Bath Team to face Falcons

Bath Rugby team to face Newcastle Falcons

15. Nick Abendanon
14. Jacques Boussuge
13. Matt Carraro
12. Matt Banahan
11. Tom Biggs
10. Sam Vesty
9. Michael Claassens ( c )
1. David Flatman
2. Lee Mears
3. David Wilson
4. Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe
5. Danny Grewcock
6. Ben Skirving
7. Lewis Moody
8. Simon Taylor

Replacements

16. Ross Batty
17. Nathan Catt
18. Duncan Bell
19. Josh Ovens
20. Guy Mercer
21. Mark McMillan
22. Butch James
23. Nick Scott

Olly Barkley - MY TOURING XV

How many times have you turned the page to see some famous egg chaser spout on about their all time world XV? How many times have you read the same compliments being said about the same icons of the game? Wilkinson – point’s machine. Serge Blanco – audacious and unpredictable. Fran Cotton – uncompromising. Hold on, let me get that can of Red Bull down me, I’m falling asleep in my chip paper.

Read more...

"Michalak is not a target" - Bath Rugby

​Bath Rugby have scotched claims they are interested in signing France fly-half Frederic Michalak for next season.

Speculation that the 54-cap star would be heading to The Rec had been building, with today's confirmation that he would be leaving Heineken Cup champions Toulouse only fanning the flames.

Read more...

Bath Rugby articles in this weeks Chronicle

Bath Rugby chairman Bruce Craig has delivered a passionate defence of the club's ambitions to develop a bigger and improved ground at The Rec.

 

Since taking over the club a year ago, the multi-millionaire businessman has been investigating ways to keep the club at what he regards as its "spiritual home".

Mr Craig believes that building what he calls a modern-day amphitheatre would bring "life and vitality to the city", with the adjoining riverside area transformed into an attractive destination for shoppers and visitors.

 

Rugby Boss Dreams of Creating Modern Amphitheatre
Fans View: No Harm in Dreaming What Might Be
Lobbe and Boussuge Could Stay at Rec
Lewis is Back in the Mood After Injuries
Duncan Determined to Fight Challenge from Perenise
Brad Davis: Stop Gopperth and We Stop Newcastle
Tom Bradshaw: Fly-half Rumour Mill Keeps Spinning
Peter Short: Big Win Puts Spring in Everyone's Step
Competetition: Win Tickets to Season Closer

Buck Boots U/16 England Victory
Letters from Harry Barstow & Gerry Wheeler

Lobbe and Boussuge could stay at The Rec

Bath Rugby are considering extending Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe's deal at the club so the Argentina legend can provide second-row cover during the World Cup.

And the club is also weighing up whether to offer fast-improving wing Jacques Boussuge another year at The Rec.

All the pieces in Bath's transfer jigsaw are close to being in place now, with Samoa tighthead prop Anthony Perenise having penned a three-year deal earlier this week.

 

Read more:

http://tiny.cc/l2rxd

Grewcock calls time on playing career

Bath Rugby can confirm that Danny Grewcock will be retiring at the end of this season.

The Bath, England and British and Irish Lions legend will call time on a professional career that started in Coventry, and has spanned 15 years.

Read more...

Bath sign Springbok flanker Francois Louw from Stormers

Bath have signed Stormers and South Africa international flanker Francois Louw, BBC Radio Bristol understands.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year-deal and effectively replaces outgoing captain and fellow Springbok Luke Watson who is returning home.


Read more...

Luke Watson nominated for Aviva Premiership Rugby award

Bath Rugby captain Luke Watson has been nominated for the Gatorade Performance of the Season award at this year's Aviva Premiership Rugby awards.

 

 

The nomination comes for his inspiring performance during the game against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on 23rd October, which, although Bath eventually lost the game 21-15, saw the flanker lead the visitors to arguably one of their best performances at Welford Road in recent years.

