By BrianC
June 20 2006

Limbo is the only word to describe the situation Bath find themselves in at present. The proposed redevelopment of the Recreation Ground (Rec.) appears to be going nowhere.

Two years ago when I penned my first 'Whither Rugby' article on Bath I stipulated that their adherence to the Rec. was costing the club dear. That sooner rather than later they would have to bite the bullet and accept the need to move. Two years on the situation remains unchanged. The slow strangulation of what what was once one of Europe's top clubs continues, it is not a pretty sight.

Many would agree that Bath's Recreation Ground is the best situated rugby ground in the country. It is slap bang in the middle of that most beautiful and historic of cities. Therein lays it's problem. The land the stadium sits on is common land. It was given to the people of Bath for the purposes of sport and recreation. There is a vociferous lobby who argue that a professional rugby club, a business, falls outside this remit.

Six years ago Bath Rugby submitted a planning application to build a fourteen thousand seat stadium on the existing site. Whilst those plans had the backing of the local council they do not have the final say on any development. The Charities Commission and ultimately the Secretary of State are the ones who have to make a decision. Their failure to do so, one way or another, continues to cost Bath Rugby dear. If Bath knew they couldn't develop the Rec. further they could at least set about finding another ground. Indeed such a decision may end up in their favour as it seems very likely that a 14k capacity stadium will, before long, be too small for a professional rugby club.

I do pity the Bath supporters. Their current plight is not dissimilar to that which those of London Irish suffered a decade ago. Having experienced that at the time I wouldn't wish it on anyone. That said the move which was eventually forced on London Irish has done them no harm. It could be argued that, in commercial terms, it was the kick up the backside the club needed. The same might just be the case at Bath if they are forced to move.