Bath Rugby faces the start of the 2026/27 Gallagher Premiership season without several key players, including captain and England scrum-half Ben Spencer, who continues to recover from shoulder surgery he underwent during the off-season.
The club’s head of medical services, Rory Murray, released an official injury update after the first phase of pre-season training. Several squad members, including centre Louie Hennessey, winger Will Muir, flanker Sam Underhill, hooker Tom Dunn, and full-back Tom de Glanville, all underwent shoulder surgeries following the 2025/26 campaign. These players are currently undergoing rehabilitation with the medical team and are expected to be ready for the new season, although precise return dates have not been confirmed.
Regarding Ben Spencer, Murray stated that the England international had surgery to address a long-standing shoulder issue following England’s summer tour. Spencer will miss the opening rounds of the Gallagher Premiership and is anticipated to return later in the autumn.
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Wales international tighthead prop Archie Griffin is also on the mend, with an expected return from toe surgery slated for before the Autumn internationals, within the opening block of the 2026/27 season.
In more positive news, England tighthead prop Will Stuart has fully recovered from an Achilles injury sustained in December 2025 and has resumed full training ahead of the season’s start.
Conversely, England loosehead prop Beno Obano remains in recovery from a significant hamstring strain suffered in July against South Africa, which prematurely ended his summer tour. He is currently working closely with the medical staff and preparing for the season ahead.
Within the back row, South African number eight Jaco Coetzee has also returned to full team training after recovering from an ACL injury sustained in 2025, and is expected to be available for the upcoming season.
Among other squad members, full-back Jack Woods has made a full recovery following hamstring surgery on an injury incurred with Wales during the 2026 U20 Six Nations.
Flanker Thompson, who suffered an ACL injury in the Premiership Rugby Cup fixture against Bristol Bears in February 2026, has returned to light team training and is anticipated to be available for selection during the Autumn Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures.
While Bath Rugby faces some setbacks with key players still recovering, the medical update indicates promising progress among several squad members ahead of the new season.