Johann van Graan re-signs with Bath
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Bath are delighted to announce Head of Rugby Johann van Graan has signed a new contract, committing his long-term future to Bath until the end of the 2029/30 campaign.
Van Graan joined Bath Rugby from Munster in 2022 and guided the team to Champions Cup qualification in his first season.
The Blue, Black and White currently sit third in the Gallagher Premiership on 50 points, challenging for the play-offs with just two games remaining of the regular season, having reached the knockout stage of Europe’s elite rugby competition for the first time since 2015.
Under van Graan, world-class heads of department have been recruited, working closely alongside a performance driven coaching team and backroom staff who care.
This period of revival has seen the team become tough-to-beat, with a clear way of playing the game, coupled with a focus on physical performance and most importantly enjoying playing for Bath.
A laser-focused recruitment strategy targeting outstanding ball-carriers has seen Ollie Lawrence, Alfie Barbeary, and Ted Hill join the club alongside Thomas du Toit, and Finn Russell, exceptional players and leaders on and off the pitch to add to the Bath squad.
The performances of Ben Spencer, Beno Obano, Will Muir and Tom Dunn epitomise the hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence in rugby which make them instrumental in the club’s success.
In recent weeks, a host of senior players including internationals Sam Underhill, Will Stuart, Joe Cokanasiga and Cameron Redpath have renewed their contracts whilst the club has also secured the exciting signings of Ross Molony, Francois van Wyk, and Guy Pepper in addition to locking-in highly sought-after young talents to Senior Academy contracts.
This commitment to nurturing the club’s next generation of stars was evidenced earlier this year when, for the first time in the club's history, Bath claimed the Premiership Rugby U18 Academy League title.
This next generation are following in the footsteps of homegrown Bath players Miles Reid, Charlie Ewels, Josh Bayliss, Orlando Bailey, Max Ojomoh, Archie Griffin, Sam Harris, and Tom de Glanville all of whom have also signed contract extensions in recent weeks.
Van Graan said: “I’m proud to be committing my future to this historic club in Blue, Black and White 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, and we are in, all in, all the time.
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.
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.”
