Bath Rugby is grappling with injuries to several pivotal players ahead of Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Bordeaux-Bègles at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Métropole. Club captain and scrum-half Ben Spencer remains a major doubt, described as ‘touch and go’ for the decisive match.
Among those uncertain are scrum-half Spencer, Scotland centre Cam Redpath, England centre Max Ojomoh, and towering winger Joe Cokanasiga. Meanwhile, promising scrum-half Bernard van der Linde underwent ankle surgery following the intense 41-38 defeat to Northampton Saints last Saturday and is expected to be sidelined for the upcoming encounter.
Bath’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, provided the latest on his squad’s fitness: “I’d say Spencer, Redpath, and Ojomoh are all touch and go. Joe Cokanasiga is also doubtful due to a mid-leg issue. Bernard van der Linde was operated on Monday morning after Saturday’s game because we want him back as soon as possible, hopefully before season’s end.”
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Van Graan expressed confidence in the team’s resilience and versatility, highlighting a strong squad mentality that has consistently returned players to full fitness over nearly four years. “We back our squad. Whoever is selected for Sunday will represent the group with pride,” he stated. The final injury assessment will come after Friday’s training session, even after team announcements have been made.
With Spencer’s shoulder injury and van der Linde’s surgery ruling him out, Tom Carr-Smith could be thrust into a starting role at scrum-half. Following the recent departure of Neil le Roux, options in this position are limited. “Tom Carr-Smith was exceptional against Northampton, and Isaac Mears, whom we’ve brought back from England Students, is also in the group,” van Graan noted.
Eighteen-year-old Mears, who recently signed his first professional contract with Bath, has yet to make a senior appearance. He captained England U19 in a friendly against Japan High Schools and plays for the University of Bath’s BUCS Super Rugby championship team.
Van Graan reassured fans that the team has prepared for various scenarios. “We run multiple situational plays throughout the year so that in a worst-case scenario, we can adapt—even if someone plays out of position. Remember the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, where the Springboks chose to go without a scrum-half on the bench. We have many options and flexibility.”
He concluded with a testament to the squad’s mindset: “We have faith that Ben will be fine for the weekend. Injuries can lead to two reactions: feeling sorry for yourself or making a plan. This group excels at making plans and adapting to challenges.”