Bath Rugby’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, has laid out the club’s ambitions for the upcoming 2026/27 season across the three competitions they will contest.
Following a historic treble in 2024/25, the Blue, Black and White faced disappointment last year, exiting at the semi-final stage in three separate tournaments. Despite these setbacks, the squad remains strong, with minimal senior departures during the off-season, and van Graan emphasises the club’s primary objective is to secure a place in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs come May.
Van Graan spoke in a recent club interview, stating, “We understand who we are and recognise that we’re on a journey. Our aim is to compete strongly in all competitions. First and foremost for the Premiership, we want to be back in the knockouts. We are proud to have reached three consecutive home semi-finals and intend to make the play-offs again despite an expectedly competitive Premiership.”
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With a squad boasting 75 players this season, the Premiership Rugby Cup will serve as a key development platform. Van Graan explained, “My goal for the Premiership Cup is to develop as many players as possible.”
The club’s junior coaching staff will take charge during the Cup’s blocks, with Mark Lilley leading the first and Ryan Davis the second. Van Graan highlighted the importance of coach development and maintaining balance for senior coaches throughout the season. “Like the players, coaches must continually strive to improve. Providing exposure to as many players and coaches as we can in this competition would be a great success. The Premiership Cup holds significant value in English rugby, and there is no single correct approach.”
The Champions Cup remains the elusive major trophy for van Graan in his fifth year at The Rec. Although he did not explicitly declare it, securing this prestigious Northern Hemisphere club prize is a major focus, should circumstances such as the draw and injuries prove favourable during the knockout phases.
Bath Rugby will need to navigate Pool 4, facing Cardiff, Montpellier, the Bulls and Stade Français, with Northampton Saints as the other English representatives. Van Graan reflected, “The Champions Cup is unpredictable; how things fall is always uncertain. Nonetheless, it’s a competition we will evaluate at every round and give our utmost effort.”
Acknowledging the uncontrollable variables of the sport, van Graan described his measures of success for the season. “Is everyone a better version of themselves on and off the pitch? Can we adapt to significant law changes, including those affecting the maul, lineout height, and attacking team advantages? Injuries, unexpected wins and losses, and crises are part of every team’s journey. Over approximately 45 weeks until May, our hope is to perform well enough in the Champions Cup and secure a Premiership play-off spot by round 18, ideally playing Saracens at home. Above all, we aim to enjoy every minute of the season.”