Bath
AT LAST! TREBLE CHAMPIONS
van Graan: emotional IQ
By PG Tips
June 18 2025
After 29 years Bath Rugby finally have the reward their long-suffering fans, not to mention owner Bruce Craig’s vision and investment, deserve. The Premiership Final was certainly no classic: tense and largely error strewn, climaxing in an anxious final three minutes. Victory, against old rivals from the glory days, Leicester, will be the sweeter for that. Many fans will have uttered the iconic words coined in an ironic moment just after Bath’s nail-biting, last minute of extra time Pilkington Cup triumph over Harlequins 33 years ago- “Never in Doubt!”
The words may be ironic, but there was nothing ironic about the moment. The overriding emotion at the final whistle was for most undoubtedly, relief, but this was no fluke. Rather the result may well prove iconic. This, the most desperately wanted of Bath’s 2025 trio of trophies was won through the careful preparation and sheer hard work of a small army of players, coaches and support staff, led by one of the most extraordinary coaches of modern times, Johann van Graan.
What makes him extraordinary? He clearly has a sharp analytical brain and acute eye for recruitment. He also exudes calm and confidence where others might rant and rave in the cauldron pf pressure. It is that presence and aura, not just his technical coaching ability that sets him apart. His rugby IQ is wrapped in highly developed emotional intelligence and a deeply held conviction about the significance and power of teamwork. His success and whole approach are built on his character and cherished personal values.
The celebration scenes at Twickenham reveal the theme that has taken Bath from rock bottom to summit in just three seasons. After a few minutes of obligatory fireworks, dancing and chanting, the non-playing squad members were invited up to the podium. Not just the unavailable who would have played, but the entire squad, down to the youngest, least experienced academy member. Then the support staff. The entire Bath Rugby family -one entity in three complimentary uniforms.
Let’s take a look at some of those non-players. The final was won without Underhill, Coetzee, Lawrence and Harris, absent through injury or suspension. All could reasonably have hoped for a place in a Final 23 if available. Add to those the following who have made significant contributions in front line selections this season: Griffin, Richards, Staddon, Green, Schreuder, Bailey, Butt & McConnochie and Bath’s strength in depth is evident. Talented individuals are clearly key to success as the performances of Du Toit and Russell attest, but the power of the collective is more important. Players are expected to buy into the collective club culture and slot into the “system” that Johann often speaks of. Perhaps the best and certainly one of the earliest examples of the culture and cohesion van Graan was building came in his first victory, piloted from fly half by third choice George Worboys who fitted in seamlessly when needed.
Neither of Bath’s first two trophies this season were a walk in the park. Exeter took an early lead in the PRC Final and a nip and tuck first half ended 17-14 to Bath before the visitors pulled away for a 48-14 triumph. In the Challenge Cup the Blue, Black and White had to overcome a very early Dumortier try and two yellow cards before prising Lyon open to win 37-12. It was the most cherished, prize though- the English Premiership that proved the true nailbiter. Bath-Leicester finals were never traditionally free flowing affairs and this year’s lived up to type. It was a match of intense physicality, momentum swings and controversy which left Tigers’ DOR and a couple of their players feeing hard done by after Bath held on to win by only 2 points.
This is neither a match report nor an exercise in “Ref bashing”, so suffice it to say that in weighing "just desserts", the balance of “what ifs” favoured Bath on this occasion and that it was the league leaders who took the spoils at the knockout climax.
That van Graan and Spencer were both seen kneeling in tears at the final whistle was no surprise. Indeed, given the 29 years wait and radical turnround in fortunes the emotional displays seemed remarkably restrained. No doubt there were more uproarious scenes of joy in private and probably a few beverages too!
Naturally van Graan, as leader of the operation deserves the plaudits he has earned and will hopefully continue to get. Huge credit too must go to owner Bruce Craig for his vision and financial support and to Tarquin Mcdonald for leading the stable business and operational aspects of the club. On the playing side, van Graan has been able to draw on the complimentary skills of a first-rate clutch of coaches- Richard Blaze in the forwards, Lee Blackett for attack, JP Ferreira running defence and the breakdown and Academy lead, Andy Robinson. The last a master stroke in coach recruitment by van Graan, in a deliberate move to reconnect with the city and Bath’s proud history.
