Matt Banahan
Lock-turned-winger-turned-potential-outside-centre Matt Banahan looks set to be included in Martin Johnson's World Cup 30-man squad and in all likelihood will be used as an impact substitute during the campaign.
Despite being 6ft 7in tall, Banahan possesses deft hands which can unlock a defence at ease - just ask Northampton Saints after their trip to the Recreation Ground last season. After starting his career in the second row, it was Brian Ashton who saw the potential Banahan had as a winger. Under the guidance of Steve Meehan, Banahan flourished and made his England bow against Argentina in June 2009 - scoring a try on his debut in the process.
Read about the rest...
Thursday, 28 July 2011
England stars lend a helping hand
International stars took a break from their World Cup preparations to lend a hand at a rugby camp run by Bath Rugby's Olly Barkley.
Read more...
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Donald breaks silence, still hopeful of Bath move
All Black discard Stephen Donald has broken his self-imposed media blackout to confirm he's still pushing on with his move to the English club Bath.
Visa issues have delayed the confirmation of his contract with the Premiership side, but Bath are trying to get him a work permit - if the deal doesn't go through, Donald wants to remain at the Chiefs, and with Waikato.
Read more...
Visa issues have delayed the confirmation of his contract with the Premiership side, but Bath are trying to get him a work permit - if the deal doesn't go through, Donald wants to remain at the Chiefs, and with Waikato.
Read more...
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Finally a new PA system and big screen at the Rec :)
We will be installing a brand new PA system, ensuring that everyone in the ground will be able to hear our build up to the game, team announcements and player interviews all the way through!
In addition, from a visual point of view, we have been granted planning permission to install a permanent big screen which will be used for all our home games. It will sit in the North East corner of the ground, replacing the old scoreboard. The big screen will provide an enhanced match day experience for all our supporters, with a variety of activities planned on it.
Read more...
In addition, from a visual point of view, we have been granted planning permission to install a permanent big screen which will be used for all our home games. It will sit in the North East corner of the ground, replacing the old scoreboard. The big screen will provide an enhanced match day experience for all our supporters, with a variety of activities planned on it.
Read more...
Blues v Bath tickets now on sale
Cardiff Blues supporters can now purchase tickets for the first home match of the 2011/12 season, when the Blues take on Bath, on Friday 19 August, 7.30pm kick off.
The Aviva Premiership outfit finished 5th in the Aviva Premiership, and will offer a stern test for the Blues.
Read more...
The Aviva Premiership outfit finished 5th in the Aviva Premiership, and will offer a stern test for the Blues.
Read more...
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Bath Rugby Academy Players All Signed Up
Bath Rugby are delighted to announce their Academy squad for the 2011/12 season.
The Academy will comprise 17 fulltime members, some of whom made their Bath Rugby debut recently in the first round of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s series at the Recreation Ground.
Read more...
The Academy will comprise 17 fulltime members, some of whom made their Bath Rugby debut recently in the first round of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s series at the Recreation Ground.
Read more...
Bath Rugby partners with global design company
Bath Rugby have completed a new partnership deal with Herman Miller, the Bath and Chippenham based furniture design company, who will become an 'Official Business Partner' to the Club for the next season.
Read more...
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Welsh agree loan deal with Bath for Billy Moss
England Academy prop Billy Moss has joined London Welsh on a season long dual registration from Bath.
At 6’2” and 108kg 23-year-old, who is comfortable on both sides of the scrum, came through the ranks at The Rec and was given a taste of the Championship last season at Bristol.
Read more....
At 6’2” and 108kg 23-year-old, who is comfortable on both sides of the scrum, came through the ranks at The Rec and was given a taste of the Championship last season at Bristol.
Read more....
Monday, 25 July 2011
Exclusive: Lewis Moody (Planet Rugby)
Planet Rugby sat down with England captain Lewis Moody to chat about life in Bath, breaking records and World Cup preparations.
In a professional career spanning almost 15 years - including England's victorious 2003 World Cup campaign - Moody has had his fair share of ups and downs.
Read more...
In a professional career spanning almost 15 years - including England's victorious 2003 World Cup campaign - Moody has had his fair share of ups and downs.
Read more...
