Johann van Graan, Bath Rugby’s head of rugby, remains focused and optimistic as his team prepares to face Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership final. Despite a 17-year wait since their last league title, van Graan stresses that his squad is not burdened by expectation but inspired by the club’s rich and “incredible” history.
Bath secured their spot at the Allianz Stadium by finishing 11 points ahead of Leicester at the top of the regular season table and defeating Bristol in the semi-finals. Last year, Bath narrowly missed out on the title, losing 25-21 to Northampton. However, this season has already brought the club significant success, with Bath winning both the Premiership Rugby Cup and the European Challenge Cup, ending a long trophy drought.
The club’s last league triumph came in 1996, edging Leicester Tigers by one point during a decade of dominance in English rugby’s top flight. Van Graan, who joined Bath ahead of the 2022/23 season from Munster, acknowledges and respects the club’s storied past but insists his team is focused on forging their own legacy.
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“When I joined Bath, I saw a club with an amazing history, especially through the 1980s and 90s,” van Graan said. “But since July 2022, we’ve treated it like a fresh start, building a new journey together with the support of our incredible fans. This isn’t about the past — it’s about what this group can achieve now.”
Bath’s commanding 43-15 victory over Leicester back in May, which included seven tries, plus a win at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, gives van Graan confidence. Yet, he cautions against complacency, with famous moments looming: Saturday’s final will be the farewell for Leicester coach Michael Cheika and club legends Dan Cole and Ben Youngs.
“A final is unlike any other game,” van Graan said. “You study everything, but ultimately it’s about our performance and delivering on the day. We’re focusing on improving ourselves and trusting our proven process.”
Van Graan confirmed two changes to the starting fifteen from the semi-final lineup, with Thomas du Toit joining the front row and Miles Reid slotting in at number eight. The backline remains unchanged, with captain Ben Spencer at scrum-half and Finn Russell at fly-half.
Bath’s players and fans alike now look to a historic treble—the Premiership Rugby Cup, European Challenge Cup, and the Gallagher Premiership title—to crown a remarkable season and add a new chapter to Bath Rugby’s illustrious history.