England international winger Will Muir will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 season after it was confirmed he requires surgery on a shoulder injury sustained during Bath Rugby’s Champions Cup semi-final against Bordeaux-Begles. Despite scoring two tries in that match, Muir had to leave the field in the 66th minute due to pain.
Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan provided an update during a midweek press conference: “Unfortunately, Will Muir’s shoulder injury is season-ending. He will undergo surgery later this week. It’s tough news for Will and for us, but injuries are part and parcel of rugby.”
Muir’s season has been disrupted by injuries, having missed the first four months after an ankle injury during pre-season against Worcester Warriors. Since his January return, Van Graan praised his performance: “Will has had a fantastic few weeks, excelling in aerial contests, defense, and finishing tries. He’s a highly respected figure in rugby, and we are all deeply disappointed for him. We will support him fully and aim to get him back on the field next season.”
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Despite Muir’s absence, Bath boasts strong options in their back three, including Joe Cokanasiga, Henry Arundell, Tom de Glanville, Santi Carreras, and Ciaran Donoghue.
There is some positive news regarding young Welsh international centre Louie Hennessey, who also injured his shoulder in the Bordeaux match. Van Graan hopes Hennessey will return to training by late next week or during the Bristol week (May 29), although a return to match play will take longer.
Max Ojomoh, sidelined with a knee injury since the league win against Harlequins last month, has resumed training and appears close to returning to action, though he may not be ready for this weekend’s game.
Prop Archie Griffin remains available for selection as the season nears its end. He plans to undergo elective surgery for a persistent foot issue after the domestic campaign concludes, causing him to miss Wales’ summer internationals. Van Graan commented, “The issue is on his foot, and we’ll manage it carefully to ensure the best outcome.”
In disciplinary news, lock Quinn Roux has received a three-match suspension, reduced to two if he completes World Rugby’s ‘tackle school,’ following a red card for a head-on collision with Henry Slade during Bath’s 35-12 loss to Exeter Chiefs. Roux will miss at least three games since his suspension starts once he is available, and having failed a head injury assessment (HIA), he will not feature against Newcastle Red Bulls this weekend. His next possible appearance could be in a play-off semi-final.