Sunday, 24 July 2011
England's Simon Shaw ponders one more season with Bath and Sir Ian McGeechan
Simon Shaw could be persuaded to squeeze one more season out of his battered and ageing frame to team up with former coach Sir Ian McGeechan at Bath.
Shaw, 38 on September 1, is in talks with Bath after the decision by London Wasps not to renew his contract. McGeechan was his director of rugby at Wasps before he moved to Bath.
Read more...
Shaw, 38 on September 1, is in talks with Bath after the decision by London Wasps not to renew his contract. McGeechan was his director of rugby at Wasps before he moved to Bath.
Read more...
Friday, 22 July 2011
Bath prepare Donald appeal
Bath are preparing to appeal against the Rugby Football Union's decision to prevent Stephen Donald from signing for the club.
The ex-Chiefs and New Zealand fly-half was denied a move to the West Country outfit last Friday on the grounds of his eligibility to play in Britain.
Initially it was thought that he had been refused a work permit by the UK Border agency but it has since emerged that it was the RFU who moved to block the deal.
Read more...
The ex-Chiefs and New Zealand fly-half was denied a move to the West Country outfit last Friday on the grounds of his eligibility to play in Britain.
Initially it was thought that he had been refused a work permit by the UK Border agency but it has since emerged that it was the RFU who moved to block the deal.
Read more...
Thursday, 21 July 2011
This weeks Bath Chronicle articles on Bath Rugby...
The decision that prevents New Zealand fly-half Stephen Donald from playing for Bath Rugby next season was made by the RFU, the Chronicle can reveal.
Reports over the past week have suggested that it was the UK Border Agency which turned down Bath's bid to bring the All Black to The Rec next season.
Read them now:
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
RFU set Bath Rugby deadline for Stephen Donald appeal
Bath Rugby have until August 12 to appeal against the RFU's decision to deny All Black Stephen Donald the right to play in England.
Reports over the past week have suggested that it was the Home Office's UK Border Agency which turned down Bath's bid to bring the New Zealand star to The Rec next season.
But the Chronicle has received confirmation that it was the RFU that made the decision on Friday.
Read more...
Reports over the past week have suggested that it was the Home Office's UK Border Agency which turned down Bath's bid to bring the New Zealand star to The Rec next season.
But the Chronicle has received confirmation that it was the RFU that made the decision on Friday.
Read more...
Bath Rugby's Heineken Cup fixtures
This year's Heineken Cup fixtures have been announced and Bath Rugby face a tantalising December double header against reigning European Champions, Leinster Rugby.
Read more...
Read more...
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Bath Rugby announces new Medical Partner
CircleBath have joined Bath Rugby as their new medical partner.
The partnership has been agreed for the coming two seasons, however, both parties are keen to establish a long term relationship.
The new private hospital, which opened in 2010 and is located just south of Bath, already has close ties with the Club as it shares the same sports medicine expert.
Read more:
Monday, 18 July 2011
Bath Rugby to appeal over Donald decision...
BBC Sport understands Bath are aware of the issues but are still hopeful the deal can be completed.
It is likely the club will go to appeal in a bid to get the decision overturned.
Read more...
It is likely the club will go to appeal in a bid to get the decision overturned.
Read more...
A message from Bath Rugby...
With the new season just around the corner and a number of exciting events planned for the summer months we thought we would take this opportunity to keep you up-to-date on all the comings and goings at Bath Rugby as we prepare for the new season.
Whilst the players were taking a much needed break, Sir Ian McGeechan has been busy masterminding his new ‘long-term vision’ for the Club, signing not only good and technically sound new players to the Club but also young blood who will sharply reduce the average age of the pack and commit to the long haul.
Although we had to say a fond farewell to a few players at the end of last season - most notably to Bath Rugby stalwart, Danny Grewcock, who retired from rugby after 226 appearances for Bath – we will also be welcoming a number of new faces to the Rec this season.
Dan Hipkiss and Kyle Eastmond will be adding strength and skill to the backs. England’s current favourite lock, David Attwood and his Irish counterpart, Ryan Caldwell are set to add athleticism and lineout prowess to the side. And in the pack, our most recent signing, South African Francois Louw, one of Samoa’s most powerful scrummagers, Anthony Perenise, and Youngblood, Charlie Beech, will be punching some power in the scums.
