In the first of our Gallagher PREM previews, we assess the chances of the 2025 champions following last season’s play-off semi-final defeat to Exeter Chiefs. Bath Rugby may have lost talismanic Springboks prop Thomas du Toit, but they still have one of the strongest squads in the league.
We’ll review each one Gallagher PREM and the United Rugby Championship team in preparation for the big start to the new season on Friday 25 September. Keep coming back The world of rugby for more.
Bath Rugby Discussion Points
Summer training for falling goals? A missed chance to drop a goal in front of the posts denied the defending champions a third successive PREM final, losing at home to Exeter Chiefs 27-26 in a shock semi-final defeat.
Whether Santi Carreras missed the mark or the Bath pack caught white fever, we’ll probably never know.
“We were prepared for relegation and we were ready to take it wide,” said head coach Johann van Graan. “In the end the decision was made to pick and go and I will support the team.”
It showed how difficult it really is to be consistent in this league. The deepest team unable to turn the home playoffs around will take a stab at the Gin & Tonic brigade, who will be hell-bent on revenge.
Bath embarked on their title charge without the world’s best hard-man. Thomas du Toit has headed home to South Africa to join the Sharks, a loss that would be completely unbearable for most. Fortunately, Bath have Will Stuart, Billy Sela and Archie Griffin to fill the void.
A key player
The immortal Ben Spencer has turned 34 but will remain the focal point of this Bath side. He is ying it Finn Russell‘s yang, provides structure and smarts both in offense and defense. Time will eventually catch up with the scrum-half, but don’t doubt another vintage season before then.
Ollie Lawrence will be eager to get back into Steve Borthwick’s plans ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup (Bob Bradford – CameraSport via Getty Images)
One to watch
Center Ollie Lawrence he has grit between his teeth. Once of Steve BorthwickMain men, he fell out of favor and was absent from the summer tests. He has just over a year to regain his place in England before World Cup. This could lead to fireworks.
Trainer box
The departure of Lee Blackett (attack) was felt last season. Bat’s attack missed an intangible that was probably provided by a man now in England. His replacement Martin Gleeson has also left, so Mike Prendergast arrives from Munster – Bath’s fourth attacking coach since van Graan took over in July 2022.
Bath 2026-27 prediction
Lessons learned. This Bath side returns to Twickenham in June.
Bath 2026-27 quotas
15-8
Vital statistics
Bath scored 40% of their attempts from the first stage last season – the highest percentage of any PREM side.
Dan du Preez will wear a swim top this season (Alex Livesey/Getty Images for Sale Sharks)
Bath Rugby signings
- Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors)
- Dan du Preez (Sale Sharks)
- Will Roue (University of Bath)
Bath Rugby ddepartures
- Thomas du Toit (sharks)
- Will Butt (Exeter Chiefs)
- Sam Harris (Exeter Chiefs)
- Alfie Barbeary (Saracens)
- Ethan Staddon (Bristol Bears)
- Francois van Wyk (Connacht)
- Chris Harris (Newcastle Red Bulls)
- Harvey Cuckson (Scarlets)
- Mikey Summerfield (Ealing Trailfinders)
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