Bath Rugby will be without several key players for their upcoming Gallagher Premiership clash against Exeter Chiefs this Saturday. Centre Max Ojomoh is sidelined with a calf injury sustained during last weekend’s match but is expected to return sooner than initially feared. Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, shared optimistic news following medical scans, indicating Ojomoh could be fit to play again within a few weeks.
“Max’s injury is not as serious as first thought,” van Graan said at the midweek press conference. “He’s a crucial member of our squad, and although he won’t feature this weekend, we anticipate his return relatively quickly.”
Ojomoh’s condition is particularly important ahead of the 2026 Six Nations, where he is expected to add to his England caps after a standout performance against Argentina during the Autumn Internationals.
READ MORE: £15 Million Revamp Plans Submitted for Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre, Work Set to Start Next Financial Year
READ MORE: Major Multi-Vehicle Crash Halts Traffic on M5
Bath will also miss fullback Tom de Glanville and locks Charlie Ewels and Ewan Richards against the Chiefs. De Glanville suffered a calf contusion following a high-impact collision with the post during a previous game, ruling him out for several weeks. Van Graan emphasized the seriousness of the incident and the importance of player safety. “Tom’s injury is painful, but thankfully it’s less severe than initially feared,” he explained. “This collision highlights why post protectors are essential in our sport.”
The outlook is more troubling for England international and former Bath captain Charlie Ewels, who is sidelined with a leg infection. Ewels withdrew from a recent Champions Cup game due to this issue and will remain out for an extended period following specialist evaluations. Van Graan expressed the significance of his absence: “Charlie is a vital presence on and off the field. His health is our priority, and we hope for a full recovery in time.”
Adding to Bath’s injury challenges, Ewan Richards remains unavailable after suffering an ankle injury in the win against Newcastle before Christmas. Recovery is ongoing, with hopes for his return during the latter part of the week.
On a positive note, van Graan confirmed that scrum-half Bernard van der Linde, winger Will Muir, and number eight Alfie Barbeary have been training strongly this week and are in contention to play against Exeter Chiefs. Their fitness could provide a boost as Bath aims to strengthen their position in the tightly contested Gallagher Premiership.