Johann van Graan has heaped praise on Louie Hennessey, the promising young talent who impressed Wales head coach Steve Tandy during Bath’s final Premiership game before the Six Nations.
Hennessey put Bath ahead early in their thrilling 30-26 victory over West Country rivals Gloucester at Kingsholm, scoring his first Premiership try of the season. His try was not only the fastest for Bath this campaign, crossing the line in under three minutes with a signature ‘Ash splash’ celebration that captured the crowd’s attention.
Typically a centre, 21-year-old Hennessey started on the wing in this derby clash, showcasing his versatility and making a compelling case for his spot in Wales’ Six Nations squad. Having already been included in previous training camps and autumn call-ups, his performances continue to strengthen his credentials.
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Bath’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, lauded Hennessey’s dedication and impact: “Louie is one of our best trainers. He’s coming through the system now and you can’t ignore him.”
Reflecting on the winger’s season, Van Graan highlighted his impressive try-scoring feats, including one in the Premiership Cup and another spectacular effort in the Champions Cup against Toulon. “Last month, he ran a fantastic line to score our fourth try,” van Graan recallled.
Hennessey has steadily become a mainstay in Bath’s top-level squad, featuring against Leicester Tigers, Newcastle Falcons, and Exeter Chiefs this season. Van Graan noted his consistent performances: “He played on the wing against Newcastle and was outstanding. Coming off the bench against Exeter, he created significant openings for his teammates.”
In the Gloucester game, Hennessey’s adaptability stood out, winning crucial aerial duels and shifting seamlessly from wing to centre, bolstering Bath’s attacking options. This positional flexibility is increasingly valuable in modern rugby, particularly with the rise of the 6/2 split in backline formations.
Van Graan emphasized this point, saying: “He’s got a big future ahead of him. His ability to cover wing and centre roles gives him a genuine chance of earning his first cap for Wales during the Six Nations.”
Bath’s strategy of nurturing young talent is evident with players like Hennessey, Arthur Green, Ethan Staddon, Kepi Tuipulotu, and Billy Sela stepping up. Van Graan praised the club’s development pathway: “These guys are pushing through, and that’s the sign of a good system.”
As Bath continues to blend youth with experience, Hennessey aims to capitalize on his recent form to make his long-awaited Wales debut, supporting Tandy’s team in their bid to improve on past Six Nations performances.