuart Hooper
5. Ignacio Fernandez-Lobbe
6. Andy Beattie
7. Luke Watson ( C )
8. Simon Taylor

Replacements
16. Ross Batty
17. Nathan Catt
18. Duncan Bell
19. John van der Giessen
20. Ben Skirving
21. Mark McMillan
22. Tom Biggs
23. Jack Cuthbert

Leicester boss Cockerill wary of threat from ex-Tigers

Richard Cockerill has added to the mystery surrounding Lewis Moody's potential return to the Bath team tomorrow by admitting he "wouldn't be surprised" if the England skipper appeared at Welford Road.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/bzlh5

Butch James interview from The Guardian

The South Africa and Bath player on rugby, romance and really odd family nicknames

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/ifttl

Vesty and Moody video interviews.

Bath fly-half Sam Vesty tells BBC Points West he is determined to beat his old Leicester teammates at Welford Road on Saturday.

Sam Vesty

Bath flanker Lewis Moody tells BBC Points West he would dearly love to play against his old club Leicester on Saturday but the game has come a week too early for him.

Lewis Moody

Injured Moody set to miss out on Tigers reunion

Bath Rugby insist Lewis Moody will not play against Leicester Tigers on Saturday, despite the England flanker's desperation to feature against his former team.

Moody expressed his desire this week to play against the club where he became part of the furniture over a 14-year period but Bath are having to rein in the England captain, who is in the final stages of recovering from an eye injury.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/uo6ct

PETER SHORT: How friendly fire floored Lewis

The boys got the job done over in Italy enabling us to keep our Heineken Cup qualification hopes alive.

This week sees the focus turn back to Premiership action and a chance for Sam Vesty and Lewis Moody to experience Welford Road from a visitors' perspective. That is, of course, if Moodos has recovered from the knock he took against Gloucester.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/lquag

Club will not block Lions move for Sir Ian

Bath Rugby would not block an attempt by the British and Irish Lions to appoint Sir Ian McGeechan as head coach for the 2013 tour.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/jp7sd

TOM BRADSHAW: Tigers trip is a real character test

Bath Rugby's biggest test of character so far this season will present itself on Saturday, when the club travels to Leicester for the resumption of the Aviva Premiership.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/3g69e

Chief execs to discuss The Rec at Somerset meeting

The chief executives of both Bath Rugby and Somerset CCC will be in attendance at a meeting at Bath Cricket Club on Tuesday.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/ibzg2

Worrying injury leaves Hobson 'devastated'

Young Bath Rugby lock Scott Hobson has spoken of the "devastation" caused by a worrying nerve injury that has left him unable to move his arm, writes Tom Bradshaw .

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/hwiui

Butch stays focused on Springboks squad spot

Bath's Springbok fly-half Butch James admits his eyes remain fixed on another World Cup campaign – and says he plans to let his actions do the talking when he returns from injury for his club in the New Year.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/wi7ul

Nick finds a new partner in crime in Biggs

In those heady days of early spring, when Bath Rugby were laying waste to everyone who crossed their path in the Premiership, full-back Nick Abendanon and the club's then right wing Jo Maddock formed the league's slippiest attacking duo.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/rdlh2

Moody aims to make shock return to face Tigers

England captain and Bath flanker Lewis Moody is hoping to make a shock return to action in time to face his former Leicester team-mates this weekend.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/antyp

Tigers V Bath Preview

Tigers are unbeaten in their last seven clashes with Bath in all competitions, since Bath won 25-21 in the Premiership at The Rec in November 2008.
Leicester Tigers are the only side in the Heineken Cup with maximum points after the first two rounds, however their five encounters in Aviva Premiership Rugby have all been won by the home side on the day. Tigers have lost just once at Welford Road since September 2008: to Saracens on 8 May.
Bath Rugby won 22-6 at Aironi last Saturday, but their only victory in their last three Premiership matches was 31-16 at home to Sale in round four. Bath have won two of their last five away games in the Premiership. Bath's only previous victory at Welford Road in the Premiership was 13-12 on 29 November 2003.

Referee: Andrew Small (47th Premiership game)

Live on ESPN HD.

Premiership Rugby

Match reports and reaction - Aironi V Bath

Match Reports
Bath Rugby got their Heineken Cup campaign back on track with a 6-22 bonus point victory over Aironi Rugby in Viadana.

Bath Rugby
Rugby World
This Is Bath
The Telegraph
Daily Mail
Bath Rugby ERE
Sky Sports


Match Reaction

Bath Rugby’s lock forward shortage has intensified with the loss of Danny Grewcock to a rib injury in today’s solid Heineken Cup win over Aironi.

This is Bath - Grewcock
Sky Sports - Meehan demands more

'I just want to say thanks to all the Bath fans who travelled to Italy! Massive effort. Thank you! So awesome to see so many Bath supporters.'
Luke Watson (Twitter)

Fancy a flutter?

