Bath
PRE-SEASON SERIES – WORCESTER WARRIORS v BATH
Everard: dominate?
By shipwrecked
September 15 2025
Match 3 – Away, Sixways Stadium - Fri 19 Sep - 19:45This is going to be a busy week for Bath, Friday night we have the final match of the preseason series against Worcester Warriors and the following day, Saturday we have a Prem Cup game against Exeter at 3.05 pm at the Rec!Sixways is sold out for this the first home game following their return to rugby and there will also be special tributes to past players during the evening.
This is a supreme test of Bath’s strength in depth probably meaning that the Worcester fixture will be loaded with senior players as younger talent will feature at the Rec. It does mean however, that we have a problem at fly half. Ciarran Donoghue was already pencilled in at 10 as Finn Russell and Santi Carreras are rested. I was a little surprised that James Linegar featured in the first preseason game but it might explain why he is being pencilled in to play against Exeter in the Prem cup along with a huge chunk of academy players.
2 fixtures in two days leaves us guessing on who plays when. As yet Dan Frost is still to feature and pending enforced rest the likes of Ewels, Obano, Barbeary are waiting in the wings.
Johaan van Graan has an uncanny way of empathising with club identity be it Bath, Munster or Worcester he seems to understand the connection that players have, not only with their fans but also with current and ex-teammates. That seems to be true in both senior and academy players. It’s a quality that is incredibly valuable as a coach as it means he retains relationships with quality players even stretching back to his time coaching in South Africa. I’m sure that’s why he gets the extra performance from his compatriots like Francois van Wyk, Thomas du Toit, Jaco Coetzee, GJ van Velze, Louis Schreuder and Quin Roux. All of these players have improved under his watch. They seem to relish the security he offers even to the point of short stays for recovery.
One South African whose development could take these steps forward is Bernard van der Linde (24) not forgetting Neil Le Roux (22) of course. Bernard van der Linde has had decent game time in the two preceding warmups which seems to indicate he has a role to play this season.
Which Worcester Warriors players will be the “ones to watch” this season?
Austin Wallis, formerly of London Scottish will be the player to keep an eye on. Recently confirmed Austin is a cannon ball of a player and also tackling machine. He is a strong ball carrier but also agile, Warriors are looking to him to feature strongly.
Second row is the engine room of any side and likely to feature in the preseason fixture would be Côme Joussain who left Tigers in the summer, many at Leicester were disappointed to see him go as Geoff Parling reassessed his pack. He will be partnered by Obinna Nkwocha, a lock of a similar style to a well-known Saracens and Lions second row. Perhaps not yet fully recovered from injury though.
It seems Matt Everard wants to dominate physically both upfront and, in the backs, and front row is vital to that goal. To achieve that Warriors are enlisting two Fijians Livai Natave who is a monster loosehead and Tim Hoyt who’s a big, big guy for his age. Overall, that makes a sizeable front 5. Worcester will be hoping they dominate the Champ in the weeks to come.
There is also the significant signing of another Fijian Siva Naulago, the Bristol wing adding a bit of X factor to the backs scoring 21 tries last season. Josh Basset provides experience on the other wing and Will Reed at 10 they have a set of runners capable of causing havoc when they win ball up front.
Centre for the Warriors sees two young candidates both emerging after injury in James Short once of the Bath academy and Chris Preen from Loughborough, not forgetting Rory Taylor a young 10 from Hartpury who comes highly recommended. James was a standout England u18 centre before suffering injury. If he stays fit then Worcester is the perfect club for him to develop at.
Preen has significant bulk and won the BUCS Super rugby trophy in 2024 scoring the opening try by easily breaking midfield tackles. It might be too early for them to feature in this game but these young Warrior talents who were opponents at Uni now may form the spearhead of Warriors return to rugby.
I sort of wonder if JvG and Matt Everard have a mischievous aspect to them and whether we might see it come out in this preseason game. We will probably see Ted Hill at this fixture and given his playing time over the summer he could even play. There are several ex-Bath players who could feature too against their former club. These include Abdul-Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem in the back row who prudently left Bath given the competition for back row slots, he will be hoping for some game time this season. We can’t close this player review without mentioning a university favourite. Alfie Garside is a well-known member of the ‘brothers’ he left Bath Uni spending some time at Bedford Blues but will now be plying his trade at Worcester. He is joined by his brother Jake, a scrum half and winger from Northampton. Alfie and Jake have similar traits offering edge and real bite in the backs. It does seem that there has been some canny recruitment by Matt Everard who will be hoping to get the Warriors to gel into a formidable outfit.
