As the 2024-25 Gallagher Premiership season approaches, Bath Rugby is ready to build on their impressive campaign last year, where they finished as runners-up. This season, they’re determined to take that final step and claim the title.
Key Players:
At the heart of Bath’s squad is their star fly-half, Finn Russell. The Scottish superstar will once again be the key to unlocking defences with his creativity and game management. Russell’s offloading ability, ability to play at the gain line and box of tricks (especially with the boot) him one of the league’s most dangerous players.
Ben Spencer, the club captain, remains essential to Bath’s success. As a four-time Premiership and three-time Champions Cup winner, his leadership and experience make him an invaluable player for this young Bath squad. But perhaps even more important is his kicking game which is undoubtedly one of the best in Europe. Spencer will need to match his stellar performances from last season, which saw him recalled into the England squad, if Bath hopes to succeed this year.
But for Russell and Spencer to ignite this exciting Bath backline, they will need Johan Van Graan's forward pack to dominate. Team of the season prop Thomas Du Toit and former Wasps No.8 Alfie Barbeary are particular players that Bath rely on. Du Toit, with his experience and scrummaging prowess, was key to Bath securing solid possession at the set-piece last season, while Barbeary, when he could stay off the operating table, provided the much-needed explosive ball-carrying to get over the gain line.
Impact Signings:
New signing Guy Pepper joins the forward pack following a breakout season at Newcastle Falcons, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic and hard-hitting back-rower. Pepper's ability to disrupt opposition attacks and his relentless work rate around the field made him one of the standout young players in the Premiership last year and earned him a call-up to Steve Borthwick's England squad. His addition to Bath's squad adds another layer of physicality and aggression to an already formidable forward unit, making him a key figure in their plans for the season.
In addition to Pepper, Bath has reinforced their squad with several key signings aimed at boosting their forward pack. Ross Molony, a seasoned lock from Leinster, brings extensive experience and leadership from his time in Ireland. Known for his lineout expertise and work ethic, Molony will add stability and strength to Bath’s second row. Francois van Wyk, a versatile prop from Leicester Tigers, joins the front row, offering reliable scrummaging skills and depth to the loosehead spot behind Beno Obano. Meanwhile, Austin Emens, who joins the Rec-based team from Great Britain Sevens, brings a different set of skills with his pace and agility. Emens has the potential to add a dynamic edge to Bath’s backline, making these signings collectively a strong addition to Bath’s squad depth and versatility.
Potential Weakness:
However, there are some concerns about the squad’s depth. With 20 players leaving during the off-season and only 6 new recruits coming in, Bath could face challenges if injuries pile up. The team will need to rely on their academy graduates and the resilience of their core players to navigate the long Premiership season.
Ones to Watch
Watch out for powerful England U20 World Cup-winning star Billy Sela who will look to push Will Stuart and Thomas du Toit for a spot at Tighthead prop. Whether he can make it this year or not is to be seen, but Sela will be a future star both in Blue, Black and White, and potentially with the Red Rose, too.
Regan Grace is also one to watch this season. Although he is injured until December, we've seen glimpses of Grace for Bath last season which resulted in him earning himself a call-up to Warren Gatland's young Wales squad. But this season, if he can click with the rest of the exciting Bath backline, he could be a breakthrough star of the season.
The RIL Take
Bath Rugby is gearing up to take things up a notch this season. After coming so close last year, they’ve got the firepower to make it all the way. Johan van Graan has developed an underperforming Bath squad into a hard-working, exciting team to watch and they have all the hallmarks of a champion side. If they can keep their players fit and maintain the form that saw them go so close last year, they will be a tough team to beat this year.
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