 

 The Awards panel comprised Paul Morgan (Mail on Sunday, Rugby World, Chairman Rugby Union Writers' Club), Mick Cleary (Daily Telegraph), Alastair Eykyn (BBC), Miles Harrison (Sky Sports), Neale Harvey (Rugby Times), Nick Mullins (ESPN), Phil Winstanley (Rugby Director, Premiership Rugby), and the winners will be revealed at the annual ceremony, this year held on Tuesday 10th May.

Bath Rugby capture Perenise

Bath Rugby are very pleased to announce the signing of tight-head prop, Anthony Perenise on a three year contract.

Read more...

My first talkingrugbyunion.co.uk article - Bath Rugby pest control!

London Wasps 10 – 43 Bath Rugby


If you asked Bath fans what the highlight of last season was most would say visiting HQ on a Sunny St George’s day and ruining London Wasps party! Bath have now ran out on to the historic Twickenham pitch two season in a row, against their opponents London Wasps, and Bath have become unbeatable on this famous turf.

Watching Bath fling the ball about and score tries for fun leaves you begging the question ‘How are Bath not in the top 4?’. Ok… to be fair Wasps were terrible, by half time I had lost count of how many times Wasps had knocked on, coughed up the ball or been turned over, but Bath did make them pay. Every Bath player did their bit…. Sam Vesty had a cracking game (even if he was a bit dodgy off the tee), Biggs and Banners were outstanding and let’s not forget the engine room, defending well and creating quick ball after quick ball!

Waking up to gorgeous sunshine on Saturday morning ready to start the journey down to Twickers I have to admit, I thought Bath would struggle… The bookies were predicting Bath were going to win by 4 points, and at the start of the day I would have taken that, I would have taken a one point win! How wrong was I…!? Bath were about to teach Wasps a ‘Biggs lesson’!

The hardest part of the day for me had to be the journey down and having to endure cans of Carling and Fosters. But I worked through this knowing that their was a cold ale waiting for me when I arrive in the outskirts of Bath’s new home, away from home! As always Twickenham, the surrounding pubs and the Wasps fans were brilliant hosts, making us feel very welcome and giving us a day we will never forget… The day that Bath guaranteed Heineken rugby next season, the day Bath snatched away any chance Wasps had of competing for the European Cup they have won twice, the day Bath put 6 tries past Wasp’s and racked up a 33 point victory and probably the day that Lawrence Dallaglio and co. decided that Bath wont be invited back next season!

Why did Bath put Wasps to the sword with such ease? Was its Bath’s mixture of youth and experience against a side made up of ‘boys’, was it Bath finally starting to play in a way that Steve Meehan has been trying to develop for 5 years or did Bath just get he bounce of the ball!? I would say it was a mixture of them all, players like Classeens, Lobbe, Grewcock and Moody controlled the game and unleashing the backs to run riot and kill the game off by half time! Bigg’s was showing brilliance not only in his try scoring but the cool head under pressure, chipping through and making some big tackles. The only silver-lining that Wasp’s could possibly take away from this game was Joe Simpsons amazing turn of pace that resulted in Wasp’s only try of the game! So with the like of Walder, Van Gisbergan and Betsen moving to pastures new next season where does this leave London Wasp’s and the youth left on the field… transition year (or 2) maybe!

With two games remaining for Bath this season (both against Falcons) 10 points must be on the cards…. Heineken rugby will be played at the Rec next season, so lets use the final games to build on our sunny day at HQ. Did I hear some say ‘fourth place’…. no that can’t be possible can it!?

Joe Beament (HawkEye)

Click here to see this article published on Talking Rugby Union website

Wasps V Bath photos...

Thanks to Jamie Warner and Dave Beament for the photos

For the full selection of photos click here. or click on the Flickr photostream on the right hand side --->

Safety first for 'Mad Dog'

Bath have calmed fears about England captain Lewis Moody in the wake of their impressive 43-10 demolition of London Wasps on Saturday.

Moody played 49 minutes at Twickenham in his first action since being ruled out of the Six Nations, but limped off with a dead leg after being hurt in training on Friday.

However coach Steve Meehan said that bringing him off was a precaution.