Pre-season games are not really about winning but more about cameos to attract attention, it’s unrealistic to expect Worcester Warriors to notch up a home win and the two clubs have an amicable arrangement between them but watch out for some good rugby as the likes of seasoned professionals in the form of Matt Kvesic, Fraser Balmain and Josh Bassett show their pedigree.
I strongly suspect JvG would like to play the nostalgia card and want to feature ex Warriors like Ted Hill and of course Ollie Lawrence who both joined Bath when Warriors folded in 2022. Jamie Shillcock was another who joined Bath from Worcester at that time before moving on to Leicester as did another ex-Warrior Fergus Lee-Warner who had a spell at New South Wales Waratahs before very recently returning to England and signing for Newcastle Red Bulls.
Ollie Lawrence’s almost miraculous recovery from his ruptured Achilles tendon was confirmed with a 30-minute spell against Munster in the rain.
He will surely get a cameo at Sixways simply because of his previous Warriors connection, I’m sure we all agree it’s a real treat to see him up and about in a Bath shirt.
This match has the feel of old mates getting back together but as the last game before the real action of a new Prem season for Bath and a new Champ season for Worcester the game will be viewed very seriously by all involved.
Welcome back Worcester Warriors!
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Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 15/09/2025 08:11
15/09/2025 08:11
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:23:14:06:32 by P G Tips.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:23:14:06:32 by P G Tips.
Good stuff SW and well researched.
I just wonder if JVG goes strong at home given Exeter’s history of playing their first team in this comp?
Widcombe Garçon
I just wonder if JVG goes strong at home given Exeter’s history of playing their first team in this comp?
Widcombe Garçon
It's a good point and I'm not sure that Bath have faced a situation before where nearly everyone in the club is involved in a match squad before over the same weekend.
Does JvG follow last seasons model with lots of academy players being supported by a modicum of experience or follow the Prem Cup final team that was more full on? It is just a preseason game after all.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Does JvG follow last seasons model with lots of academy players being supported by a modicum of experience or follow the Prem Cup final team that was more full on? It is just a preseason game after all.
Thank you for this review.
It's been three years since we saw Ted and Ollie last play at Sixways and there will be a very warm welcome back home for them whether they play or not. It won't matter what shirt they wear.
Indeed, it's going to be a very emotional night for all of us here and it's game where the result won't matter. The important thing is that Sixways will be full again and that WW is back.
It's been three years since we saw Ted and Ollie last play at Sixways and there will be a very warm welcome back home for them whether they play or not. It won't matter what shirt they wear.
Indeed, it's going to be a very emotional night for all of us here and it's game where the result won't matter. The important thing is that Sixways will be full again and that WW is back.
Quote:A38
Thank you for this review.
It's been three years since we saw Ted and Ollie last play at Sixways and there will be a very warm welcome back home for them whether they play or not. It won't matter what shirt they wear.
Indeed, it's going to be a very emotional night for all of us here and it's game where the result won't matter. The important thing is that Sixways will be full again and that WW is back.
No need for the thanks but appreciated, I suspect many Bath fans are supportive of Warriors and were hugely disappointed when the club folded. You have a huge asset in Sixways and I suspect a return to the Premiership (or Gallagher Prem) will be sooner rather than later.
Is it just your assumption that the Prem Cup team will be a typical younger selection and therefore the United side at Worcester will be the stacked one?
My assumption would be that the Worcester team will actually be a 2nd team (maybe with Hill and Lawrence on the bench for nostalgia's sake), and that perhaps just this once the Prem Cup team will be mostly a first team, given you want some decent prep for Quins away next week.
Looking at who's not available next weekend, I think:
Carreras, duToit, Russell, Stuart not available until at least 11/10
Pepper, Ojomoh & Hill played for Eng in the USA game, but Hill only came off the bench so can play?
Any injuries? Odd that we've not seen Dan Frost yet.
Obano, Barbeary, Butt & Sam Harris we've not seen either.
Less surprisingly we've not seen ENG U20s Tuipulotu, Sela, Treacey or Offiah yet either.