Match Result
Aironi Rugby 10/3
Drawn Match 20/1
Bath 1/5

Handicap Betting
+10 Aironi Rugby 10/11
Handicap Draw 16/1
-10 Bath 10/11

First try scorer
Abendanon 8/1
Biggs 8/1
Banahan 8/1
Williams 10/1
Barkley 10/1
Vesty 14/1

All odd from Sky Bet

Bath Rugby look to get back on track in Italy - team news/ TV coverage

Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm local time (1.30pm UK - live on Sky, under the red button)

 

Bath Rugby team to play Aironi Rugby

15. Nick Abendanon

14. Tom Biggs

13. Ben Williams

12. Olly Barkley

11. Matt Banahan

10. Sam Vesty

9. Michael Claassens

1. Nathan Catt

2. Pieter Dixon

3. David Wilson

4. Stuart Hooper

5. Danny Grewcock

6. Andy Beattie

7. Luke Watson ( c )

8. Simon Taylor

 

Replacements

16. Ross Batty

17. David Flatman

18. Duncan Bell

19. Ignacio Fernandez-Lobbe

20. Ben Skirving

21. Mark McMillan

22. Matt Carraro

23. Jack Cuthbert

FAN'S VIEW: Is too much leadership muddying tactics?

The next game had to result in an improved performance from the effort in the Gloucester debacle – and it did.

However, as I left The Rec on Sunday, that was the most positive gloss that I could put on an afternoon that had seen Bath well and truly outmanoeuvred by Biarritz Olympique.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/0wuqm

TOM BRADSHAW: Basic flaws are obvious

Sir Ian McGeechan, Bath Rugby's performance director, recently gave a talk to business leaders in the South West in which he stressed the importance of doing "world-class basics".

Funnily enough, that's what Bath Rugby need to start doing, too – getting the game's basic skills and strategies absolutely nailed.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/jh0uq

PETER SHORT: 'Oberleutnant of moustaches' would look good on my CV

I've just returned from taking my mutt for a walk in the Somerset countryside but even the vitamin D boost from the October sunshine is struggling to lift the mood after Sunday's Heineken Cup defeat to Biarritz.

As a member of the squad who has yet to lace his boots in anger this season I think it would be a tad unchivalrous to go on too much about the match.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/ak4zm

Debutant Catt learns from very best

As introductions to top-flight rugby go, there could have been few more demanding or brutal.

Bath Rugby loosehead Nathan Catt made his first start in either European or Premiership rugby against Biarritz on Sunday and was up against some all-star opposition.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/ymrof

Mercurial Mercier poses a threat, says Matt Banahan

Aironi may be new to European rugby but it will be an old and familiar foe who confronts Bath Rugby when they take on the new Italian franchise in the Heineken Cup on Saturday

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/etlwy

Bruce Craig's 'honesty' is welcomed by Bath Rugby squad

Coaches and players at Bath Rugby have welcomed owner Bruce Craig's hands-on approach after matches, saying his rugby background makes him well-placed to pass on advice after the final whistle.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/oqe0f021ly

Not nice reading again - Match Reports and reaction

Frustrated Bath Rugby head coach Steve Meehan didn't mince his words after seeing his side squander a golden opportunity to clinch their Heineken Cup opener.

In the 75th minute Bath were in a perfect position to slot over a dropped goal. But despite being in control at a succession of rucks close to the Biarritz line and in front of the posts, the pass never came for fly-half Sam Vesty, who was standing deep

Sky Sports - Meehan
This is Bath - Meehan
Bath Rugby
Daily Mail
Eurosport
Sky Sports

Bath to beat Biarritz by 6??

Match Betting
Bath 2/5
Drawn Match 18/1
Biarritz 15/8

Handicap Betting
-6 Bath 10/11
Handicap Draw 16/1
+6 Biarritz 10/11

Bath team to face Biarritz, Sunday KO 1pm

Bath Rugby open their Heineken Cup campaign on Sunday, when they welcome Biarritz Olympique to the Recreation Ground, kick-off 1.00pm.

