By PG Tips
August 24 2026

Bath Rugby’s pre-season starts this week in Perpignan (more on that tomorrow), heralding the start of a crucial campaign for the club. The first bricks of the proposed new Rec stadium should be laid this coming summer, hopefully on an accelerated timetable and fans will hope for a return to honours after semi-final frustration in all 3 tournaments last season. So will we see continuing evolution of a dynasty to match the stadium ambitions? Let’s examine the chances.

In domestic terms, Bath’s main rivals would seem to be the “usual suspects” of last season- Northampton Saints, Leicester and Exeter Chiefs. The bookmakers certainly think so – although they have replaced Chiefs with Saracens. The champions of the past two seasons, Northampton and Bath will see the fewest new signings, which suggests another highly competitive season, potentially involving a new challenger. Could that be Sale, who have beefed up their pack with Nicky Smith, Tschiunza and Lawes as well as adding the spark of Lozowski and Marchant to their backline? Saracens have added the heft of Barbeary and Martin plus the guile of scrum half Tomos Williams: expect them to mount a serious threat. Outside these, Gloucester who have bagged two Wales captains, Lake and Morgan or Newcastle who have opted for a major rebuild (a “League of Nations” squad of experienced warriors) lie in ambush for any overconfident visitor.

The challengers therefore seem mostly familiar and van Graan will doubtless have planned his season strategy to meet them. What though of Bath’s own game and how should that evolve to meet this season’s challenges? I see 5 main points. 

1.         Tighten the Defence

For all the angst about wasted chances and predictable attack, last term defensive lapses hurt Bath the most. Northampton, Exeter and Bordeaux Begles all caught Bath napping at crucial moments. Whether it is system, skill or speed of thought, JP Ferreira has work to do.

2.         Broaden the Forward effort.

The departure of South African titans Du Toit and van Wyk gives Bath a challenge in asserting scrum dominance and will also affect the close quarter pick and drive game. The arrival of Dan Du Preez and hopefully the return of Jaco Coetzee strengthens the carrying options from the back row. With Reid, Green, Bayliss, Pepper and Underhill all fit Bath should have a variety of strike threats, so hopefully Mike Prendergast will find new ways of using their skills in attack.

3.         Broaden The Attack

That brings me to attack generally. Last season’s attack was predictable, not just in pick and drive, but also the emphasis on an aerial game to “win back” kicked ball. As these had been successful weapons in 2025, the most astute of Bath’s opponents found strategies to negate them. The answer is simple: variety and surprise. It will be fascinating to see what shape those take in practice. Over to you Mr Prendergast.

4.         Lineout Improvement

Stable platforms are essential to quick attack- whether scrum, lineout or breakdown. Bath’s lineout struggled at times last season and became a less reliable launchpad for innovative attack as a result. It is easy to blame hooker or jumper but the phase is a team skill. Notably the lineout was at its’ best when Charlie Ewels played. A strong alternative lineout leader is needed. A role perhaps for Ewan Richards?

5.         Half backs

Finally, trust in alternatives at half back. This was best illustrated at the end of the Prem semi, when a drop goal or pass to an overlap would have broken the frontal assault stalemate. Finn Russell did not play that day and an exhausted Ben Spencer had been replaced. More game time for Carr-Smith, Van de Linde, Carreras and Donoghue is needed to prepare them for these moments.

While all those need improvement if Bath are to shine, they are all fixable. Hopefully all have been comprehensively addressed in the off season. The above is not doom and gloom, just a realistic assessment of measures needed to realise ambitions. With a settled squad, a new attack coach and the boost of the impending Stadium rebuild, all at the club have plenty of grounds for optimism. Could we see the return of trophies this year? Let’s hope so. Bring it on!

REBUILD AND REVIVE: 2027 PREVIEW

Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 24/08/2026 11:33

Comeonmylovers.co.uk
24/08/2026 11:33

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