Bath Rugby Academy & University of Bath Talent Watch (2026)
Opoku-Gyamfi: battering
By shipwrecked
July 28 2026
I believe that the way Bath’s senior players, the Bath Academy and Bath University are currently integrated is a bit unique. Bath's pathway is arguably the strongest in England right now.There is of course an equivalent article covering the outstanding backs that emerged in the 2025/6 season: first this article will look at the forwards.The success of the season that led to the double is unusual in that the stand out players that attracted the headlines could not have plied their trade without contributions from a whole range of other players, the squad involved nearly 50 different players.This means that crediting emerging talent is difficult. However, there are some that deserve a mention even if they were not regulars.
Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi: Age 20, Second row and back row.
Let’s start with the biggest, most obvious of them all Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi - seen above in Italy U20 action. When Enoch arrived in September 2024, he weighed 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) and 148 kg (23 st 4 lb) the assessment was that he was too heavy to be lifted during standard lineout sets, leading coaches to use him purely as a ground-based blocking force and a primary midfield battering ram.
He joined Bath after completing his schooling at St Paul's Catholic School in Milton Keynes on a two-year Bath Rugby Academy scholar contract alongside Tom Hilton (more of him later), enrolling to study Sports Performance.
Current weight is 142 kg (22 st 5 lbs) but this is no longer ‘puppy fat’. Bath Rugby strength and conditioning coaches have focused on lean muscle composition and significantly increased his engine capacity, turning what was raw schoolboy bulk into functional, high-intensity senior powerhouse.
The change is extraordinary and it is coupled with a dynamic mind set. His ability to absorb impact and manipulate the gain line has become a nightmare for defensive lines. Defensively, his handling of standard exits and aerial restarts has noticeably matured, utilizing his massive wingspan to dictate play at the breakdown. It’s safe to say he has a high ceiling.
Tom Hilton Age:20, Second row.
As previously mentioned, Tom Hilton arrived at the same time as EOG. Hilton's set-piece dominance and engine room grit, a highly intelligent second row forward have formed a highly effective partnership with EOG in the BUCS league, earning both players rave reviews from senior academy coaches. Hilton is a towering lock, who serves as the structural engine room anchor.
Rory McKnight Age: 19, Second row and flanker.
In the later part of the season, it was clear that Hilton’s talent was being mirrored by Rory McKnight which has been noted by England u20 selectors for the junior World Championship.
Rory McKnight is combining a degree in Economics with Politics with his rugby development. The former Wellington College and Bath U18 captain adjusted remarkably well to the senior physical standard. He is a skilled ball handler unusual perhaps for a lock. He stands at 6' 7" and weighs in at 17 stone 7 lbs (113 kg).
We commented previously about how Alfie Blackett might be a lost opportunity, it may well be that the emergence of Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, Tom Hilton and Rory McKnight might be the reason.
An extract from the rugby Paper states. “Rory McKnight believes the growing profile of BUCS Super Rugby is helping prepare young players for the pressures of elite rugby and Bath’s barnstorming forward hopes to make a big impact this summer in England’s U20 World Cup.”
Ioan Emanuel Age 21 Loose head prop and Max Pearce: Age 22 Hooker.
Academy Forwards with Strong Dual-Registration/Loan Seasons.
As we have seen with Archie Griffin Bath ensure their academy forwards get game time by utilising dual registration. Three of our best prospects in the front row are using this opportunity to develop. Ioan Emanuel has earned vital, hard-nosed senior experience at Cardiff playing in the SRC.
He will now be joined by Max Pearce on loan at Cardiff and was part of Millfield School’s undefeated side of 2021/22 he also performed well for Bath Rugby U18 and came through the ranks at Chippenham.
Pearce studies Sports Performance at the University of Bath and has had an exceptional season at the University as a key leader in their record-breaking BUCS double.
Max is a lethal set-piece finisher, he has a reputation for scoring more than once during games from rolling mauls. He has recently been given a contract extension and has already played in the URC for Cardiff v Zebre on a one match licence.
Connor Treacey: Age 20, Back Row
Born in Lymington he joined the Bath Rugby Academy at the Under-15 level. And relocated to attend Beechen Cliff School in Bath. Currently studying Sport Management and Coaching at the University of Bath.
Connor Treacey led his country at the 2026 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia. Rather than being a vocal leader Treacey prefers an on-field leadership style, establishing his authority through his immense work rate.
He possesses an impressive engine, aiming to be at the top of the team's statistics every single game. His game is built on relentless tackling, carrying, and forcing turnovers.
He is highly efficient at absorbing contact, staying on his feet, and driving forward to gain crucial extra yards in post contact metres He is an incredibly reliable defensive anchor showing defensive steel and capable of absorbing massive pressure and halting opposition momentum.
These are just a few of the young talented forwards but are the ones most likely to feature for the club in upcoming tournaments. Others include Alex Ridgeway, George Timmins, Oscar Thomas and Claudius Wheeler and have every possibility of making a mark.
Next week: Academy & University of Bath Backs
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[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
If we are playing the Connor Treacy/Fitz Harding analogy I'd go for Nathan Hughes/Alex Ridgeway I could be wrong as it obviously depends on the opposition.