Bath Rugby began the 2026/27 Gallagher Premiership season in impressive style, securing a bonus-point 33-17 victory away at Harlequins. The Blue, Black and White crossed the try line five times, with three tries coming from powerful driving mauls finished by Dan Frost, Dan du Preez, and Ewan Richards. However, it was Santi Carreras who stole the spotlight with a remarkable solo 70-metre try, following an instinctive volley interception that stopped a Harlequins attack in its tracks. Joe Cokanasiga also powered over for a try, while Finn Russell contributed eight points from four successful conversions out of five attempts.
Harlequins faced the challenge of missing key players Marcus Smith and George Furbank due to injuries sustained in their final pre-season game. Despite this, the hosts showed resilience, with notable efforts from Will Porter, Chandler Cunningham-South, and Pedro Delgado. Nevertheless, missed scoring opportunities hampered their chances.
Here is a closer look at the individual performances from Bath Rugby players:
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15 Santi Carreras – 8
Despite an early dropped aerial ball and some questionable decision-making running across the pitch, Carreras produced a moment of world-class brilliance. After missing a crucial tackle that allowed a Quins try, he redeemed himself with a stunning interception and 70-metre try, also preventing a likely Quins score soon after. His second-half contributions were solid, though he lacked further decisive moments.
14 Joe Cokanasiga – 7
Cokanasiga won possession from the kickoff and carried well throughout, powering his way to a try thanks to a brilliant line break. However, his tendency to flick the ball backwards from kicks sometimes led to turnovers, including one that allowed Quins to counter-attack effectively. He had some defensive lapses but scrambled well in key moments.
13 Ollie Lawrence – 6
Lawrence secured a crucial turnover but was occasionally sluggish in defence, allowing Quins line breaks near his channel. His attacking impact was limited, leading to his substitution with 20 minutes remaining.
12 Max Ojomoh – 7
Ojomoh made an important tackle to halt a Quins charge and contributed neat ball handling, though he struggled to penetrate the defensive line effectively.
11 Tom de Glanville – 7
Playing on the wing, de Glanville had a slow start, missing a simple tackle that led to a Quins try, but improved as the game progressed, displaying more comfort in the wide position.
10 Finn Russell – 6
Russell managed the game well, kicking four conversions and executing strong cover tackles. While not his most attacking performance, he showed composure under pressure and clever distribution.
9 Tom Carr-Smith – 6
Energetic and creative, Carr-Smith linked well with Carreras and produced an assist for Cokanasiga’s try. However, inconsistent box kicking offered Quins easier possession.
1 Beno Obano – 7
Obano showcased solid scrummaging technique, earning several penalties for Bath.
2 Dan Frost – 7
Frost’s lineout was uneven, but when successful, it created opportunities, including a driving maul try just before half-time.
3 Will Stuart – 7
Making his first competitive appearance since December 2025, Stuart was influential in the scrum and defence, notably holding up Quins over the line, despite conceding a penalty earlier.
4 Ted Hill – 7
Hill was omnipresent, making strong tackles and counter-attacks before his substitution, after which Bath’s lineout struggled.
5 Charlie Ewels – 7
Ewels led from the front with impactful tackles, though the lineout saw some inconsistency.
6 Josh Bayliss – 8
Bayliss was energetic and effective in the pack, providing vital defensive interventions and maintaining a high work rate.
7 Sam Underhill – 7
Underhill made significant defensive contributions and nearly scored a try before an unfortunate drop. He was forced off early in the second half with a biceps injury.
8 Dan du Preez – 7
The Premiership debutant scored the opening try but showed occasional lapses in handling and mobility. He improved in the second half with solid carries.
Replacements:
16 Kepueli Tuipulotu – 4
The hooker struggled with lineout throws and dropped a crucial ball near the try line.
17 Scott Kirk – 6
Kirk held firm in the scrum and made some powerful ball carries.
18 Archie Griffin – 6
Griffin contributed well in loose play and scrummaging.
19 Ewan Richards – 6
Richards scored a vital try after coming off the bench.
20 Guy Pepper – 6
A steady performance despite not being at his best.
21 Bernard van der Linde – N/A
Impressive pace and sharpness off the bench, though a few moments lacked control.
22 Cameron Redpath – 6
Improved Bath’s defensive organisation after entering the game.
23 Miles Reid – 7
Reid’s power and energy off the bench were influential in limiting Quins’ attacking opportunities.