I would expect to see them this weekend along with Redpath, Muir, Ewels, Underhill, Archie Griffin & Bayliss.
BATH supporter since 1975
Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart
My assumption would be that the Worcester team will actually be a 2nd team (maybe with Hill and Lawrence on the bench for nostalgia's sake), and that perhaps just this once the Prem Cup team will be mostly a first team, given you want some decent prep for Quins away next week.
Looking at who's not available next weekend, I think:
Carreras, duToit, Russell, Stuart not available until at least 11/10
Pepper, Ojomoh & Hill played for Eng in the USA game, but Hill only came off the bench so can play?
Any injuries? Odd that we've not seen Dan Frost yet.
Obano, Barbeary, Butt & Sam Harris we've not seen either.
Less surprisingly we've not seen ENG U20s Tuipulotu, Sela, Treacey or Offiah yet either.
I would expect to see them this weekend along with Redpath, Muir, Ewels, Underhill, Archie Griffin & Bayliss.
BATH supporter since 1975
Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart
Yes J it’s an assumption based on the fact that preseason games are designed to provide a gentle introduction to the new season and competitive games.
There are clear omissions in selection as you note Frost being the most glaring but you would think that those selected for the first Gallagher Prem game would get a warm up the week before I think.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
There are clear omissions in selection as you note Frost being the most glaring but you would think that those selected for the first Gallagher Prem game would get a warm up the week before I think.
Appreciate the preview SW, really good insight into the new personnel involved in Warriors' revival.
Had no idea Naulago had signed for them and had to Google the 21 tries last season...that tally was over last 5 years not just 2024/25. You'd have to question Lam's sanity otherwise!
Great to see this fixture happening as the first back, which must be quite poignant for Worcester fans. Ollie and Ted have both been instrumental in our rise from basement boys to table toppers and my word are we grateful to have them. I'm sure they realise that but worth stating.
Had no idea Naulago had signed for them and had to Google the 21 tries last season...that tally was over last 5 years not just 2024/25. You'd have to question Lam's sanity otherwise!
Great to see this fixture happening as the first back, which must be quite poignant for Worcester fans. Ollie and Ted have both been instrumental in our rise from basement boys to table toppers and my word are we grateful to have them. I'm sure they realise that but worth stating.
This match was announced as a United match, so I would expect the weaker squad of the weekend to be in this match with a stronger selection for a home cup game in front of our paying fans.
Quote:dcsh
This match was announced as a United match, so I would expect the weaker squad of the weekend to be in this match with a stronger selection for a home cup game in front of our paying fans.
We are already down loads of our best players so what do you think the makeup of the team will be?
I’m just not sure JvG will play loads of first teamers when he gave the academy its head last year. May we’ll be wrong as I know others agree with you.
Quote:dcsh
This match was announced as a United match, so I would expect the weaker squad of the weekend to be in this match with a stronger selection for a home cup game in front of our paying fans.
Tend to agree with this, the Warriors game is largely irrelevant aside from getting fitness levels up for our fringe players. The home game in front of paying Bath supporters has to take priority.
Quote:I suppose in short I would expect the team v Warriors to be like the teams that have started the previous preseason games and the team v Chiefs to be like those that finished those matches. I think the positioning of this one cup match right before the opening Prem match makes it different to last season, and we have seen JvG use the match before an important one to give a stronger team a run out together - we’ll see.shipwreckedQuote:dcsh
This match was announced as a United match, so I would expect the weaker squad of the weekend to be in this match with a stronger selection for a home cup game in front of our paying fans.
We are already down loads of our best players so what do you think the makeup of the team will be?
I’m just not sure JvG will play loads of first teamers when he gave the academy its head last year. May well be wrong as I know others agree with you.
The interesting thing is that your summer tourists with teams apart from the B&I Lions are available for selection for the Worcester game but not the PRC game!
This is because they are in the second 5 week stage of their 10 week ‘rest’ period which allows them to play pre-season games but not competitive matches during those 5 weeks!!
Ted Hill to captain the side against Worcester?
This is because they are in the second 5 week stage of their 10 week ‘rest’ period which allows them to play pre-season games but not competitive matches during those 5 weeks!!
Ted Hill to captain the side against Worcester?
Thanks TS so for Bath that includes Ewels, Prpper, Muir, Ojomoh and Underhill as well. I didn’t realise that.
