Bath Rugby head coach Johann van Graan has provided the latest injury and availability update ahead of their Round Six Gallagher Premiership match against Saracens. England centre Ollie Lawrence is confirmed to be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during autumn international duty. This setback rules him out of the upcoming league game against Saracens and potentially the first rounds of Bath’s Investec Champions Cup campaign.
The Gallagher Premiership leaders, with an ambitious push for European glory this season, will face challenges fielding their strongest side. Bath kick off their Champions Cup at home against Munster before traveling to Toulon the following week. French clubs have dominated the Champions Cup in recent seasons, with Exeter Chiefs the last English winners in the 2019/20 season.
Despite the absence of Lawrence, van Graan has several strong options at centre, including Scotland internationals Cam Redpath and Chris Harris, rising star Max Ojomoh, and dependable Will Butt. Ojomoh was recently named man of the match on his England home debut in a thrilling 27-23 win over Argentina, cementing his rising reputation.
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In addition to Lawrence, tighthead prop Will Stuart is doubtful following a late-game injury against Argentina, and flanker Guy Pepper is currently on leave in Dubai. Van Graan remains cautiously optimistic about Stuart’s availability but plans to assess him carefully.
The returning internationals are generally in good shape, with fly-half Finn Russell back to full training and Argentina’s Santi Carreras returning to Farleigh House after a standout substitute performance for the Pumas against Scotland.
Van Graan also highlighted the club’s progressive approach to player welfare, emphasizing the importance of allowing every player who participated in autumn internationals to have dedicated rest time, regardless of the number of matches played. This strategy aims to ensure players return refreshed during this intense stretch of fixtures.