Read more...

Biggs bags try treble as Bath thrash Wasps at Twickenham again

​Match report:
London Wasps 10 Bath Rugby 43

Tom Biggs ran in a first-half hat-trick on a blisteringly hot day at Twickenham as Bath hammered Wasps at HQ for the second year in succession.

With England captain Lewis Moody Wasps returning after three months to lead a fierce defensive effort, forcing a stream of turnovers, Bath then showed devastating finishing skills to score six tries.

Read more...

Bath team to face Wasps at HQ

Bath Rugby team to face London Wasps

15. Nick Abendanon
14. Jacques Boussuge
13. Matt Carraro
12. Matt Banahan
11. Tom Biggs
10. Sam Vesty
9. Michael Claassens ( C )
1. David Flatman
2. Lee Mears
3. David Wilson
4. Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe
5. Danny Grewcock
6. Ben Skirving
7. Lewis Moody
8. Simon Taylor

Replacements

16. Pieter Dixon
17. Nathan Catt
18. Duncan Bell
19. Josh Ovens
20. Guy Mercer
21. Mark McMillan
22. Paul Roberts
23. Nick Scott

Young trio extend stay with Bath Rugby

Bath Rugby are delighted to announce that rising stars Guy Mercer, Nick Scott and Josh Ovens have all committed to staying with the Club.

Mercer has signed on for two more years, with Scott and Ovens signing for a year.

Read more...

This weeks Chronicle articles on Bath Rugby

Chairman Bruce Craig concedes Bath Rugby has some distance to go before it possesses "the chemistry, the passion and the heart" to rival Europe's top teams.But one year into his ownership of the club, Craig says he is confident the wheels have been set in motion to return Bath to the pinnacle of the game.The multi-millionaire, who bought Bath from Andrew Brownsword a year ago, is determined to make the club into a younger and more pragmatic side.

Chemistry and Heart are Key for Bath Owner Craig
Bath Squad Stretched for HQ Trip
Hape Bows Out Early in Bid to Secure Cup Place
Tom Bradshaw: Winning Culture is All in The Mind
Haag: Skirving is Number One
Jigsaw Coming Together for Bath's Bruce 2011-12 Plans
Biggs Targets Bonus Points
Walcot Win Competition to Train With Bath Stars
Meehan Excited by Possibility of European Revolution
Bath Minis Dressed for Success
Letters from Melling, Iles, McGarrigle and Nicholson

Bath boss Steve Meehan suggests summer rugby switch

Bath head coach Steve Meehan believes English rugby should experiment with summer rugby for the benefit of the game and spectators.
Australian Meehan will leave Bath in May after five years at the club.
He regards his sides as being domestic rugby's trendsetters in that time, but insists the sport can improve further.

Read more...

Peter Short and Stuart Hooper out for season

Bath's second-row options are stretched to the limit with Peter Short and Stuart Hooper out for the season.

Regular lock Hooper started on the flank in the 19-15 win over Harlequins but lasted only 20 minutes before breaking his arm.
Second-row Short, in his 100th league game for Bath, was helped from the pitch late on with a torn hamstring.

Read more...

Bath's Steve Meehan claims Premiership salary cap is widely flouted

Bath's outgoing head coach, Steve Meehan, has stirred the debate about the future shape of English club rugby, claiming the Premiership salary cap is being widely flouted and that the competition could struggle to retain its profile.

Read more...

A letter from Nick Blofeld - support rugby at The Rec

Dear Supporter,
Support progress – keep rugby at the Rec

We are one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the country and are proud to count you among our many supporters. Our heritage and great record still makes us one of the most successful English clubs. However, in recent years, we have enjoyed more sporadic success. Part of this can be attributed to poor facilities, inappropriate for the modern era, and a lack of capacity to accommodate larger crowds. This has a direct impact on the business’s profitability and the money that it can therefore invest in and around the team and on the Rec’s facilities. The Rec now holds approximately half the 24,000 maximum crowd of our rivals Leicester.