 

Bath Rugby team to face Biarritz Olympique

15. Nick Abendanon

14. Matt Carraro

13. Shontayne Hape

12. Olly Barkley

11. Matt Banahan

10. Sam Vesty

9. Michael Claassens

1. Nathan Catt

2. Pieter Dixon

3. David Wilson

4. Stuart Hooper

5. Danny Grewcock

6. Andy Beattie

7. Simon Taylor

8. Luke Watson ( c )

 

Replacements

16. Ross Batty

17. David Flatman

18. Duncan Bell

19. Ignacio Fernandez-Lobbe

20. Ben Skirving

21. Mark McMillan

22. Tom Biggs

23. Jack Cuthbert

Match preview: Bath Rugby v Biarritz Olympique

Bath went all the way to lift the trophy in 1998 and 10 years later went on to win the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Biarritz Olympique are perhaps one of the most unlucky teams in the competition's history. Despite making two finals and another two semi-finals, they are yet to win the biggest prize in European club rugby.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/u3ydn

Video interview - We owe Bath fans - David Barnes

Bath prop David Barnes tells BBC Points West they are looking to make amends for their poor showing against Gloucestershire with a win against Biarritz.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/n7kxv

Meehan calls for calm ahead of Heineken Cup campaign

Steve Meehan is calling for calm among his players as Bath Rugby seek to get their European campaign off to a winning start this weekend.

Bath kick off their Heineken Cup campaign at The Rec on Sunday (1pm) against last year's defeated finalists, Biarritz. And following Friday's soft surrender to Gloucester, Meehan is calling on his charges to show composure.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/vch5j

Captain Luke fighting fit ahead of European challenge

Luke Watson is confident the rib/back injury that caused him to be replaced at half-time against Gloucester is behind him.

The Bath Rugby skipper was nursing a niggle from the previous week's win over Sale when he lined up against the Cherry and Whites on Friday. He aggravated it just before kick-off and soldiered on before admitting defeat at half-time.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/o9d9j

PETER SHORT: Derby defeat was a bitter pill to swallow

It's been a testing week after a frustrating and disappointing performance in Friday's derby game with Gloucester.

When May rolls around and we look at our points total we'll know that we coughed up the chance of four or five home points. These points will be worth no more than any other points amassed on our campaign but the question remains as to why derby defeats cause so much pain in the cockles of our hearts – often in the sub-cockle region, sometimes in the kidneys, sometimes the liver and even in the colon.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/ezj9t

Greenwood: Barkley can emerge from the 'naughty step'

England World Cup winner Will Greenwood is adamant Bath's Olly Barkley will line up against Argentina when the 2011 World Cup kicks off – as long as he does his talking on the pitch.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/ir53z

Eye injury keeps Lewis Moody out for up to a month

Lewis Moody, England's captain, is in danger of missing the opening Test of the autumn internationals, against New Zealand at Twickenham on 6 November, because of an eye injury.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/galch

Roar for Bath Rugby as we chase 40th European win

European Landmarks are not just about the Eiffel Tower and the Arc De Triomphe. When Bath Rugby take to the field on Sunday 10th October to face Biarritz Olympique we will be looking to secure our 40th win in European competition.

Read more...

Moody to undergo scan on eye injury and could be doubt for autumn Test series

Moody, who captained England during their two Tests in Australia in June as well as the final Six Nations match against France last season, sustained an injury to his eye socket while playing for Bath in their defeat by Gloucester at the Rec on Friday.

Read more...

Match reaction - Meehan, Redpath, Watson and Barkley

“I’ve seen this team and these individuals do some amazing things with the ball but this evening they just couldn’t make it stick,” said Meehan of his side’s poor handling. “The way we do the basics well under pressure needed to be better than it was.
"Tactically, we made every wrong decision that we possibly could in the first 20 minutes."
This is Bath - Meehan

Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath hopes his side's impressive 18-3 win at Bath can be a turning point in their season.
Sky Sports - Redpath

"Terrible performance tonight! Hurt my ribs in the warm up and tried to soldier on... Didn't work! Couldn't breathe the whole 1st half. Pain!
Thanks for all the support. The Bath faithful are amazing! I'm in a lot of pain and battling to move around... But we'll be back next week!!"
Luke Watson (Twitter)

"Apologies to all our supporters, tonight was unacceptable. We are all already thinking about putting it right next week. Hurting."
Olly Barkley (Twitter)

This won't be easy reading - Match Reports

Bath's eight-game winning streak at The Rec in the Premiership came to an end with a resounding loss to arch-rivals Gloucester.

Poor handling on a soggy night cost Bath, who were unable to establish a platform from which to seriously threaten the Cherry and Whites' line.

This is Bath
Premiership Rugby
Daily Mail
The Telegraph
Sky Sports

Bath Rugby statement - tonights game

Despite the weather, the derby game between Bath Rugby and Gloucester Rugby is still scheduled to go ahead tonight.

The condition of the pitch is fine, and with the forecast predicting it will dry up this afternoon, we foresee no reason why the game will not go ahead as scheduled.

 

Bath Rugby v Gloucester, tonight (Friday 1st October), kick-off 8.05pm.

New Bath Rugby Euro shirt - photo

Bath V Gloucester preview plus video interview with Hagg and Redpath

Bath name an unchanged starting XV from last week's win over Sale as they look to maintain pressure on Northampton and Premiership leaders London Irish.

 

Read more and watch the interviews:

http://tiny.cc/rxjyk