And please keep an eye on the Bath Rugby website for news of any further signings.
Off the pitch, work is progressing well on the new club headquarters and elite training complex at Farleigh House, in Farleigh Hungerford, and the players have now started pre-season training at our new home.
To date Bath Rugby has trained at venues dotted around the city but, under the new vision, all activity will now be concentrated at one site, the impressive Farleigh House. Bath Rugby took out a long lease on Farleigh House back in April 2010 and work is progressing rapidly to make the 120 acre site in Farleigh Hungerford cater for all of the players' needs. The gym, situated in the old chapel, will hopefully be finished in August and the new medical wing completed in October.
The players are already being put through their paces on the training pitch, which is set in full view of the main house, and progress is being made on laying a second training pitch whilst the all-weather pitch is now completed.
So with training now in full swing, season tickets on sale for the 2011/12 season, fixtures announced and the friendlies and 7s matches to look forward to over the summer we hope we will be able to welcome you back to the Rec for the new season to share in our excitement.
Please read on for more details on our pre-season calendar and information on our 2011/12 season tickets. In the meantime should you have any queries on any of the events coming up please feel free to contact us on 0844 448 1865 and we will be happy to help.
Whilst the players were taking a much needed break, Sir Ian McGeechan has been busy masterminding his new ‘long-term vision’ for the Club, signing not only good and technically sound new players to the Club but also young blood who will sharply reduce the average age of the pack and commit to the long haul.
Although we had to say a fond farewell to a few players at the end of last season - most notably to Bath Rugby stalwart, Danny Grewcock, who retired from rugby after 226 appearances for Bath – we will also be welcoming a number of new faces to the Rec this season.
Dan Hipkiss and Kyle Eastmond will be adding strength and skill to the backs. England’s current favourite lock, David Attwood and his Irish counterpart, Ryan Caldwell are set to add athleticism and lineout prowess to the side. And in the pack, our most recent signing, South African Francois Louw, one of Samoa’s most powerful scrummagers, Anthony Perenise, and Youngblood, Charlie Beech, will be punching some power in the scums.
And please keep an eye on the Bath Rugby website for news of any further signings.
Off the pitch, work is progressing well on the new club headquarters and elite training complex at Farleigh House, in Farleigh Hungerford, and the players have now started pre-season training at our new home.
To date Bath Rugby has trained at venues dotted around the city but, under the new vision, all activity will now be concentrated at one site, the impressive Farleigh House. Bath Rugby took out a long lease on Farleigh House back in April 2010 and work is progressing rapidly to make the 120 acre site in Farleigh Hungerford cater for all of the players' needs. The gym, situated in the old chapel, will hopefully be finished in August and the new medical wing completed in October.
The players are already being put through their paces on the training pitch, which is set in full view of the main house, and progress is being made on laying a second training pitch whilst the all-weather pitch is now completed.
So with training now in full swing, season tickets on sale for the 2011/12 season, fixtures announced and the friendlies and 7s matches to look forward to over the summer we hope we will be able to welcome you back to the Rec for the new season to share in our excitement.
Please read on for more details on our pre-season calendar and information on our 2011/12 season tickets. In the meantime should you have any queries on any of the events coming up please feel free to contact us on 0844 448 1865 and we will be happy to help.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Stephen Donald's future uncertain
Chiefs’ first five-eighth Stephen Donald’s deal with English premiership club Bath has fallen through, meaning that for now the 22-test All Black is without a home for next season.
Read more...
Read more...
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Steven Donald deal falls through!?
The Blues have made the most stunning signing of the offseason by recruiting Stephen Donald from the Chiefs.
He will fill the gap left by Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister, who are heading overseas, and will look to form a powerful combination with new recruit Ma’a Nonu next year.
Donald was expecting to play for Bath next season and a deal had been agreed with the English club. However, the move collapsed when he couldn’t get a work permit to play in the UK.
Read more....
He will fill the gap left by Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister, who are heading overseas, and will look to form a powerful combination with new recruit Ma’a Nonu next year.
Donald was expecting to play for Bath next season and a deal had been agreed with the English club. However, the move collapsed when he couldn’t get a work permit to play in the UK.
