IN.ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. THE COMING SEASON

“In-All-In-All The Time”, Johann van Graan’s  mantra was the theme of Bath’s most successful season for 29 Years. The phrase characterised the attitude of the whole squad in an unprecedented treble winning season. It also neatly captures the  delighted response of Bath’s loyal fans. Now, on the brink of the 2026 season, with last year’s squad reinforced with stardust, can they look forward to repeat success?

Bath’s fans have known more of frustration or despair than triumph for many years. That of course made the 2025 season trophy haul all the sweeter. The faithful though should beware letting long suffering patience turn to entitled expectation. Van Graan’s message is about the full-on commitment needed to earn trophies, from the stellar marquee signing to the most novice squad member. So, imbued with the right work ethic and guided by a united and complimentary coaching team, can Bath do it again?

Every other club will of course be chasing the same spoils. Losing finalists Leicester have recruited fresh young blood for their front five, plus new fly halves- Wallaby James O’Connor and former Bath pivot Orlando Bailey. Their most significant signing though is likely to be new DOR Geoff Parling, fresh from coaching Australia’s forwards against the Lions. Expect him to fashion a team in the Tigers’ tradition, gnarly, pragmatic and aggressive. They will be out to go one better this season. So too Sale Sharks, who have only one title to their credit. Their no-nonsense defence stunned Bristol last year -a  38-0 thrashing at Ashton Gate. They will at minimum spoil somebody’s party and could be contenders themselves.

Bristol, often a bogey team for Bath, have added Louis Rees-Zammit and Scottish international Tom Jordan to an already dashing backline. If they can sustain the frenetic, sweeping attack that Pat Lam favours they will shred a few defences and reputations. They will be the sternest of challengers. Much will depend on whether they can continue to win the quick breakdown ball their style is built on. Other challengers could be Northampton who, reduced by the departure of several senior forwards and a rash of backline injuries, could not sustain their champion form of 2024. Now reinforced they will press hard. Saracens are rebuilding, as are Newcastle with newfound spending power from Red Bull, although the first season may be too soon for the Tynesiders.

So Bath will not lack for challengers, but there will be internal challenges too, plus those set by the fixture calendar. First of these is the need for a fast start. Last season Bath primed their drive for silverware with a 5 try opening day thumping of champions Northampton Saints, followed by a much-cherished away win at Welford Road. Summer tours have shortened the pre-season for 14 of Bath’s front line players, some of whom will have to miss early Premiership rounds. If, as seems likely, Finn Russell has to sit out the first two rounds, who controls the play from 10? Will it be meteoric tyro Ciaran Donoghue or the more experienced Carreras? Either is more mercurial than Russell: it will be fascinating to see how they shape the attack. Eight Bath forwards were involved in summer action: their workload will need careful management. As always, squad rotation underpinned by the ministrations of the strength and conditioning team, will be key.

So can Bath repeat their 2025 success? More next week.