As you will be aware, we were acquired by Bruce Craig in April 2010 and now have both the desire and opportunity to significantly improve facilities. Following a careful review of alternative sites in and around Bath, we concluded that keeping rugby at the Rec really is the right solution.

The Club has agreed, in principle, to buy the training ground at Lambridge from the Bath Football Club Trustees. Once the purchase has been completed, the land will then be gifted to the Recreation Ground Trust to compensate for any activities that might be displaced from the Recreation Ground if the Club is granted permission to extend the space we have there.

As a keen supporter, we wanted to update you on a critical stage in the process. The Bath Recreation Ground Trust has launched a consultation exercise to determine future land use at the Recreation Ground. We propose to provide compensating land (the Lambridge training ground) to the Trust, which will allow the Club to occupy more space for the development of a slightly bigger, but significantly better arena. The consultation provides a line drawing of land* that the Club would like to use to allow us to deliver better facilities at the Rec. It is an ‘in principle’ consultation so does not show any actual designs or concepts at this stage; these will follow in a planning consultation later in the summer.

It is a complex issue and we hope that this consultation will draw a line under the debate and allow us to fulfil the vision of much needed new facilities. It's a critical time for us and there is still much to resolve, but this is a real chance for you to have your say.

This consultation is crucial in deciding whether we can stay at the Rec long-term, so your support really counts. It is vitally important to ensure that the Recreation Ground Trust hears the views of as many people as possible and we are hoping that you will find the time to share your views with them.


Please encourage your friends, family and fellow fans to get involved by completing an online questionnaire at www.recreationgroundtrust.org.uk.

Soon, we hope to be talking to you and the local community about potential designs and options for the new facilities. We will keep you updated as much as possible and thank you, as ever, for all your support. It is very much appreciated.

Yours

Nick Blofeld
Chief Executive


Please click here to view the land use diagrams.

Moody ready to return for Bath and England

He doesn’t really look like Lewis Moody without the trademark bruises and battle scars. It’s like meeting Popeye without the muscles. Moody the model should be in Paris advertising L’Oreal rather than Combe Down rugby club promoting the Black Stuff.

The man himself, of course, would prefer black eyes to rosy cheeks. The England captain missed the entirety of his side’s victorious Six Nations campaign thanks to a recurring knee injury – just one failing body part in a long list that has been catching up with the Bath flanker recently. The Mad Dog routine was never going to favour longevity.

Read more...

Bath call for summer rugby

Bath call for summer rugby, but still everyone sings different tunes

Bruce Craig is the latest high-profile figure to stir the debate about the future of professional rugby union

Read more...

Hape has played his last game for Bath Rugby

Bath Rugby can confirm that Shontayne Hape has sadly played his last game in a Bath shirt.
Despite Bath having at least three games left of the Aviva Premiership campaign, Shontayne will this week have a minor operation on his knee, ruling him out for the rest of the season, but getting him in the best possible shape for the World Cup and England in the Autumn.

Read more...

Hundreds take part in Rec consultation... Still time for you to support Bath Rugby!

Hundreds of people have already expressed their views on the best hope of a solution to the decade-long stalemate over Bath’s Recreation Ground.

A consultation exercise began last week into the idea of allowing Bath Rugby to take up more space on The Rec, in return for the club’s training ground at Lambridge effectively becoming publicly-owned.

The Recreation Ground Trust’s eight-week consultation has been launched as the rugby club scales down its ambitions for its historic home, although the exact shape of what is likely to be a new 17,000-capacity arena has yet to be decided.

Read more....
Do you bit and complete the questionnaire by clicking here...

Triple injury blow hits Bath Rugby pack

Bath Rugby face a second-row injury crisis after losing both Peter Short and Stuart Hooper during today's 19-15 victory over Harlequins.

Hooper has suffered a suspected broken arm, while Short - who has endured an injury-blighted season - strained a hamstring.

That leaves Bath with just two out-and-out locks ahead of the final three games of the regular season, Danny Grewcock and Ignacio Fernandez-Lobbe.