Read more....
Bath Rugby sneak into final of JP Morgan 7s
Bath Rugby squeezed into the final of the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series despite winning just one of their three group matches.
A superior points difference saw them edge out Exeter Chiefs, who will feel a sense of grievance after beating their hosts 21-17 in a thrilling finale.
Read more...
A superior points difference saw them edge out Exeter Chiefs, who will feel a sense of grievance after beating their hosts 21-17 in a thrilling finale.
Read more...
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Tomorrow nights 7s fixtures at the Rec!
Harlequins 7s v Bath Rugby 7s (7:30pm)
London Irish 7s v Exeter Chiefs 7s (7:55pm)
Exeter Chiefs 7s v Harlequins 7s (8:25pm)
Bath Rugby 7s v London Irish 7s (8:50pm)
Harlequins 7s v London Irish 7s (9:20pm)
Exeter Chiefs 7s v Bath Rugby 7s (9:45pm)
London Irish 7s v Exeter Chiefs 7s (7:55pm)
Exeter Chiefs 7s v Harlequins 7s (8:25pm)
Bath Rugby 7s v London Irish 7s (8:50pm)
Harlequins 7s v London Irish 7s (9:20pm)
Exeter Chiefs 7s v Bath Rugby 7s (9:45pm)
Bath Team for J. P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s at the Rec tomorrow night...
Bath Rugby 7s squad - KO 7.30pm
1. Will Skuse / back row / England U19
2. James Stephenson / back row
3. Joe Buckle / back row / England U18
4. Tom Baldwin / back row
5. Freddie Gabbitass / fly half / England U18
6. Ben Mosses / centre / England U18
7. Tom Heathcote / fly half / England U19
8. Matt Keyte / scrum half / England U18
9. Will Clemesha / scrum half
10. Paul Roberts (C) / fly half / England Students
11. Jamie-John Kilmartin / full back / England U18
12. Richard Lane / centre
This weeks Chronicle articles on Bath Rugby
Bath Rugby saw off a bid from arch rivals Leicester Tigers to secure the services of Springbok flanker Francois Louw, the Chronicle can reveal.
But the South African flanker says a "captivating" visit to Bath early this year made the choice between The Rec and Welford Road a straightforward one.
Click here:
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Francois Louw gets Luke Watson's approval for Bath move
New Bath flanker Francois Louw tells BBC Radio Bristol that departing captain and fellow Springbok Luke Watson approved of his decision to join the Premiership club.
Read more...
Read more...
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
It's finally on the Offy... Louw commits to Bath Rugby
Bath Rugby is delighted to officially confirm the signing of South African flanker, Francois Louw.
Hailing from Cape Town, Louw will join Bath in November, on a three year deal. The flanker has become an integral part of the Super Rugby Stormers side over the last two seasons, and has represented Western Province over 60 times.
Read more...
Friday, 8 July 2011
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Thursday's Chronicle articles on Bath Rugby...
Bath Rugby coach Brad Davis is warning there will be no silverware for the club next year unless his side ups its game at home.
But Davis is confident that his charges – who are now deep into pre-season training – are already forging the type of mentality needed to be champions.
Bath Fans See Somerset Falter
Rec Form is Key as Squad Shapes Up
Natural Leader Hooper Handed Captaincy
Mercer is Up for Sevens
Barnes' Baa-Baas Role
Skipper Embodies Style
Charity is The Winner
Week to Remember for Guscott and Co
Eastern Park & Ride Search Shelved
Workshop that Recycles Cycles is Celebrating
Learn from the Stars at Ollie's Academy
Players in The Picture
Backing for Rec Shake Up
Land Use Approval for the Recreation Ground - Bath Rugby statement
Following the completion of the public consultation by the Recreation Ground Trust, Bath Rugby are very pleased with the results.
Chief Executive, Nick Blofeld, said "The consultation came back with 86% of the votes in favour of our proposal for land use at the Rec, and we are delighted with the level of support that has been shown by the people living in and around Bath. We now need to start working up some ideas of what would work best for the City and the Club, beginning with a public consultation process that will shape what hopefully becomes a planning application in the next few months.
