Bath Rugby eyes title despite fifth-place start
Coach Johann van Graan says Bath remains competitive for the Premiership crown after a win over Sale Sharks.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Bath Rugby sits in fifth place in the Gallagher Premiership, yet head of rugby Johann van Graan believes the squad is well positioned to contest the title when the season resumes.
The club finished the pre-break stretch with a 36-28 victory over Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground on Saturday. The result snapped a three-game losing streak across all competitions.
Bath currently holds 16 points, tied with second-place Gloucester, third-place Northampton Saints, and fourth-place Saracens. Bristol Bears trail that group by one point and one position.
Van Graan noted that the league features ten strong teams and emphasized the need to secure points in home fixtures. Bath has collected 10 points from their two home games in the current block.
"All things considered, we're on 16 points, five points away from first, and that is satisfying," Van Graan said.
The coach praised the team's clinical finishing in the win against Sale, noting they converted opportunities effectively while maintaining physical balance. He highlighted a penalty try scored while two players were down for treatment as evidence of squad energy.
Miles Reid earned the club's in-house player of the match award for his performance at number eight. Van Graan described Reid's 80-minute display as excellent, particularly against the Curry brothers at the breakdown.
Injuries have affected the squad this season. Santi Carreras was confirmed to have ruptured his ACL against Gloucester and will be out for the season. Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper are also unavailable.
The team welcomed back Tom de Glanville from injury, with Van Graan calling him a rock for the club in recent years. Henry Arundell made his first league appearance of the season, showcasing the pace that prompted his signing.
Van Graan stated the club treats the Premiership Cup during the autumn internationals as a development competition. Senior players will get limited minutes while others join national squads for England, Wales, Scotland, or Italy.
Bath travels to Exeter next week for Round Two of the Premiership Cup. The team lost its opening cup game to Sale Sharks in September.
