Bath Rugby have unveiled a formidable starting lineup for tonight’s friendly against Championship side Bedford Blues, as head coach Johann van Graan ramps up preparations for the Gallagher Premiership return match against Sale Sharks next weekend at the Rec.
The squad for this fixture includes 38 players, featuring prominent first-team stars. The front row will see Beno Obano at loosehead prop, supported by hooker Tom Dunn and tighthead Kieran Verden. Quinn Roux and Charlie Ewels complete the tight five in the second row and back row respectively. Joining them in the back row are Ewan Richards, team captain Miles Reid, and Alfie Barbeary.
The half-back pairing consists of Bath Rugby Academy talents Tom Carr-Smith at scrum-half and Max Ojomoh at fly-half, showcasing the club’s commitment to developing homegrown players.
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On the wings, Will Muir and Joe Cokanasiga will provide pace and power, while the midfield includes Cameron Redpath and returning Ollie Lawrence. Santi Carreras starts at full-back, completing a strong and balanced backline.
This friendly match offers an excellent opportunity to provide game time to a wide pool of replacements, including notable internationals Henry Arundell and Josh Bayliss, both making returns to the Rec.
The game kicks off at 7pm, with tickets priced at just £5 for adults and £1 for juniors, offering fans an affordable chance to see their team in action ahead of the upcoming league campaign.
Starting XV - Bath Rugby:
1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Kieran Verden, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ewan Richards, 7 Miles Reid (captain), 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 Max Ojomoh, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Santi Carreras
Replacements (alphabetical): Henry Arundell, Josh Bayliss, Jack Bennett, Will Butt, Ieuan Davies, Tom de Glanville, Ioan Emanuel, Austin Emens, Dan Frost, Alfie Griffin, Chris Harris, Will Jeanes, Scott Kirk, James Maloney, Tyler Mason, Will Roue, Jasper Spandler, Mikey Summerfield, George Timmins, Kepu Tuipulotu, Bernard van der Linde, Francois van Wyk, Sam Winters.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15 Louis James, 14 Joe Hill, 13 George Worth, 12 Billy Pasco, 11 Dean Adamson, 10 Michael Le Bourgeois (Captain), 9 James Lennon, 1 Jamie Jack, 2 Tommy Herman, 3 Ben Griffin, 4 James Bennett, 5 Ian Evans, 6 Kayde Sylvester, 7 Nicholas Finch, 8 Fred Tuilagi
Bedford Blues Replacements: James Fish, Joey Conway, Monty Royston, Oisin Heffernan, Rory Ward, Archie Hosking, Tui Uru, Alex Day, Aidan Pugh, Lucas Titherington, Amena Caqusau.