"The results are excellent news for the Club, and show the continued support behind us to hugely improve the Rec, not just for ourselves, but for everyone in Bath to enjoy."
Source: bathrugby.com
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
BRTV caught up with new captain, Stuart Hooper.
Bath Rugby TV caught up with Stuart Hooper after the announcement that he'll captain Bath Rugby for the 2011/12 season.
Watch now...
Hooper to lead Bath Rugby next season
Bath Rugby is delighted to today announce that Stuart Hooper will be the new Club captain for the 2011/12 season. Share
The 6' 5" lock joined Bath from Leeds Carnegie three years ago, and in that time has become an integral member of the squad, on and off the field.
West Country through and through having been born and raised in Devon, Stuart embodies the character, pride and determination that comes with pulling on the famous Blue, Black and White shirt. He made 26 appearances last season, starting every time. In total, he has played 87 times for Bath since he arrived in 2008, and has won the respect of the whole squad with his clever and effective line out work and outstanding work ethic.
Read more...
The 6' 5" lock joined Bath from Leeds Carnegie three years ago, and in that time has become an integral member of the squad, on and off the field.
West Country through and through having been born and raised in Devon, Stuart embodies the character, pride and determination that comes with pulling on the famous Blue, Black and White shirt. He made 26 appearances last season, starting every time. In total, he has played 87 times for Bath since he arrived in 2008, and has won the respect of the whole squad with his clever and effective line out work and outstanding work ethic.
Read more...
Monday, 4 July 2011
Cricket at the Rec tonight
If you hae not booked tickets yet for tonight's Twenty20 cricket at the Rec tickets will be available to purchase after 3.30pm on the gate.
A good crowd is anticipated for tonight's cricket match between Somerset and Essex. Tickets cost just £25 for adults and will be available to purchase on the gates after 3.30pm. These are available at the Riverside and Great Pulteney Street entrances. Please note it is cash sales only.
The Bath Rugby Ticket Office have a very small quantity of tickets remaining at just £20. These are available for pre-booking prior to 3.30pm by calling Bath Rugby Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865. Tickets booked in advance can be collected from the Bath Rugby Ticket Office today.
Please note there are a very limited number of tickets remaining for pre-booking.
Children's tickets are £3.
For those who have pre-booked tickets you can avoid the queues and enter from the Ringside 1 & 2 Entrance which will be ticket only.
The match starts at 5.30pm.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Huge support for Rec Consultation proposals
A summary of the results from the recent Rec Consultation has been published by the Trustees of the Bath Rec. There were 4515 responses with 86% stating 'Strongly Agree' or 'Agree' with the proposals (77% were actually 'Strongly Agree'). This demonstrates huge support for changes to enable the future redevelopment of the Rec.
Read more...
Read more...
Friday, 1 July 2011
Double the Challenge, Double the Bragging Rights!
Bath Rugby will face a double challenge from Bristol Rugby on Friday 26th August, as they take on their West Country rivals in a double header for the final pre-season game.
Read more...
Read more...
Full Bath Fixture list and TV coverage for the start of the season
September
3 Newcastle Falcons 6.30pm A
10 Saracens 3.15pm Sky TV H
17 Exeter Chiefs 5.30pm ESPN H
24 Gloucester 3pm A
October
1 Leicester 3.15pm Sky TV H
9 London Wasps 3pm A
29 London Irish 2.30pm ESPN A
November
5 Harlequins 2.15pm H
25/26/27 Worcester TBC A
December
3 Sale Sharks 2.15pm H
24/26 Northampton TBC A
January
1/2 London Irish TBC H
8 Saracens 3pm A
February
11 Newcastle Falcons 2.15pm H
18 Gloucester 2.15pm H
25 Exeter Chiefs 3pm A
March
3 Worcester 2.15pm H
24 Harlequins 3pm A
31 Northampton 2.15pm H
April
13 Sale Sharks 7.45pm A
21 Wasps 2.15pm H
May
5 Leicester Tigers 3pm A
Bath offered an early chance to test neighbours Gloucester
Bath will get an early chance to spoil Gloucester’s hopes of another 100 per cent home record in the Aviva Premiership next season.
The West Country giants meet at Kingsholm on September 24, Gloucester’s second home game
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