In addition, prop David Flatman was a last-minute withdrawal today with a tight hamstring, meaning Bath now have just one fit specialist loosehead, Nathan Catt.

The list of injured forwards at Bath is now a long one. Simon Taylor (Achilles), skipper Luke Watson (twisted knee), Lewis Moody (knee ligaments) and David Barnes (neck) are also in the medical room.

Read more...

Bath beat Quins!

MATCH REPORT: Bath Rugby 19 Harlequins 15

Butch James’ right boot and granite-hard defence gave Bath Rugby their second win on the bounce in the Aviva Premiership as they squeezed home against Harlequins.

Bath withstood tremendous pressure in the dying moments, and weathered a shaky period midway through the second half when they were reduced to 14 men.

A scattering of home fans had responded to the club’s call to dress as Romans – and this was a match always likely to be a gladiatorial contest between two sides vying not only for a Heineken Cup berth but to keep their faint hopes of a top four league finish alive.


Read more...

Guscott 'Bath to win by at least 7 points'

Bath v Harlequins Harlequins have had such an inconsistent season, while Bath are desperate to get a result to get them into Europe. That will give them all the incentive they need, and even though Quins are in a similar position in mid-table I think the hosts will want it more. Bath have a game in hand but have had their little blip and should have a good run-in to the end of the campaign. They won well last week, while Quins couldn't quite beat the Tigers last time out in the league, and home advantage is likely to be the decisive factor on Saturday. Verdict: Bath by at least seven points. Read Guscott's other predictions...

Bath team to face Quins

Bath Rugby team to face Harlequins

15. Sam Vesty
14. Matt Banahan
13. Matt Carraro
12. Shontayne Hape
11. Nick Abendanon
10. Butch James
9. Michael Claassens
1. David Flatman
2. Lee Mears
3. David Wilson
4. Peter Short
5. Danny Grewcock
6. Stuart Hooper
7. Guy Mercer
8. Ben Skirving

Replacements

16. Pieter Dixon
17. Nathan Catt
18. Duncan Bell
19. Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe
20. Josh Ovens
21. Mark McMillan
22. Tom Biggs
23. Nick Scott

Watch the ITV reports on the future of The Rec

Future of Bath Rugby

3.22PM Wed Apr 13 2011
Bath Rugby has announced plans to build a new stadium on the site of The Recreation Ground. In the last hour a consultation has begun on proposals for what the club says will be a "bigger and better" arena. The land is protected from development by a 90-year-old covenant, but Bath Rugby is offering its training ground as compensation.

Watch now...

Bath archive plans

As Bath Rugby club reveals its plans to build a bigger stadium on the city's Recreation Ground we've had a look at some of the proposals put forward in the last.

Currently the Premiership side can entertain just over 12,000 spectators at the Recreation ground on match day and a number of proposals have been put forward over the last 25 years to try and increase that.

Watch now...

Today's Bath Chronicle articles on Bath Rugby

The sad news that David Barnes has had to retire with immediate effect was yet another reminder of the fragility of the livelihood of the modern professional rugby player.In Barnesy's case a neck injury with potentially serious and long-term consequences if he continued playing has lost him the tail-end of this season and what would have been his swansong in 2011-12.But he has been talented and lucky enough to enjoy a lengthy career as a top-level rugby player and has had to retire during his testimonial season – a fitting tribute at least to his longevity and durability at rugby's acknowledged coalface.

Fans View: Barnes Still Has Much to Give

Rec Consultation Agreed 
Peter Short: We Had to Ride Luck With Exeter
Young Guns to Step Up Against Quins
Fit Again Short Tight-lipped on Future
Uni Team Want Rec Crowd to Cheer Them to Victory
Front Row Duo Hit Comeback Trail

Shontayne Wants Happy End to Bath Career
Bath Trio Backing Local Clubs for Twickenham
Chance to Meet Bath Stars at Training Day
Bonus Point Lifts United to Third
Are Bath Ladies on th Up?

Bath Rugby to scale down plans for a new stadium

Bath Rugby is looking to scale down its plans for a new stadium at The Rec.

