Bath Rugby have announced a strong 23-man squad, featuring several first-team regulars, as they prepare to host Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground in the fifth round of the PREM Rugby Cup pool stage.
Notably, flanker Ted Hill, lock Quinn Roux, and hooker Dan Frost return from injury, providing a significant boost to Bath’s lineup. Head of rugby Johann van Graan has opted for a rotation strategy, making eight changes to the starting XV that narrowly lost 17-19 to Gloucester in their last outing.
In the front row, Scott Kirk and Kieran Verden retain their places, with Frost stepping back in at hooker after recovering from a broken hand. Harvey Cuckson remains in the second row alongside captain Ewan Richards, who takes over the armband following his recent involvement with England A. The back row features Ethan Staddon and Miles Reid on the flanks, joined by Arthur Green, who impressed off the bench last week and earns a starting spot this time.
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At half-back, Tom Carr-Smith partners with Cameron Redpath, the Scottish international filling the number 10 jersey. Will Butt and Chris Harris are set to operate in midfield, while Charlie Griffin shifts to the wing at 11. Sam Winters continues on the opposite wing at 14, and veteran Tom de Glanville completes the backline at full-back.
The benches mix experience with youth: Tom Dunn and Francois van Wyk offer seasoned backup, while England A talents Vilikesa Sela and Kepueli Tuipulotu add energy. The forward replacements include Roux, Ross Molony, and Hill, with Neil Le Roux as the sole back replacement.
Sale Sharks also feature a familiar face for Bath supporters: former winger Regan Grace, who is currently on trial with the club.
Bath Rugby starting XV: 1 Scott Kirk, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Kieran Verden, 4 Harvey Cuckson, 5 Ewan Richards (c), 6 Ethan Staddon, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Arthur Green, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 Cameron Redpath, 11 Charlie Griffin, 12 Will Butt, 13 Chris Harris, 14 Sam Winters, 15 Tom de Glanville.
Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Vilikesa Sela, 19 Quinn Roux, 20 Ross Molony, 21 Neil Le Roux, 22 Ted Hill, 23 Kepueli Tuipulotu.
Sale Sharks starting XV: 15 Alex Wills, 14 Obi Ene, 13 Osian Roberts, 12 Joe Bedlow, 11 Regan Grace, 10 Ollie Davies, 9 Dom Hanson, 8 Reuben Logan, 7 Tristan Woodman, 6 Jos Gilmore, 5 Tom Burrow (c), 4 Patrick Hogg, 3 James Harper, 2 Ethan Caine, 1 Tumy Onasanya.
Replacements: 16 Tadgh McElroy, 17 Ralph McEachran, 18 Patreece Bell, 19 Huw Davies, 20 Seb Kelly, 21 Nye Thomas, 22 Toby Wilson, 23 Albert Bradshaw.
Match Officials: Referee Joe James, Assistant Referees Jonathan Cook and James Clarke.