Bath already have one of the strongest squads in the Premiership, but this off-season it seems Johann van Graan is building a superteam.
It’s almost a case of ‘Avengers assemble’ at the Rec for the 2025/26 season, with Bath adding some serious quality to their side.
Racing 92 and England winger Henry Arundell was the perfect way to kick off their signings spree, but since then Bath have bolstered their ranks with the additions of Dan Frost, Bernard van der Linde, Santi Carreras and most recently Chris Harris.
All of these signings alone would make Bath a force to be reckoned with, but add them to the talent already at the Rec and you have yourself a seriously good team.
With the riches of talent, though, come the inevitable selection headaches for boss Van Graan, as he has to whittle down his squad into a 23-man side. But, how could they line up?
Well, with that thought in mind, here is our take on a potential Bath team for next season.
15 Santi Carreras
Argentina back Carreras has made the switch from bitter rivals Gloucester ahead of next season, and you’d think he’ll come straight into the side at full-back. He has been one of the best attacking options in the Premiership this season, thriving in the Cherry and Whites’ new system, and he should add this to Bath’s backline too. His playmaking skills will also bring the wing duo of (spoiler alert) Arundell and Will Muir into the game more, which could really add a new dynamic to their attack. Versatility within the backline is always a plus too, particularly with Bath running a 6/2, so his ability to play 10 is a big plus in his box.
14 Henry Arundell
It’s a big call, but Arundell will also likely come straight into Bath’s starting backline. He is such an explosive player with ball-in-hand, but balances that with sheer outright pace and game-breaking ability that could cause havoc in this Finn Russell and Ben Spencer-led system. Arundell will also come back to England with a point to prove, which should play perfectly into Bath’s hands. A great signing.
13 Max Ojomoh
Ollie Lawrence has emerged as Bath’s nailed-on 13 in his spell at the Rec, but since his injury, Max Ojomoh has deputised excellently and will likely get another crack at it next season too. His powerful, yet silky, running game has really complemented the rest of the backline in these final rounds of the campaign, as he has found himself popping up in different holes than Bath have usually attacked in. He will also likely tour with England this summer too, meaning he will only come back a better player for the new season.
12 Cameron Redpath
Inside centre is an intriguing call for Bath again next year, and it will depend on what style they want to play. Will Butt will add more power and punch through the middle, and Ojomoh could easily shift here too if Van Graan wants to use Harris at 13, but the playmaking skills of Cam Redpath should keep him in the side. The combination of him and Ojomoh has worked well whenever it’s been tested out, and with no Lawrence until at least Christmas time that partnership should get given an extended run.
11 Will Muir
One of the first names on the Bath team sheet, Muir will almost certainly keep his spot in the side again next year. The back has improved week on week this season, and his aerial ability and eye for a try make him an ideal player to fit the Bath system. He should also make the England squad this summer too, which should only see him kick on further.
10 Finn Russell
I’m going to group Spencer and Russell together, given they are both equally important to this Bath side. The half-back pairing have meticulously built Bath’s entire attack since Russell arrived last season, alongside Lee Blackett, and are almost integral to it. They just seem to feed off the work of one another, as seen last weekend when Spencer shapes to kick only for Russell to find a different hole and call for a pass, and that in turn gets Bath playing some truly delicious rugby. Spencer and Russell are the heartbeat of this side, and there’s no doubt they will start again next year.
9 Ben Spencer
See above.
8 Alfie Barbeary
As Van Graan has said, Alfie Barbeary is one of the premier ball-carriers in the Premiership and will certainly feature in the number eight shirt again next year. He thrives in those tight exchanges, and his desire to carry the ball through traffic not only allows them to break through the gainline, but it also gives the half-back pairing that extra bit of time to set into shape and play on the front-foot. A player like him is a rarity in the modern league, but Bath certainly make the most of him.
7 Sam Underhill
He might be on the naughty step right now, but Sam Underhill should come straight into the starting side next season. The England international is one of the best tacklers in the world game right now, taking names with almost every hit, and that in itself is wonderful for Bath. There is a real synergy to this Bath back-row when he’s in it, as his exploits in defence then allow the others to have their attacking flashes and get Bath over the line. Just a really exceptional rugby player.
6 Ted Hill
There are few men with the athletic ability of Ted Hill, but Van Graan has fully unlocked his potential since his switch to the Rec. Hill has really come on in the Blue, Black and White, particularly this season, and has again added to the overall balance of their back-row. His defensive efforts are impeccable, but he then has this ability to teleport up the pitch in the blink of an eye and play a key role in their attack as well.
5 Charlie Ewels
He might not be the flashiest player in this side, but he is one of the most important. Charlie Ewels’ workhorse approach to the game and quality in the set-piece lay the foundations for the rest of the team to play from, and they are a better side for it. He will also be a key leader again next season.
4 Quinn Roux
Bath aren’t short on brutal defensive enforcers, but Quinn Roux is certainly one of them. The Ireland international packs an almighty punch in the contact, which sets the tone for the rest of this powerful pack. Again, he is one that helps lay the foundations for success.
3 Thomas du Toit
Tighthead is such a strong area for Bath, with the two best in the league both at the Rec, but Thomas du Toit makes our XV. The Springbok is a proper superstar in the prop world, with his world-class scrummaging ability coinciding with his try-scoring antics.
2 Tom Dunn
If you cut Tom Dunn, he’d bleed Blue, Black and White, he is Mr Bath. The powerful hooker is also bang in-form right now, scoring tries for fun with his trademark tap-and-goes, and that should carry over to next season too.
1 Beno Obano
Rounding off the starting line-up is Beno Obano, who should retain his spot in the side again next year. Like Du Toit, the England international brings serious scrummaging ability and powerful work around the park, which adds yet more power to their pack.
Replacements: 16 Dan Frost, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Tom de Glanville, 23 Miles Reid
The bench is a really interesting selection area for Bath, given how effective it’s been for them this season. Frost should slot in here after his switch from Exeter, but Kepu Tuipulotu is also a viable option and will likely get more gametime next year too. Francois van Wyk and Will Stuart will also likely continue their work in the bomb squad, as will Ross Molony. Guy Pepper should also get more consistent gametime in this spot, and Miles Reid should be that ‘utility’ option for at least the early part of the campaign.
Tom Carr-Smith seems likely to get some more consistent gametime from the bench too, but Van der Linde is also a good option here, and Tom de Glanville just pips the likes of Harris, Joe Cokanasiga and Ciaran Donoghue as the final backs spot.
Around these choices, Ewan Richards and Arthur Green should also get plenty of opportunities next year too, be it from the start or in the bomb squad.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/bath-rugby-how-johann-van-graans-side-could-line-up-next-season-as-the-avengers-assemble-with-british-and-irish-lions-and-england-stars-included
