Sir Ian McGeechan in the frame to coach Lions in Australia in 2013

The Lions will appoint a head coach for the 2013 tour to Australia a month after the end of the Six Nations, and they have not ruled out Sir Ian McGeechan taking charge for a fifth time.

McGeechan, who first coached the Lions in Australia in 1989, said at the end of the 2009 trip to South Africa that he did not anticipate being involved in the game full-time four years later. He has since become Bath's director of rugby.

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Bath United team to face London Irish

15. Jamie John Kilmartin
14. Nick Scott
13. Ben Mosses
12. Paul Roberts
11. Alex Brown
10. Tom Heathcote
9. Chris Cook
1. Nathan Catt (Capt)
2. Max Anderson
3. Duncan Bell
4. Nick Morris
5. Jamie Collins
6. Tom Ellis
7. James Stephenson
8. James Tyas

Replacements
16. Jake Fields
17. Max Ashcroft
18. Kane Palma-Newport
19. Max Wilson
20. Sam Weier
21. Matt Keyte
22. Brad Barnes
23. Freddie Gabbitass

McGeechan: We were pretty average

Sir Ian McGeechan admitted his side had "no excuses" after Bath Rugby slumped to a 16-7 Aviva Premiership loss at Sixways.
A lame performance riddled with missed tackles, poor kicking and a misfiring set-piece ensured Bath left Worcester without even the solace of a losing bonus point.

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Don't bother reading this match report... :(

Worcester Warriors 16, Bath Rugby 7

Languishing just one place off the foot of the table before kick off, Worcester Warriors may be some people's tip for relegation. But on the basis of tonight's lethargic and unimaginative showing, it is Bath Rugby who are keen on doing an excellent impersonation of a side fancying a taste of demotion.

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Chris Biller Signs With Bath

World Cup vet and Eagles hooker Chris Biller has signed a short-term injury replacement contract with Bath Rugby in the English Premiership.

Bath are currently in the middle of the Aviva Premiership table, second to Leinster in Pool 3 of the Heineken Cup, and on top of Pool A in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. As a result of the number of fixtures Biller should be able to see time with the first team as well as fixtures with the Bath Reserves.

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This weeks Chronicle articles on Bath Rugby...

Bath Rugby have identified the man they want as emergency injury cover for hookers Lee Mears and Pieter Dixon and expect to conclude the deal within days.

Bath will not name their target until the deal is concluded, but the Chronicle understands it will be an overseas player of weighty experience.

Read all the articles now...

Bath Rugby team to face Worcester Warriors

15. Nick Abendanon
14. Olly Woodburn
13. Dan Hipkiss
12. Sam Vesty
11. Tom Biggs
10. Stephen Donald
9. Michael Claassens
1. Charlie Beech
2. Mark Lilley
3. Anthony Perenise
4. Dave Attwood
5. Ryan Caldwell
6. Francois Louw
7. Lewis Moody (c)
8. Simon Taylor

Replacements

16. Will Tanner
17. David Flatman
18. David Wilson
19. Stuart Hooper
20. Guy Mercer
21. Mark McMillan
22. Olly Barkley
23. Jack Cuthbert

Statement from Lewis Moody

Due to the coverage in the Times newspaper today, we feel it appropriate to publish Lewis Moody's personal statement in response. Lewis is a key part of the senior player group at Bath Rugby and continues to make significant contributions on and off the pitch, helping to keep us improving and to create a performance driven, winning culture here at the club.

"I have seen the stories in today's Times with their interpretation of the leaked post Rugby World Cup (RWC) reviews. Once again it is deeply disappointing to see players' feedback aimed at improving England rugby, and which we were promised would remain confidential and anonymous, being put in the public domain for political purposes.

Read the full statement...

Bath coach Brad Davis backs versatile Mark Lilley

Bath coach Brad Davis tells BBC Radio Bristol that he would be happy for prop Mark Lilley to deputise at hooker for their Premiership clash with Worcester on Friday.

Listen now...

Limited edition training shirts – You asked, we delivered

As a result of some constructive feedback and due to popular demand, we have managed to get our hands on some limited edition 'paint stripe' training shirts.

On Wednesday 23rd November they will go on pre-sale and will be in the shop on Saturday 26th November priced at £48.
Please note that these are a limited edition range and we expect them to fly out the door so make sure you place your orders as soon as possible! We will be holding back a limited number to go on sale in the shop.

Incorporating the classic Bath blue, black and white hoops but with a modern twist, these are the exact tops that the players use to train in and are made from 100% polyester, are short sleeved, free of sponsorship logos and come in adults and juniors sizing.

Make sure you visit the Bath Rugby online shop to pre-order your new 'paint stripe' training shirt on Wednesday 23rd November.

Bath to address hooker crisis

Bath Rugby's director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan will address the club's growing crisis in the hooker department sooner rather than later.


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McGeechan: It's the big one next

Bath director of rugby Ian McGeechan is getting ready to prepare his side for 'the toughest of all challenges' when reigning Heineken Cup champions Leinster heading to The Rec.