Makes the team announcement really interesting now!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Makes the team announcement really interesting now!
Quote:tigersimon
Ted Hill to captain the side against Worcester?
Mixed feelings about that if I am honest.
Of course he's the obvious choice from our perspective - and he is still the player we look out for when he plays for you (and all too occasionally England) - but it does rather underline that the last time he led a team out at Sixways he was in Worcester colours. That was on 24 September 2022, a good victory over Newcastle, with Administration imminent.
But I shouldn't grumble. Just delighted to be back in business.
He will of course be more than welcome. There could well be a standing ovation for him and Ollie.
As I said before, it will be emotional.
Let’s not forget that Friday’s game is a largely meaningless friendly whereas Saturday is a competitive game at home against what will probably be a strong Exeter team.
Any player remotely close to first team selection should not play Friday night. A reasonably strong team will be needed on Saturday.
Any player remotely close to first team selection should not play Friday night. A reasonably strong team will be needed on Saturday.
Quote:OutsideBath
Let’s not forget that Friday’s game is a largely meaningless friendly whereas Saturday is a competitive game at home against what will probably be a strong Exeter team.
Any player remotely close to first team selection should not play Friday night. A reasonably strong team will be needed on Saturday.
Bath have confirmed that Ted and Ollie will be on the bus at least, even if it is suited and booted just to give the fans a cheery wave.
Otherwise, given the fact you have said it three seperate times, I don't think anyone is forgetting!
A good write up, thanks, we are just glad to be back
Dare we hope? We dare.
Can we hope? We can.
Should we hope? We must.
I think it's far more likely that Ollie & Ted will make an appearance on the pitch so our fans can pay tribute to them.
Let me add my thanks for a very good write up.
We are told there will be a guard of honour involving 40 or more former players….GJVV comes to mind…and we have reason to believe Ted & Ollie will be on the bench, if only for brief cameos.
They , and all other Bath folk, will be hugely welcome.
We are told there will be a guard of honour involving 40 or more former players….GJVV comes to mind…and we have reason to believe Ted & Ollie will be on the bench, if only for brief cameos.
They , and all other Bath folk, will be hugely welcome.
Quote:Any idea if this match will be live streamed?TeflonTed
Let me add my thanks for a very good write up.
We are told there will be a guard of honour involving 40 or more former players….GJVV comes to mind…and we have reason to believe Ted & Ollie will be on the bench, if only for brief cameos.
They , and all other Bath folk, will be hugely welcome.
Great report Shippie.
Lovely comments and I really hope we see Worcester back in an enlarged Prem pretty quick!!
Lovely comments and I really hope we see Worcester back in an enlarged Prem pretty quick!!
Interesting tigersimon.
I imagine we will want to get some game time into everyone before quins including the non lions tourists.
So we could see a very mix and max selection across the 2 fixtures.
I had assumed we would go strong vs exeter and everyone left would play wuss but sounds more complex which is actually probably a good thing. The usual match up of bath thirds vs exeter firsts in the prem Cup maybe!
Sure the wuss fans would be keen to see some of our big guns and sure their players will stand up well to the test- they have rectuited wisely.
Really chuffed for the fans to see warriors back- if I lost bath rugby from my life I would be truly and utterly gutted. Delighted for their hard-core supporters.
I imagine we will want to get some game time into everyone before quins including the non lions tourists.
So we could see a very mix and max selection across the 2 fixtures.
I had assumed we would go strong vs exeter and everyone left would play wuss but sounds more complex which is actually probably a good thing. The usual match up of bath thirds vs exeter firsts in the prem Cup maybe!
Sure the wuss fans would be keen to see some of our big guns and sure their players will stand up well to the test- they have rectuited wisely.
Really chuffed for the fans to see warriors back- if I lost bath rugby from my life I would be truly and utterly gutted. Delighted for their hard-core supporters.
We played an appropriately development team all last season in the Prem Cup and won it. Just because Exeter always take it too seriously doesn't mean we should change that.
I think JVG will want his 23 for Quins, a game. Whether he does that by mix & match on both games, or putting them out together. I think for this weekend he’ll go strong against Exeter at home. Then the following Prem cup games he’ll revert to 2nd 3rd teamers
Widcombe Garçon
Widcombe Garçon
I wonder when the team announcement will be? It its the day before the match you are effectively announcing the team for the Exeter game at the same time!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:Widcombe boy
I think JVG will want his 23 for Quins, a game. Whether he does that by mix & match on both games, or putting them out together. I think for this weekend he’ll go strong against Exeter at home. Then the following Prem cup games he’ll revert to 2nd 3rd teamers
I agree with you Widcombe boy; that’s precisely the line that I took in my preview for the Exeter game.
