Bath Rugby will begin the new Gallagher Premiership season short of options at loosehead prop after summer signing Jamie Bhatti was ruled out of Friday night’s league opener against Harlequins due to a broken arm.
Bhatti, a Scottish international, rejoined Bath this summer from Glasgow Warriors. This marks his second spell at the club, having previously been on loan from Edinburgh during the Covid-affected 2020/21 season as injury cover.
The injury occurred during Bath’s 53-5 pre-season friendly win over Glasgow Warriors, just ten minutes after Bhatti came on as a replacement for Beno Obano, who was himself returning from a hamstring injury sustained on England duty in the Nations Championship.
READ MORE: No further action after police fraud investigation into Glastonbury regeneration project
READ MORE: Somerset Seek Leicestershire Favour to Keep County Championship Hopes Alive
Bhatti shared an X-ray image on his Instagram to confirm the injury, commenting, “Cracking start to the season.”
The 33-year-old was signed by Bath’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, to fill the gap left by South African Francois van Wyk, who departed for Connacht Rugby over the summer. With Bhatti sidelined, van Graan faces limited options in the front row.
Thomas du Toit, who can operate on both sides of the scrum but also moved on this summer, is no longer available, leaving the squad to rely heavily on Beno Obano and academy graduate Scott Kirk in the coming weeks. Kirk, a former England U20s international, has impressed during pre-season and gained valuable experience in the Premiership Rugby Cup over recent years.
Additionally, Bath recently announced that 21-year-old loosehead prop Ioan Immanuel, a former Wales U20s international, has joined Cardiff Rugby on a season-long loan. However, van Graan may now consider recalling Immanuel to bolster the squad. Depending on salary cap allowances, the club might also explore the transfer market to strengthen the front row ahead of the campaign.