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Bath Rugby cling on against Montpellier in Heineken Cup

Bath Rugby 16, Montpellier 13

A plucky, backs-to-the-wall second-half display by Bath Rugby kept their Heineken Cup hopes alive as they squeezed home against a Jekyll-and-Hyde Montpellier side.

The French side – their international fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc in particular – appeared to do their level best to gift-wrap the points for Bath in the opening half, but fought back in muscular, doughty fashion in the second period.

Read more...

Bath Rugby's Heineken Cup pool updated...

Bath must up their game - Sir Ian McGeechan

Bath director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan tells BBC Points West that his side must "up their game" against Montpellier in the Heineken Cup after losing their opening match at Glasgow.

Watch now...

Bath Rugby team to face Montpellier

15. Nick Abendanon
14. Olly Woodburn
13. Dan Hipkiss
12. Sam Vesty
11. Tom Biggs
10. Stephen Donald
9. Michael Claassens
1. David Flatman
2. Ross Batty
3. David Wilson
4. Stuart Hooper (c)
5. Ryan Caldwell
6. Francois Louw
7. Lewis Moody
8. Simon Taylor

Replacements

16. Mark Lilley
17. Charlie Beech
18. Anthony Perenise
19. Dave Attwood
20. Guy Mercer
21. Mark McMillan
22. Olly Barkley
23. Jack Cuthbert

Life in the old Dog yet as Bath Rugby's Lewis Moody plans happy ending

The Mad Dog still has his bark. Reading Lewis Moody: My Life in Rugby, there are plenty of nips and growls, most of them directed at the ankles of the Leicester coaches who handled the contract negotiations that resulted in him leaving for Bath Rugby.

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Stephen Donald wants to bring back Bath 'glory days'

New Zealand fly-half Stephen Donald says he wants to help Bath recapture their "glory days".

The 27-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Premiership club in the summer and made his debut in the Heineken Cup defeat by Glasgow on Sunday.

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Injury blow for Bath hooker Lee Mears

Bath and England hooker Lee Mears is set to be sidelined for at least eight weeks with a bicep injury.

Director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan confirmed to BBC Radio Bristol that the 32-year-old had ripped the muscle from the bone in training last week.

Read more...

New Bath Rugby shirt for next season - have your say!

For next season Bath Rugby are introducing a traditional, 100% cotton, shirt for supporters. With this in mind they are keen to know if you prefer to have your retro shirt with or without sponsors logos?

Let them know on the Bath Rugby Facebook page

Ouedraogo expects Bath backlash

Montpellier captain Fulgence Ouedraogo is expecting an even tougher Heineken Cup assignment against Bath in Round Two.

Read more...

Guy Mercer and Dan Hipkiss reflect on the 'very frustrating' Glasgow game

BRtv got the thoughts of Guy Mercer and Dan Hipkiss after a disappointing result at Firhill against Glasgow Warriors in the opening Heineken Cup game.

Watch now...

Roberts to lead Bath United

Bath United team to face London Wasps

15. Jack Cuthbert
14. Nick Scott
13. Brad Barnes
12. Ben Mosses
11. Alex Brown
10. Paul Roberts (Capt)
9. Mark McMillan
1. Nathan Catt
2. Mark Lilley
3. Kane Palma-Newport
4. Will Spencer
5. Jamie Collins
6. Sam Weir
7. James Stephenson
8. Will Skuse

Replacements:

16. Will Tanner
17. Max Ashcroft
18. Duncan Bell
19. Nick Morris
20. James Tyas

Bath are under pressure - coach Brad Davis

Bath coach Brad Davis tells BBC Radio Bristol that pressure is mounting to beat Montpellier next Sunday after losing their Heineken Cup opener.

Listen now...

It hurt like hell to leave Leicester Tigers – Lewis Moody

Former Leicester Tigers flanker Lewis Moody has lifted the lid on the controversial contract negotiations that led to him leaving the club for Bath.

In his new autobiography, the 33-year-old refers to the conversations leading up to him leaving Welford Road after 14 years of service as a "complete joke" .

Read more...

Bath Rugby grab defeat from the jaws of victory - again!!

Richie Gray's stoppage-time try saw Glasgow Warriors upstage Bath and World Cup winner Stephen Donald with a stunning Heineken Cup Pool Three win at Firhill.

Tom Heathcote kicked six penalties before being replaced with 11 minutes to go by Donald, the New Zealand fly-half who was making his Bath debut and his first appearance since lifting the World Cup three weeks earlier.

Read more...

Bath Rugby team to face Glasgow Warriors

Matt Banahan returns to Bath Rugby's starting line-up for Sunday's opening Heineken Cup game against Glasgow Warriors at Firhill, kick-off 12.45pm live on Sky!