Yikes
Obviously not so concerned about this week, but we could really do with a specialist 10 for the Prem opener
Obviously not so concerned about this week, but we could really do with a specialist 10 for the Prem opener
Quote:A.M 180
Yikes
Obviously not so concerned about this week, but we could really do with a specialist 10 for the Prem opener
Sounds like we could be without a recognised 10 until week 3 of the Premiership...
Hmmm that does put us in a bit of a bind.
My instinct would be to put in either:
- TdG, as he may get more limited gametime this season competing with Carreras and Arundell for the 15 shirt
- Redpath, as we now have crazy depth at centre, so could still field any of Ojomoh, Lawrence, Harris, Butt or Hennessey at 12/13.
My instinct would be to put in either:
- TdG, as he may get more limited gametime this season competing with Carreras and Arundell for the 15 shirt
- Redpath, as we now have crazy depth at centre, so could still field any of Ojomoh, Lawrence, Harris, Butt or Hennessey at 12/13.
“Clubs can apply for Lions players to be given special dispensation to be available for the start of the season this month.”
[www.theguardian.com]
We might be inclined to ask for dispensation to play Finn, if multiple other fly half’s are unavailable.
[www.theguardian.com]
We might be inclined to ask for dispensation to play Finn, if multiple other fly half’s are unavailable.
Quote:A38
https://www.warriors.co.uk/news/matt-rogerson-announced-as-club-captain-and-warriors-squad-vs-bath-announced
Worcester Team.
Live on CLUBBER.CO.UK
I can only find a clubber.ie but that is an Irish site. Is there a link that is streaming the game please?
Quote:[www.clubbertv.co.uk]shipwreckedQuote:A38
https://www.warriors.co.uk/news/matt-rogerson-announced-as-club-captain-and-warriors-squad-vs-bath-announced
Worcester Team.
Live on CLUBBER.CO.UK
I can only find a clubber.ie but that is an Irish site. Is there a link that is streaming the game please?
Quote:dcshQuote:[www.clubbertv.co.uk]shipwreckedQuote:A38
https://www.warriors.co.uk/news/matt-rogerson-announced-as-club-captain-and-warriors-squad-vs-bath-announced
Worcester Team.
Live on CLUBBER.CO.UK
I can only find a clubber.ie but that is an Irish site. Is there a link that is streaming the game please?
Perfect, thanks dcsh!
DCSH,
From a player welfare POV, is applying for dispensation for Finn the right thing to do?
A player who played 7 more games than the ‘limit’ last season and I know JVG has said Finn is in training at Farleigh but it’s cutting two weeks off his S&C schedule!
From a player welfare POV, is applying for dispensation for Finn the right thing to do?
A player who played 7 more games than the ‘limit’ last season and I know JVG has said Finn is in training at Farleigh but it’s cutting two weeks off his S&C schedule!
Quote:tigersimon
DCSH,
From a player welfare POV, is applying for dispensation for Finn the right thing to do?
A player who played 7 more games than the ‘limit’ last season and I know JVG has said Finn is in training at Farleigh but it’s cutting two weeks off his S&C schedule!
I agree TS, I don't think it would be the right thing to do and would be surprised if jvg doesn't just go with the cards he has been dealt.
I would play redpath at 10 personally against quins. Think he would be fine outside spencer and inside mojo or butt.
Next option for would just be to back linegar. He is a great talent and in the eng u20s squad- looked OK vs Glasgow and again will have experience inside and outside him.
I would try Linegar in one of these weekends matches - probably prem cup perhaps with Carr Smith or VdLinde on the bench so that Spencer could take over if needed. Maybe give TdG and/or Redpath a run at it in the Worcester game.
Quote:It’s an option that I was pointing out that is clearly relevant when a team is without multiple players in the same position, but JvG will decide.Charlieboa1Quote:tigersimon
DCSH,
From a player welfare POV, is applying for dispensation for Finn the right thing to do?
