Bath Rugby staged an impressive comeback to defeat Saracens 31-22 in the last-16 knockout round of the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup at the Recreation Ground. Despite a rocky first half where Saracens took an early 10-0 lead through a try from Charlie Bracken and an Owen Farrell penalty, Bath emerged strongly in the second half with vital tries from Henry Arundell, Joe Cokanasiga, Ben Spencer, Ollie Lawrence, and another crucial score by Arundell to seal the win.
The match marked Bath’s first home Champions Cup knockout fixture since 2002, and the pressure was evident as they struggled with handling and lineout issues in the opening 40 minutes. Saracens dominated early play, but Bath’s resilience shone through after the break as they adjusted their tactics, including introducing Thomas du Toit who helped win scrum penalties.
Joe Cokanasiga was outstanding, earning his best rating this season with dynamic runs, strong defense, and two pivotal tries—including a 100m counter-attack try orchestrated by Ben Spencer. Ollie Lawrence and Henry Arundell also delivered key performances, with Arundell shining particularly under the high ball and finishing strongly with a brace of tries.
READ MORE: Somerset Teacher Faces Losing Independence Due to Motability Scheme Changes
READ MORE: Bridgwater Sweet Shop in ‘Antisocial Hotspot’ Granted Alcohol Licence Despite Objections
Despite some mixed displays—such as Archie Griffin’s struggles at scrum time and Tom Dunn’s lineout disruptions—Bath’s collective effort in the second half was enough to overcome a determined Saracens side. Guy Pepper and Alfie Barbeary provided energy and tenacity around the breakdown and ball carries, contributing significantly to the momentum shift.
Bath now faces Northampton Saints in their first Champions Cup quarter-final since 2002, aiming to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2006. The team’s blend of talent and determination indicates they are ready for the next challenge on their European campaign.
Player Ratings:
15. Santiago Carreras - 7: Solid as fullback after a slow start, made key attacking contributions.
14. Joe Cokanasiga - 9: A standout performance; excellent offense and defense, his best game this season.
13. Ollie Lawrence - 8: Strong presence in midfield, scored a crucial try.
12. Max Ojomoh - 7: Effective carrier with growing confidence in attack.
11. Henry Arundell - 7: Impressive highball work and two vital tries to secure the win.
10. Finn Russell - 6: Energetic with sharp passes but errors cost early momentum; steadied in second half.
9. Ben Spencer (c) - 7: Controlled the game well and finished a key counter-attack try.
- Beno Obano - 7: Mixed game; yellow-carded but contributed in scrums.
- Tom Dunn - 5: Lineout issues hampered Bath’s rhythm.
- Archie Griffin - 3: Struggled at scrum time despite good carries.
- Quinn Roux - 6: Defensive work solid, but lineout destabilized by Saracens.
- Charlie Ewels - 6: Strong in tight exchanges with some impressive passes.
- Josh Bayliss - 7: Modest but consistent defensive work.
- Guy Pepper - 8: Disruptive at breakdown, improved significantly in second half despite a yellow card.
- Alfie Barbeary - 8: Powerful ball carrier who improved tackling and composure in second half.
Replacements also made valuable contributions, notably Thomas du Toit (8) and Francois van Wyk (7), helping Bath dominate the scrum and maintain pressure to close out the match.