 

 15. Nick Abendanon
14. Olly Woodburn
13. Dan Hipkiss
12. Matt Banahan
11. Tom Biggs
10. Tom Heathcote
9. Michael Claassens
1. David Flatman
2. Ross Batty
3. David Wilson
4. Stuart Hooper (c)
5. Ryan Caldwell
6. Francois Louw
7. Guy Mercer
8. Simon Taylor

 

Replacements

16. Kane Palma-Newport
17. Charlie Beech
18. Anthony Perenise
19. Dave Attwood
20. Will Spencer
21. Mark McMillan
22. Stephen Donald
23. Sam Vesty

This weeks Bath Chronicle articles on Bath Rugby...

The Bath Rugby scrum-half is targeting a quick recovery against familiar opposition...
After a tough defeat, all you want is the next game to come around, to right the wrongs and get back on track.

Not only are the squad looking to bounce back from our loss to Harlequins for those reasons but we have the added carrot of this being the Heineken Cup.

Click here to read all articles...

Nick Blofeld rules out wholesale changes at Bath Rugby

Bath will make a maximum of four new signings before the start of next season, says chief executive Nick Blofeld.
Nine new players arrived at Bath for the current season, but Blofeld says there will be no similar turnover this summer.

Read more...

Bath Rugby's Stephen Donald ready for Heineken Cup debut

World Cup winner Stephen Donald and fit-again inside centre Olly Barkley could be pitched into Heineken Cup action for Bath at the weekend after taking part in training this week.


All Black Donald only touched down on English soil on Sunday, while Barkley returned to full first-team training on Monday after eight months out with a broken leg.

Read more...

Last chance to join 'Bath Rugby Inside Out' Sport Guru pool for the Heineken Cup

Come join the Bath Rugby Inside Out Heineken Cup prediction game on SportGuru! It's free and loads of fun. Just click on the link below and sign up using the username and password..

Bath Rugby Inside Out Sport Guru pool

Pool name: Bath Rugby Inside Out
Pool code: darthoop

Glasgow wary of 'Geech Factor' in Bath

Glasgow Warriors are setting their sights on reaching the Heineken Cup quarter-finals for the first time - but are wary of the "Geech Factor" when they take on Sir Ian McGeechan's Bath Rugby at Firhill on Sunday lunchtime in their opening Pool 3 match of the 17th tournament.

Read more...

Stephen Donald arrives at Bath Rugby...

Aviva Premiership Table - Bath drop to 7th...

Bath Rugby can't stop table-topping Harlequins at The Rec

Bath Rugby 13, Harlequins 26

Bath Rugby were unable to halt Harlequins' unbeaten start to the season as the Londoners made it ten out of ten wins so far this campaign.


Tries by Quins' ever-present captain Chris Robshaw and Mike Brown gave the visitors the spoils, with former All Black Nick Evans kicking 16 points.

Read more...

David Wilson and Ryan Caldwell look forward to the Quins clash

BRtv catch up with David Wilson and Ryan Caldwell to chat about the upcoming game with Aviva Premiership table toppers Harlequins and the Shirt Sponsors Dinner.

Watch now...

Bath Rugby team to face Harlequins at the Rec

15. Nick Abendanon

14. Olly Woodburn

13. Dan Hipkiss

12. Matt Carraro

11. Tom Biggs

10. Sam Vesty

9. Michael Claassens

1. Nathan Catt

2. Lee Mears

3. David Wilson

4. Stuart Hooper (c)

5. Dave Attwood

6. Ben Skirving

7. Francois Louw

8. Simon Taylor

 

Replacements

16. Ross Batty

17. Charlie Beech

18. Anthony Perenise

19. Ryan Caldwell

20. Guy Mercer

21. Chris Cook

22. Tom Heathcote

23. Jack Cuthbert

Quins to finally sink in Bath - Tipster

Bath v Harlequins
Bath to edge this. You'll get a decent price here and I think they'll have enough. They are trading at about 1.8 ish, which is just about value - avoid the handicap as it could be very tight. I'd be interested in selling short points here if can get on at under 45.5.

Read more predictions...

Bath Rugby's Matt Banahan faces Quins fitness battle

Matt Banahan was yesterday described by the Bath camp as "50-50" to appear on Saturday against Harlequins.

The inside centre/wing is battling to recover from a neck strain in time for the clash.

Read more...

Thursday's Bath Chronicle articles on Bath Rugby

An alarming brush with concussion has prompted Bath Rugby's Sam Vesty to call for the game's authorities to take action to reduce the number of head injuries.

Vesty, who is Bath's representative on the Rugby Players' Association management board, fears the game could be sitting on a dementia time bomb.

 

Vesty Calling for Action on Concussion Scare
Bath on the Up as Defence Sets Tone
No Backing for New Club Until Fears Allayed
Captain Shone at Madjeski
Good Evans Poses Threat to Unbeaten Leaders
Fans View: Rugby May Need to Emulate Football in Respect Campaign
Donald will Get Time to Integrate
Colossal Effort Paved Way for Win at Irish

Nick Blofeld gives BRtv a Bath Rugby Update

Nick Blofeld took time out from running Bath Rugby to chat to BRtv about Farleigh, the Rec and how the season has progressed so far for the team.

Watch now...