Bath Rugby will welcome back two key players, winger Will Muir and number eight Alfie Barbeary, as they gear up for their opening pool game in the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup against Munster at the Recreation Ground on Saturday night.
England international Will Muir has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly against Worcester Warriors, which also ruled him out of England’s autumn internationals. Despite the setback, the 30-year-old has now returned to full training and could feature in the Champions Cup opener.
Bath’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, commented on the players' status ahead of the match: “Both Will Muir and Alfie Barbeary are available for selection this week. They have returned to training, and we will make our decisions as the week progresses.”
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Muir’s comeback gives van Graan a strong choice of international wingers alongside England star Henry Arundell and Joe Cokanasiga. Arundell made headlines recently with a two-try performance in Bath’s 36-29 victory over Saracens, while Cokanasiga also impressed on the right wing.
Barbeary, who injured his ankle against Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby Cup, reenters the squad to compete for the number eight spot. He will be up against recent standout performers Arthur Green and Miles Reid, though van Graan hinted at potential rotation for the lineup coming into the home fixture.
“It’s great to see players like Arthur Green stepping up with outstanding performances,” van Graan said. “But we plan ahead and rotate players to manage workloads and prepare for a demanding schedule.”
Van Graan also confirmed that players involved in the recent Autumn internationals will be rested over the coming weeks regardless of their playing minutes, to ensure optimal recovery and performance.
Last weekend, key players Sam Underhill and Santi Carreras were rested and could return for European competition. Additionally, Springbok Thomas du Toit, who recently engaged with the media, is expected to feature against Munster.
With critical players returning from injury and a strong squad selection ahead, Bath Rugby will aim to build on their early-season momentum as they take on Munster in this eagerly awaited Champions Cup opener.