Bath Rugby head of rugby Johann van Graan has selected a youthful and developmental team for the club’s first pre-season match of the summer, taking on French Top 14 side Perpignan on Thursday evening.
Continuing the tradition established during van Graan’s tenure, Bath’s squad embarked on an away training camp. This year, the players have been based in the south of France, culminating in the friendly against Perpignan at the Stade Aimé Giral.
Van Graan named a large squad to provide ample opportunity for players to gain valuable match experience ahead of the Premiership Rugby Cup opener against Sale Sharks on 6 September.
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Speaking before the trip, van Graan commented: “We are heading to Perpignan for our planning week. Over recent years, we’ve created great memories travelling to places like Spain, Ireland, Jersey, and Falmouth, so this year it’s Perpignan. After that, the international players will return, though none will be available for the opening weeks. We’ll assess how we perform against Perpignan and then proceed into the Premiership Cup. It’s a unique schedule, with the first round one week, then matches at Bedford and Glasgow, followed by the Gallagher Premiership curtain-raiser against Harlequins.”
With several summer internationals resting and key players recovering from surgery, the starting front row for Bath features Scott Kirk, Jasper Spandler and Kieran Verden. The second row consists of Will Jeanes and Ewan Richards, who will also captain the side.
The back row includes Jack Bennett, George Timmins and Arthur Green. At scrum-half is Ieuan Davies, who returns to Bath after a season-long loan at Cardiff during 2025/26, paired with Ciaran Donoghue at fly-half.
Bath’s starting backs comprise Austin Emens, Will Roue, Jack Harrison, Charlie Griffin and Jack Woods, with Woods making his first appearance since a hamstring injury earlier this year.
The extended squad includes 11 forwards and six backs set to gain game time, featuring new signings Dan du Preez and Declan Treacey. The match kicks off at 19:30 local time.
Bath Rugby Starting XV: Scott Kirk (1), Jasper Spandler (2), Kieran Verden (3), Will Jeanes (4), Ewan Richards (5, captain), Jack Bennett (6), George Timmins (7), Arthur Green (8), Ieuan Davies (9), Ciaran Donoghue (10), Austin Emens (11), Will Roue (12), Jack Harrison (13), Charlie Griffin (14), Jack Woods (15)
Replacements (alphabetical): Henry Arundell, Tom Carr-Smith, Dan du Preez, Ioan Emanuel, Dan Frost, Alfie Griffin, James Linegar, Isaac Mears, James Maloney, Ross Molony, Max Pearce, Miles Reid, Quinn Roux, Declan Treacey, Kepueli Tuipulotu, Harry Walker, Claudius Wheeler