Bath Rugby is facing concerns over injuries to key players Will Muir and Max Ojomoh following their hard-earned 26-24 victory over Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park. The team’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, is particularly worried about the impact of these setbacks, given the demanding schedule of upcoming games for the ambitious club.
The injury to center Ojomoh is especially disheartening, as the team was relying on his emerging talent to compensate for the absence of Ollie Lawrence, who suffered an Achilles injury cutting his season short. The team’s wing position is also under strain, with Joe Cokanasiga nursing an ankle injury from two weeks ago and Regan Grace departing the club mid-season to join Cardiff.
Following the match, van Graan provided an update, stating, “They look like quite nasty injuries, to be fair. Will took a shot to the head. He’s fine now in the changing room. Max Ojomoh looks like somewhere between an ankle and a knee. Obviously, We will take our time. You know he’s been playing such good rugby at the moment. We’ve got Ollie Lawrence out already. We’re going to back the squad with Will Butt and Louie Hennessey to potentially come into the team.”
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He also remarked on the physical nature of the game, comparing the atmosphere in the changing room to a “war zone.”
The win at Sandy Park has propelled Bath to a 15-point lead at the top of the league. With aspirations of achieving a treble this season by winning the Premiership Rugby Cup and booking a place in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final, the team is now focused on maintaining their momentum. Despite the challenges faced during the closely contested match against Exeter, van Graan emphasized the competitive spirit and performance of both teams.
Bath secured their victory with a penalty try and touchdowns by Niall Annett, Josh Bayliss, and Will Muir, along with conversions by Finn Russell. Nevertheless, the team’s performance was not without its struggles, as they failed to score after the second quarter.
Looking ahead, van Graan acknowledged the importance of managing the team’s resources effectively, particularly as they remain active in two competitions. With their sights set on securing a place in the playoffs, Bath is gearing up for their upcoming matches.