On that note, I will leave with one final thought. There were many touching and heartwarming images in the ecstatic teatime scenes at Twickenham last Saturday, but for me two stand out. The sheer visceral delight of “Mr Bath”, Tom Dunn lifting the trophy and the symbolism of Tom de Glanville and Max Ojomoh posing with the silverware last won by their fathers 29 years ago.
In. All in. All the time. The Future’s bright; the future’s Blue, Black and White!
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
18/06/2025 07:41
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:07:03:12:49:24 by CoochieCoo.
Much has been said about Bath establishing a dynasty. I'm not too sure. The top 4 in the table have closed the gap and Sale look real rivals next season.
The moment that struck me was the extraordinary pass Finn through to Max in the final just because he is a Bath lad. In the heat of the moment in a hard fought final to have that composure. Words fail me.
I'll kick off with one. Ciaran Donoghue's audacious 50/22 against Bristol at the Rec just moments after coming on.
Yes, that was my idea- more a (thematic) summation of the whole season rather than solely the 3 trophies. They are of course welcome, but are actually the outcome of culture change and hard work.
PG
Quote:shipwrecked
Much has been said about Bath establishing a dynasty. I'm not too sure. The top 4 in the table have closed the gap and Sale look real rivals next season.
We were the best team by a country mile this season & with our excellent signings & fantastic academy I cannot see any reason for it not to continue. Whether we are strong enough to win the European championship who knows but if we keep up the progress & follow JvG’s mantra of “The best is yet to come” then nothing is beyond us.
Being a pragmatist I am "sure" that Mr Russell had already worked out this was a game of narrow margins and consequently passed to Max to improve the odds of getting the conversion.
I think he then post rationalised to make it a more sentimental and romantic act....without doubt he knows how to manage the story.
I just can't help myself from thinking of next season (Ed - Already??!!) and going deep into the "Big Boys" European Cup.....and being top of the league. Yes I know very greedy.
By the way PG I think I have another match preview writer....I will be in touch.
In, all in, all of the time, from 1 Obano to the tens of thousands who have cheered the team on in recent days. What an amazing couple of weeks. What an incredble few years! Unfathomable how far we've come.
In the quiet moments this week, all I can hear in my head is the Rec echoing to "COME ON YOU BATH!" It makes me smile and I can't wait for next season. Cannot wait. Bring it on.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
C'MON YOU BAAARTH"
Quote:This!Francis Allen
Well done PGT. Enjoyed reading your summary, in fact four days on I can't get the weekend out of my mind, I'm still thinking of that wonderful day at Twickenham and the celebrations on Sunday. I've seen every Twickenham final involving Bath and the noise, colour and emotion tops anything I have seen before. Can't get enough of media reports, social media chat etc just want the euphoria of the weekend to continue. Just as a thought this thread might be one to kick off our memories of a landmark season.
It’s so nice for a postmortem period that focuses on what we achieved and not what could have been or the rueing of missed chances/dodgy calls or indeed the doom and gloom of seasons past. It’s not really sunk in fully to be honest, so the nice words about our team that I’ve been absorbing all week are a soothing balm for a fluttered mind.
I was lucky enough to be at both Cardiff and HQ to enjoy the success...and boy did it taste good!
Well done you...and well done The Mighty Bath.
One of the most amazing things from the last two seasons for me is the way JvG has integrated those currently outside the first team to create the 'One Club, One Team' ethos.
I don't think I've heard one dissenting voice from within, and I have the utmost confidence that anyone selected for the 1st 23 can come in and do the job...
I will admit that I was extremely nervous prior to the Prem SF and Final, but I needn't have worried... In JvG we trust!!!
At the risk of putting the cart before the horse, I wouldn't be surprised that, when the inevitable irresistible call from the Boks comes, JvG is masterminding a seamless progression for Lee Blackett to step up to DOR to continue the choo-choo journey, but that's for the future... For the moment, I'll get back to basking in the current glory of the Blue, Black & White!!!
