The year 2025 marked a seismic shift in English rugby, as Bath Rugby, under the inspired leadership of Johann van Graan, achieved an extraordinary treble that reignited the city’s passion and pride. After nearly three decades of painstaking rebuilds and agonizing near misses, Bath emerged not just as contenders, but as dominators of the rugby landscape once again.
Bath Rugby’s legacy is steeped in glory. During their golden era—when they were often referred to as Bath FC—they dominated English rugby with relentless consistency. From their breakthrough victory in the John Player Cup final at Twickenham in 1984, sparked by a moment etched in history when Stuart Barnes missed a key penalty for Bristol, Bath turned the tide. Between 1984 and 1996, they remarkably claimed ten domestic cups, triumphing in every Twickenham final they contested.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw Bath thrive in newly structured league competitions, clinching six league titles, including four spectacular league-and-cup doubles. Leaders like Stuart Barnes, Andy Robinson, John Hall, and Phil de Glanville steered this era of dominance. European success came in 1998 with victory in the Heineken Cup, cementing Bath’s status as a powerhouse in club rugby.
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However, the years following this golden age saw Bath’s fortunes fade. Their trophy cabinet remained mostly silent except for a solitary European Challenge Cup win in 2008. Performance waned, marked by mid-table finishes and occasional playoff appearances. The nadir came in the 2021–22 Premiership season when Bath finished last for the first time in their history and endured their heaviest defeat.
Yet, from these setbacks arose a reborn Bath Rugby. On June 14, 2025, at the sun-drenched Allianz Stadium, Bath faced the formidable Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership Final. The match was a tense battle, but the brilliance of Finn Russell—league’s highest-paid playmaker—proved decisive. His keen interception and swift pass to Max Ojomoh, extending Bath’s lead to 20–7, proved critical. Despite a spirited Tigers comeback, Bath held on to claim a narrow 23–21 victory, securing their first Premiership title since 1996.
The city erupted with celebration as thousands of fans lined Milsom Street for a rousing trophy parade, stretching from Pulteney Bridge to the Recreation Ground. But this victory was only part of Bath’s remarkable story in 2025.
Earlier that season, Bath captured the Premiership Rugby Cup, a trophy they hadn’t held in 17 years, with a commanding 48-14 win over Exeter Chiefs. Shortly after, they lifted the EPCR Challenge Cup in Cardiff, dismantling Lyon 37–12. Thomas du Toit’s formidable scrummaging and crucial try cemented his legendary status.
This unprecedented treble—the Premiership Rugby Cup, the EPCR Challenge Cup, and the Gallagher Premiership title—was a triumph over decades of waiting and frustration.
As 2025 draws to a close, Bath continues their strong form, positioned third in the Premiership and leading their European Champions Cup group, signaling even more silverware could be on the horizon.
Off the pitch, the club is pressing forward with plans for a new 18,000-capacity stadium at the Recreation Ground. With planning permission granted and construction slated to begin in 2027, Bath’s future looks as promising as their celebrated present.