Bath Rugby is entering a crucial stage with multiple injury doubts ahead of their Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Bordeaux Begles this Sunday. Club captain Ben Spencer leads the list of ‘touch and go’ players, alongside Scotland centre Cam Redpath, England centre Max Ojomoh, and imposing winger Joe Cokanasiga.
Adding to the list of concerns, exciting scrum-half Bernard van der Linde underwent ankle surgery this week following an injury sustained in their narrow 41-38 defeat against Northampton Saints on Saturday. Bath’s head of rugby, van Graan, provided an update on the squad’s fitness situation, stating, “Spencer, Redpath, and Ojomoh are all touch and go. Joe Cokanasiga also has a mid-leg issue. Bernard van der Linde needed surgery as soon as possible after the game, and we hope to have him back before the season’s end.”
Van Graan emphasized the resilience of the squad and medical team in managing injuries effectively, remarking, “This group continuously demonstrates exceptional commitment, and we trust whoever gets selected on Sunday will represent the squad with pride. We will have final clarity only after Friday’s training session, which comes after team selection.”
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With Bernard van der Linde sidelined and Spencer doubtful with a shoulder injury, scrum-half Tom Carr-Smith is expected to step up. Van Graan praised Carr-Smith’s performance against Northampton, calling it “exceptional,” while highlighting Isaac Mears as the next available scrum-half. Mears, only 18, recently signed his first professional contract with Bath and has experience captaining England U19s and playing in the BUCS Super Rugby league championship with the University of Bath.
Looking ahead, van Graan reassured fans that Bath has prepared for all scenarios. “Our training includes multiple situational plays throughout the year. Even if we face the worst case, we have players adaptable enough to cover positions they haven’t played before," he noted, referencing the strategic flexibility seen in the 2023 World Cup final. “We have faith in Ben’s recovery but remain adaptable to all possibilities. Injuries can either lead to despair or plans—and this group excels in planning.”