A consultation exercise has tonight been approved over proposals to formalise its use of the charitable land and allow for a new stadium to be built there.

Read more...

Bath Rugby needs you!!!!

Click the link below to fill in the Bath Recreation Ground Trust Consultation questionnaire
Consultation ends on: 10 Jun 2011

Details:

Consultation Summary
Name:
Bath Recreation Ground Trust Consultation
Description:
Bath Recreation Ground Trust Consultation. Consultation on the land use at the Recreation Ground.
Dates:
From 13 Apr 2011 at 19:00 to 10 Jun 2011 at 23:59. The results will be published by 04 Jul 2011.

Support Bath Rugby now.... 

More info on the Consultation

Bath V Quins preview - Bath Rugby ERE

As one of the main contenders for a place in Europe next season, Harlequins are a huge threat in Bath's drive for a top six Premiership finish. This weekend sees them travel to The Rec in a quest to concrete their league position. A home loss would result in Quins stretching at least four points clear of Bath in the table. A win for the blue, black and white would see us leapfrog into sixth place with a game in hand.

Read more...

The Bath Rec Ground Trust consultation launches

The Bath Recreation Ground Trust, which holds the Rec in charitable trust, is consulting on proposals that would accommodate the existing sporting and commercial uses at the Recreation Ground.
The proposals provide compensating land (the Lambridge Training Ground) to the trust, which will allow the Club to occupy more space for the development of a slightly bigger, but significantly better stadium. The consultation provides an outline drawing of land use that the Club believes would allow it to deliver the new facilities at the Rec.

Read more...

Bath Rugby's plans for the Rec revealed tonight...

West Country Tonight will reveal Bath Rugby's plans for its new stadium on ITV1 tonight (Wednesday), 6pm.

Peter Short eyes France move

Bath lock forward Peter Short is unsure of his future at the club and is considering a return to France.
The 31-year-old has been at the Rec since 2005, having arrived from French side RC Narbonne, and his contract expires this summer.

Read more...

Guscott on Bath Rugby's next 10

As Butch James is leaving Bath, who do you think will be the most likely replacement and who do you think Bath should sign?
Conrad Cronin-Webb, England

Hi Conrad, it would be amazing to think Bath could get a real class international 10 to replace Butch but it is unlikely given the salary cap. I remember Sam Vesty playing for Tigers a couple of seasons ago and doing a very good job. If he can recapture that kind of form, Bath will be OK until Ollie Barkley is fit again.
They will have to replace Butch but I'm unsure of the quality they will replace him with. Dan Carter would be amazing - or someone near that level.

Read more...

Bath Rugby to go to court for The Rec

Bath Rugby is to ask a court to rule that a 90-year-old document governing the use of its historic home no longer holds water.

The club is determined to get a clear legal ruling that it has the right to be at The Rec as it draws up plans for a new stadium there.

Residents in Gerrard Buildings who overlook The Rec say the club is in breach of up to three different legal restrictions by effectively running a business on the land.

Read more...

Sad sad news - David Barnes to retire!

Bath’s David Barnes has been advised to quit rather than run the risk of a possible catastrophic injury, six months after another leading prop, Phil Vickery, was forced to retire on medical grounds, The Daily Telegraph can reveal.

Barnes, 34, who has been suffering from numbness, pins and needles as well as constant weakness in his left side, had been considering playing for several more years yet will retire immediately after having the stark consequences spelt out for him by a leading Bristol neurosurgeon, David Sandeman.

Read more....

Hope he stays abit longer!

Butch James may well make his debut for the Lions in four weeks’ time when the team embarks on their overseas tour in the Super Rugby competition.

As things currently stand, any reinforcement will be welcomed for the Lions and that may mean that the Springbok flyhalf will soon be seen in his new jersey.

James (32) is expected to jet off to Johannesburg immediately after his last game in the English season.

It does not look as if his club side Bath will make the semi-finals of the English Premiership, which means that his league season will end on 7 May.

Read more...

