Bath Rugby’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, prepares to face his boyhood club, the Vodacom Bulls, in January, as Bath aims to capture the prestigious Investec Champions Cup. Last season saw Bath emerge as the top-performing English side, narrowly missing out on the trophy after a gripping semi-final loss to eventual champions Bordeaux-Begles.
Van Graan’s ambitions are clear: to go one step further this season with a squad carefully assembled for success. The competition format this year features single fixtures against each pool opponent, played either home or away. Notably, teams from the same domestic league will not meet until the knockout rounds, meaning Bath will not face Premiership champions Northampton Saints despite being in the same pool.
Bath’s Champions Cup journey kicks off at home against Montpellier, recent EPCR Challenge Cup winners and Top 14 finalists, in a newly scheduled October slot before the Autumn internationals. December brings a local rivalry as Bath travels across the Severn Bridge to take on Cardiff Rugby at the Cardiff Arms Park.
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January promises a personal milestone for van Graan with a trip to Loftus Versfeld, where he once served as a ball boy. Bath will face the Vodacom Bulls, who recently finished as URC finalists and are a formidable challenge on their home turf.
The pool stage concludes back at The Rec with Bath hosting Stade Français in what promises to be a decisive fixture.
This season’s format intensifies the competition: only the top three teams in each six-team pool will automatically advance to the last 16, while the four best runners-up across all pools will also qualify. This increased competitiveness means Bath must consistently perform at their best to reach the knockout stages in April and May.
Bath Rugby’s 2026/27 Investec Champions Cup Fixtures:
- Round One: Bath Rugby vs Montpellier - Sat, 17 October, 8pm - The Rec
- Round Two: Cardiff Rugby vs Bath Rugby - Sat, 12 December, 8pm - Cardiff Arms Park
- Round Three: Vodacom Bulls vs Bath Rugby - Sat, 9 January, 3.15pm - Loftus Versfeld
- Round Four: Bath Rugby vs Stade Français - Sun, 17 January, 5.30pm - The Rec