C'MON YOU BATH!!!
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Being a pragmatist I am "sure" that Mr Russell had already worked out this was a game of narrow margins and consequently passed to Max to improve the odds of getting the conversion.
I think he then post rationalised to make it a more sentimental and romantic act....without doubt he knows how to manage the story.
Nah, just look at Finn's face as he is approaching the 22. He's seen who is up in support and has a big grin on his face
He knew what that would mean
But jeez the moment it left his hands there were 30k + hearts stopped for a couple of beats
PG
Confirmed:
Combined average audience of 973,000 viewers watched on pay-TV channel TNT Sports and commercial network ITV1
A cumulative peak audience of 1.26 million viewers was recorded for the decider
TNT saw a 15 per cent increase for average viewership on last year’s final
Free-to-air (FTA) channel ITV also saw a ten per cent year-over-year (YoY) audience boost
Combined audience share for the game on both channels was16.5 per cent
[www.sportspro.com]
What do they mean about ITV, was it on ITV? Or do they mean certain games were on it during the season?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:20:09:57:28 by Woodpecker .
Alfie’s antics are like a naughty puppy and ensures that should rugby ever fail him, social media won’t.
I’m particularly loving all the photos and footage from the lads in Ibiza. It shows such a sense of unity and, dare I say it, family that they spend ten months with their heads poked up each others bums that they want to spend their downtime together too. It’s fabulous and I love it. Bring me more!!
I’m particularly loving all the photos and footage from the lads in Ibiza. It shows such a sense of unity and, dare I say it, family that they spend ten months with their heads poked up each others bums that they want to spend their downtime together too. It’s fabulous and I love it. Bring me more!!
Wonderful evidence that Rugby Players are pretty much the same, whatever their level!
I am though getting board of the narrative that Dan Cole shouldn't have got a YC. What nobody mentions is that the moment Cole jumped there was only one outcome which was a hig and late contact on Finn. Its actually irrelevant whether he could have got to the ball because charging down a kick does give you a free pass on a late tackle.
Ugo tried to spin a story that what Cole did is what you are taught to do when competing for the ball in the air. He failed to say that wasn't a completion in the air but a 20 stone prop jumping into a fly half late when he is braced on one leg and catching him late n the head with his elbow. Had it been one of the curry's on Marcus Smith they would have been calling for red.
omewhat different to the total silence emitted in public! Quote:Bath Hammer
Are we ever likely to learn of the outcome of Michael Cheika’s strongly worded complaint to Paul Hull about the worst refereeing in his lifetime?
I googled to find out and was knocked over by the number of articles, going back about 15 years, about he disagrees with refs and has received lots of fines for MOA. Sounds like he could do with calming down a bit before doing TV interviews.
[www.dailymail.co.uk]
[www.planetrugby.com]
[www.epcrugby.com]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Bath Hammer
All this makes any complaints he makes utterly pointless which must surely work against him when anything is justified.
Deliberately deploying a word he seems to use a lot in describing referee decisions - the man is embarrassing
Quote:P G Tips
What’s MOA Matt?
PG
Sorry PG, Match Official Abuse. One step higher than 'disrespect'.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
PG
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:06:24:09:29:29 by P G Tips.
[www.youtube.com]
If it has been posted elsewhere I make no apologies for repetition, it is that good
Quote:P G Tips
And two above GGO ( General Gobbing Off)?
PG
I have always thought there is something special about rugby. I remember my first final against Leeds, whom we hoped to beat. When the final whistle went we stayed behind to celebrate with the Leeds fans & likewise in subsequent finals. That process makes you feel better no matter the decisions that went against us. If I was a Leicester supporter I would have felt the reverse after listening to Cheika & the two sour retiring players. Hopefully Geoff Parling will return Leicester to being the proud, sporting side they have always been but hopefully not toooo good!
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:P G Tips
And two above GGO ( General Gobbing Off)?
