Bath supporters once again packed The Rec on Bank Holiday Monday, three months after celebrating their first Premiership title in history. That 23-21 victory over Leicester at Twickenham marked the club’s arrival at the top of English rugby, capping off a season where they also lifted the EPCR Challenge Cup and the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Head coach Johann van Graan has stressed that past success counts for little, but Bath’s recruitment and squad balance suggest they are well placed to defend their crown. Instead of chasing numbers, Bath have focused on adding quality, welcoming players like Henry Arundell and Dan Frost while trimming those at the end of their careers.

Key Areas of the Bath 2025/26 Squad

• Hooker: Veteran Tom Dunn remains central, with Dan Frost returning and U20 standout Kepueli Tuipulotu providing future depth. (Rating: 8/10)

• Props: Beno Obano leads the loose-head battle, while Thomas du Toit and Will Stuart ensure world-class strength at tight-head, though international duty may stretch depth. (Rating: Loose-head 7/10, Tight-head 9/10)

• Locks: Charlie Ewels, Ross Molony and Quinn Roux add power, though Bath still lack numbers in this area. (7.5/10)

• Back-row: Alfie Barbeary, Josh Bayliss, Ted Hill and Sam Underhill headline one of the most competitive units in the league. (9.5/10)

• Scrum-half: Ben Spencer remains the general, with Tom Carr-Smith rising as his long-term successor. (7.5/10)

• Fly-half: Finn Russell’s influence is pivotal, though Ciaran Donoghue impressed when stepping in last season. New signing Santiago Carreras adds extra versatility. (8.5/10)

• Centres: Ollie Lawrence is recovering well from injury, while Max Ojomoh, Cameron Redpath and Chris Harris make this a strong group. (9/10)

• Back three: Henry Arundell’s arrival alongside Joe Cokanasiga, Will Muir and Tom de Glanville gives Bath a potent mix of pace and power. (8-9/10 range)

Russell’s Role

Finn Russell remains Bath’s most important playmaker, dictating tempo and creativity. With Orlando Bailey moving to Leicester, the Scottish fly-half will rely on Donoghue and Harris for support during international windows. Russell is expected to take an extended break after the Lions tour, which puts early-season responsibility on Bath’s younger tens.

Outlook

Bath’s 2025/26 squad looks stronger on paper than the one that delivered a historic treble last season. Depth at hooker, fly-half and the back-row stands out, though lock remains an area to watch. With Russell orchestrating from fly-half and new signings like Arundell and Carreras adding fresh options, Bath enter the campaign as the team to beat.