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Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan signs a new long-term deal in a huge boost to the Premiership side's long-term planning as the South African continues his revival of historic giants

6 months ago 33

By Alex Bywater

Published: 10:47 BST, 2 May 2024 | Updated: 10:47 BST, 2 May 2024

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan has signed a new long-term contract with the Gallagher Premiership side as he continues his revival of one of English rugby’s most historic clubs.

Van Graan joined Bath from Munster in 2022 and guided the team to Champions Cup qualification in his first season. His new deal will see him stay in charge until at least the end of the 2029-30 campaign. The South African’s commitment is a huge boost to Bath’s long-term planning.

Van Graan’s side currently sit third in the Gallagher Premiership table after years of previous underachievement. Bath are in a good position for an end-of-season play-off spot.


Van Graan said: ‘I’m proud to be committing my future to this historic club and I am loving the journey we are on. Rugby is about people, purpose, creating memories and making a difference and my family and I are looking forward to our future in Bath.

‘I'd like to acknowledge and thank the board, staff, players, and supporters who together make Farleigh House and The Rec such special places. We are creating a unique culture with purpose.

Johann van Graan has signed a new long-term deal at Bath that will run until at least the end of the 2029-30 campaign

Bath are currently in a good position this season to seal an end-of-season play-off spot 

Van Graan has built a strong squad at Bath and the side are currently third in the Premiership

‘The journey we have been on together as players and staff since I joined has been about getting better every day, becoming a team that’s tough to beat, and creating an identity that can deliver success over the long-term. The best is yet to come.’

Van Graan has built a strong squad at Bath after signing the likes of Finn Russell, Ollie Lawrence, Alfie Barbeary, Ted Hill and Thomas du Toit.

Bath chief executive Tarquin McDonald said: ‘Since joining us in 2022, Johann and his team have delivered a revival on the pitch, created a genuine team ethos, and built belief in what Bath can achieve. There is a clear vision, alignment and pride in the shirt.

‘These are exciting times for the club. We have big ambitions for rugby success, to grow the game, and to regenerate the riverside with an amazing new home for the club. We have the right leadership in place to grasp the opportunities ahead of us both on and off the pitch.’

Fresh from their Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam, England’s Red Roses have confirmed they will face a huge clash with world champions New Zealand at Twickenham on September 14.

The match will see the two best women’s rugby teams on the planet go head-to-head with a world record crowd for a female match expected at the home of English rugby.

John Mitchell’s side, who defeated France last weekend to win a sixth successive Women’s Six Nations title, will also face Les Bleus again at Kingsholm on September 7.

‘We want to host and play against the best sides in the world ahead of the 2025 World Cup, so these are two fixtures we are eagerly anticipating,’ said Red Roses captain Marlie Packer.

England's Red Roses sealed a Six Nations Grand Slam and will now face New Zealand in September

‘Fans always bring the noise for games at Kingsholm and with many of our squad having connections to Gloucester, it should be another brilliant occasion.

‘Our last two games at Twickenham have resulted in the best two crowds ever recorded in women’s rugby. We want more! 

'Playing the Black Ferns at the home of English rugby is an unbelievable opportunity that doesn’t come around all too often. We can’t wait for thousands of our supporters to get behind us on another special day at Twickenham.’

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