PG
I have always thought there is something special about rugby. I remember my first final against Leeds, whom we hoped to beat. When the final whistle went we stayed behind to celebrate with the Leeds fans & likewise in subsequent finals. That process makes you feel better no matter the decisions that went against us. If I was a Leicester supporter I would have felt the reverse after listening to Cheika & the two sour retiring players. Hopefully Geoff Parling will return Leicester to being the proud, sporting side they have always been but hopefully not toooo good!
Completely agree BH. We were so dull that day but yep fair play to Leeds they really deserved it and yes, like you, we stayed for the trophy presentation to give Leeds the accolade and cheers they were entitled to
Sadly, the MC, DC and BY bitterness and unsporting comments was shared by a lot of Tigers fans around us so hope, like you that Parling can return them to the great club they were in attitude if not trophies with luck!
Quote:gaz59
On a much happier note if you haven't watched this, stop whatever you are doing right now and indulge in 25 minutes of pure BBW wonderland as JvG reviews the season
[www.youtube.com]
If it has been posted elsewhere I make no apologies for repetition, it is that good
Agreed gaz. Great listen: uplifting, but humble & showcasing the best of the game, as well as real hope for us in Bath.
PG
Quote:P G Tips
And two above GGO ( General Gobbing Off)?
PG
On reflection, EGO would be more apt - Egregious Gobbing Off!
PG
Quote:There are so many noteworthy sound bites and wise sayings in there. It’s no wonder the team are so unified.gaz59
On a much happier note if you haven't watched this, stop whatever you are doing right now and indulge in 25 minutes of pure BBW wonderland as JvG reviews the season
[www.youtube.com]
If it has been posted elsewhere I make no apologies for repetition, it is that good
Also, the brilliant Bath Rugby Plub podcast has done their own version, with a deep dive interview with JvG. It's absolutely superb, from first minute to last. Link here: Tales of the Treble with the Boss
What a man. We are incredibly fortunate to have had the stars align and for JvG to come and join us especially, I feel, at this time in his life, with his young family, his values, his future ambitions, but also, perhaps most importantly, his deeply held love of rugby and community.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
I have spent a while reading back through messages and topics...so many over the years.. in retrospect it is illuminating to see how sad and sometimes desperate that we were for a return to happier days...just wishing that we had a chance to celebrate.
The speculation...who we might lose...who we might sign...how good/bad they were...and how few of the names came to fruition.
Looking back I guess the catalyst for the change was signing Ben Spencer...Sarries relegated but Ben came with no intention of returning...and since that day..the mighty Bath (TM
have grown, a team built around him, that has developed and now fulfilled their potential.
A big thanks from me to all who have supported the team, both financially and on the terraces, and so fingers crossed we have an equally long period of success.
More Bath headlines
- LEARNINGS FOR NEXT SEASON. SEASON REVIEW CONTINUED.
- World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026 Preview
- FAILURE, FRUSTRATION OR FLATLINE? 2026 SEASON REVIEW
- "IT'S IN OUR HANDS”...BATH V EXETER.
- NOW OR NEVER: BATH V LEICESTER
- BOUNCEBACKABILITY: EXETER CHIEFS V BATH RUGBY
- LE HANDICAP? BORDEAUX v BATH ECC SEMI FINAL
- “MAY YOUR CHOICES REFLECT YOUR HOPES NOT YOUR FEARS”.
- EYES BACK ON THE OTHER PRIZE! BATH v HARLEQUINS
Bath latest threads
- O/T Postcards from the Past No 4 – Naples 2010
- Injury latest on forgotten Bath Rugby wrecking ball Jaco Coetzee
- OT / Prostate
- OT - Fox wins the Open at Birkdale
- O/T Postcards from the Past No 3 Théoule-sur-Mer – May 2017
- OT/ Site advertising
- Will Roue Signed ahead of the 2026/27 season
- Bath Rugby's confirmed 2026/27 incoming signings and outgoings
- 2026/27 PREM Rugby Cup fixtures confirmed
- O/T Postcards from the Past No2 Cordoba 2015