Re-live a sunny victory at The Rec

 Photos from Bath's victory over Exeter Chiefs, thanks to Jamie Wright and Dave Beament

  



To view the full collection click on the Flickr link in the right hand side bar or click here

David Flatman: My revamp for the Rec? A smaller pitch and a booster seat for Mears

The saga that is the redevelopment of Bath's Recreation Ground has been going on for longer than I can remember. In fact, the oldest article on the subject I can find was written when I was just 11 years old (i.e. a very long time ago). Over my first five years at Bath, I must have been called to umpteen meetings where a "breakthrough" was announced. These breakthroughs usually consisted of everybody being granted 15 minutes of free parking at lunchtime or the confirmed removal of some troublesome clubhouse ivy.

Read more: Flatman - The Independent

Fun in the sun! Bath 26-18 Exeter

Match Reports

Bath Rugby 26 Exeter Chiefs 18

Bath Rugby recovered from a slow start to complete a victory over Exeter Chiefs but missed out on a bonus point after squandering several try-scoring chances.

There were plenty of opportunities for both sides in the first half but a combination of solid defence and handling errors restricted the teams to a try each.

Luke Arscott crossed after Gareth Steenson had kicked a penalty to give Exeter an 8-0 lead but Bath fought back with two Butch James penalties and a converted Matt Banahan try moments before half-time.

This Is Bath
ESPN Scrum
Chief's site
Yahoo
Bath Rugby Offy

Match Reaction

Director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan said that his Bath side's performance in the middle 40 minutes of the match was the key to beating Exeter Chiefs at the Rec.

Bath were 8-0 down after 20 minutes but scored 21 points without reply to set up the victory that keeps alive their hopes of a play-off spot in the Aviva Premiership.

However, McGeechan admitted that it was a slight disappointment not to get a bonus point after squandering several chances during the match.

"The pleasing this is that we scored three tries but I suppose the disappointment is that the bonus-point opportunity was there," he said.

This Is Bath - SIM

Hape... 'Still fighting for top four'

While the score-line from last weekend wasn’t quite as bad as that of the weekend before against Leicester, the result itself was just as disappointing. We really felt that the game was there for the taking, but for whatever reason we just couldn’t produce the performance required to beat the side who are currently sitting second in the Premiership on their patch. Read more...

Bath Rugby team to play Exeter tomorrow...

Bath Rugby team to face Exeter Chiefs

15. Sam Vesty
14. Matt Banahan
13. Matt Carraro
12. Shontayne Hape
11. Nick Abendanon
10. Butch James
9. Michael Claassens
1. David Flatman
2. Lee Mears
3. David Wilson
4. Peter Short
5. Danny Grewcock
6. Stuart Hooper
7. Guy Mercer
8. Luke Watson ( c )

 

Replacements

16. Pieter Dixon
17. Nathan Catt
18. Duncan Bell
19. Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe
20. Josh Ovens
21. Mark McMillan
22. Nick Scott
23. Jacques Boussuge

This weeks Chronicle articles on Bath Rugby

Livewire assistant coach Brad Davis is in line for a more prominent role at Bath Rugby.

With head coach Steve Meehan leaving the club at the end of the season, Davis is poised to receive greater coaching responsibilities.

Nothing is set in stone but an end-of-season review could well result in the former rugby league half-back assuming a more central role in day-to-day training.

 

Davis to Step Up After Meehan Departure
Cook Serves Up Derby Win For United
Meehan: Announcement Didn't Affect Result
Playoff Hopes Faid After Third Straight Loss
Flatman: Steve has Given so Much - We're Desperate to Perform
Competition: Twickenham Tickets Up for Grabs
Letters from McGarrigle and Inman
Letter from David Paynter

Bath Rugby to buy Lambridge training ground

Bath Rugby can confirm that they have agreed in principle to buy the Lambridge training ground land from the Bath Football Club Trustees.
Once the exchange has been agreed, the land will be gifted to the Recreation Ground Trust as part of an arrangement which would enable Bath Rugby to extend the space they have at the Recreation Ground for the development of a slightly bigger, but significantly better stadium.

