Bath Rugby Emphasizes Squad Management Amidst Intense 12-Week Schedule

Head of rugby Johann van Graan has stated that Bath must “manage their players” effectively over the upcoming 12-week period, which features a demanding fixture list. This comes after his team’s narrow defeat in their initial European fixture last weekend. Bath is set to journey to Italy this weekend for their second Champions Cup group stage match against Benetton on Sunday. Following this, they will play three Premiership games during the Christmas season. The team’s schedule continues into the new year with a return to European competition and three Premiership Cup matches extending into early February. Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Van Graan emphasized the importance of player management: “I think it’s important we manage our players well, in terms of what the next number of weeks looks like.” He added, outlining the team’s strategy for the busy period: “We’ll use our squad, we’ll make some changes to the team, we’ve got 12 games in this block.” Currently, Bath holds the top position in the Premiership, having secured victories in five of their initial six matches. Nevertheless, they experienced a narrow 24-20 loss last weekend in their first European fixture against two-time Champions Cup winners La Rochelle at the Rec, played under torrential conditions. During this defeat, prop Archie Griffin sustained a shoulder injury, which Van Graan indicated the club required “more research” on. Additionally, captain Ben Spencer has been undergoing rehabilitation for a hamstring injury, with a determination regarding his participation expected later in the week. In terms of player availability, England flanker Sam Underhill has returned to training at Farleigh House, as has prop Beno Obano. Alfie Barbeary remains under observation as per return-to-play protocols, following a head injury. Van Graan further elaborated on the demanding schedule: “The Champions Cup is a big competition, we’ve got three big games in the Premiership coming up over the Christmas period in Newcastle away, Saracens at home Northampton away.” He continued, detailing the subsequent matches: “Then we’ve got Clermont and Leinster then we’ve got to go away without English players to Sale and three Prem Cup games before this block ends.” Van Graan concluded by stating the extent of their planning: “We’ve got to plan up to the back-end of January.”