Read more...

United do the double over Gloucester

Bath United continued their winning run tonight as they edged out Gloucester in a close encounter at Kingsholm. Final score 22-27.

Tries for United came courtesy of Kane Palma-Newport, Isaac Weier, Chris Lewis and Chris Cook, with Paul Roberts providing two conversions and a penalty.

Read more...

Play-off hopes fade as Bath Rugby suffer third straight loss

Saracens 20, Bath Rugby 9

Bath Rugby’s hopes of an Aviva Premiership play-off spot dramatically receded this afternoon as they lost their third successive match in uninspiring fashion.

Fifteen points from the boot of Saracens full-back Alex Goode and a try by wing David Strettle in the final play of the first half condemned Bath to a loss at Vicarage Road.

Bath’s points came courtesy of three Butch James penalties, but their attacking play was blighted by a flurry of knock-ons.

Read more...

Match Reaction

Steve Meehan insisted that the announcement of his impending departure from Bath Rugby did not negatively influence his players ahead of today’s 20-9 loss to Saracens.

The club announced on Tuesday that the head coach would be leaving at the end of the season by "mutual agreement" after five years at The Rec.

After watching his side sink to their third successive Aviva Premiership loss, Meehan said: “I don’t think it had an impact on today.

“I thought the effort was fantastic from the players and that’s always the premier thing you are looking for."

Meehan interview... read more

Sir Ian McGeechan has Bath play-off hopes

Sir Ian McGeechan is adamant Bath are still within striking distance of the Premiership play-offs, despite slumping to a third defeat in a row at Saracens.
Sir Ian McGeechan has Bath play-off hopes

Flatman: Nick hits the wall but proves he is rock hard!

I remember playing against Northampton in 2003 and going into the game with a specific opponent to target. Even as recently as then, "targeting" was a somewhat different concept from the one that exists today. About 20 minutes into the game, said dangerman gave me the perfect chance to introduce myself when he landed at my feet, under a pile of conveniently obstructive men. It was only when he got up and jogged back into position that I realised something had gone wrong. And it was when I saw my Bath team-mate Matt Perry lying asleep on the floor that all became clear.

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No salary cap increase means no Dan Carter for Bath

Bath's hopes of signing the New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter appear over following the decision not to increase the Aviva Premiership's salary cap to allow clubs to make up to two marquee signings.

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Barkley's new Blokey article.

If you’re lucky enough to have a beautiful home standing proud in a blossoming economy, then many estate agents will tell you that the value of your bricks and mortar is simply “what someone is willing to pay for it”. Completely uncommittal and not massively helpful if you’re trying to budget for a future purchase, but, for the lucky few, they’re spot on.

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Bath Rugby team to face Sarries

Kick off at 2.15pm.

 

If you can't make it to Watford, ESPN are broadcasting the game live, with BBC Radio Bristol also providing live commentary on Medium Wave frequency 1548 and on DAB.

 

Bath Rugby team to face Saracens

15. Nick Abendanon
14. Matt Banahan
13. Ben Williams
12. Shontayne Hape
11. Matt Carraro
10. Butch James
9. Michael Claassens
1. David Flatman
2. Lee Mears
3. Duncan Bell
4. Stuart Hooper
5. Peter Short
6. Ben Skirving
7. Luke Watson ( c )
8. Simon Taylor

 

Replacements

16. Pieter Dixon
17. Nathan Catt
18. David Wilson
19. Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe
20. Guy Mercer
21. Mark McMillan
22. Sam Vesty
23. Jack Cuthbert

Lambridge training ground to be sold in move to ease way for new Rec stadium

The owners of Bath Rugby’s training ground have agreed to sell it to the club in a move that could ease the development of a new stadium at the Rec.

Letters were sent out yesterday to thousands of former members of Bath Football Club, the organisation which was replaced by Bath Rugby plc when businessman Andrew Brownsword became chairman in 1997, telling them of the sale.

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