A player who played 7 more games than the ‘limit’ last season and I know JVG has said Finn is in training at Farleigh but it’s cutting two weeks off his S&C schedule!
I agree TS, I don't think it would be the right thing to do and would be surprised if jvg doesn't just go with the cards he has been dealt.
I would play redpath at 10 personally against quins. Think he would be fine outside spencer and inside mojo or butt.
Next option for would just be to back linegar. He is a great talent and in the eng u20s squad- looked OK vs Glasgow and again will have experience inside and outside him.
Quote:shipwrecked
I wonder when the team announcement will be? It its the day before the match you are effectively announcing the team for the Exeter game at the same time!
More likely it will be both announced today - perhaps at the same time?
PG
I think throwing an 18 year old James Linegar into the mix against Quins is wrong, I'm all for young players getting chances but he hasn't played any sort of rugby at that level even as sub. Everything to date is against his peers, he would have to play the full 80 minutes as well. He is a talent but having to tackle Dombrandt or CCS is fraught with danger. Far too early.
Spencer is the 10 with TCS inside him, he will run the game and bring stability to the backs.
Edit: He might be on the bench though.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:19:08:46:23 by shipwrecked.
Spencer is the 10 with TCS inside him, he will run the game and bring stability to the backs.
Edit: He might be on the bench though.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:19:08:46:23 by shipwrecked.
Quote:shipwrecked
I think throwing an 18 year old James Linegar into the mix against Quins is wrong, I'm all for young players getting chances but he hasn't played any sort of rugby at that level even as sub. Everything to date is against his peers, he would have to play the full 80 minutes as well. He is a talent but having to tackle Dombrandt or CCS is fraught with danger. Far too early.
Spencer is the 10 with TCS inside him, he will run the game and bring stability to the backs.
Edit: He might be on the bench though.
I would play Linegar. The only way to get experience is to play. especially with experience around him. The same was said about Worboys a few seasons back and he was great against Northampton.
Charlieboa has been raving about him and I back his rugby knowledge as I do admit I have not seen him play.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
George Worboys has only started twice for Ealing and was just not physically robust enough for the Prem. He had also had games in the Prem cup and championship prior to Northampton. Lineagar is very talented and got the composure needed for a 10 at Prem level rugby but I can't see JvG playing him v Quins, Redpath or TDG would be the pick in front of Linegar. He will get time this season but not straight away.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I’m now expecting Lineagar to play against Worcester to build that experience, Quins in the Prem away is a huge step up.
Quote:dcsh
“Clubs can apply for Lions players to be given special dispensation to be available for the start of the season this month.”
[www.theguardian.com]
We might be inclined to ask for dispensation to play Finn, if multiple other fly half’s are unavailable.
Given our lack of a recognised 10 we absolutely should do this for the start of the Premiership, then rest Finn when Carreras joins. Important to get off to a good start of our title defence.
I think it's worth saying that whilst Lineger's talents are not in question at this stage, when he came on against Glasgow it was clear just how much of a developmental gap there was physically between him and every other player on the pitch.
We've had a few teenagers burst into the first team recently -e.g. Kepu, Sela - but they're size/physicality was well ahead of their peers, which played a significant role in being able to cope with mens rugby.
Lineger will fill out/mature in time, people just develop at different rates, and I don't think it would do his progression any favours to be used as a speed bump in the first team, much better to learn the ropes in a lower stakes setting.
We've had a few teenagers burst into the first team recently -e.g. Kepu, Sela - but they're size/physicality was well ahead of their peers, which played a significant role in being able to cope with mens rugby.
Lineger will fill out/mature in time, people just develop at different rates, and I don't think it would do his progression any favours to be used as a speed bump in the first team, much better to learn the ropes in a lower stakes setting.
Quote:boozeboozebooze
I think it's worth saying that whilst Lineger's talents are not in question at this stage, when he came on against Glasgow it was clear just how much of a developmental gap there was physically between him and every other player on the pitch..
The duty of care from SW CB1 and yourself is refreshing. Like I said I have not seen Linegar play so could only judge on junior rugby reports. Hopefully he will develop into a regular squad member.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Quote:tigersimon
The interesting thing is that your summer tourists with teams apart from the B&I Lions are available for selection for the Worcester game but not the PRC game!
This is because they are in the second 5 week stage of their 10 week ‘rest’ period which allows them to play pre-season games but not competitive matches during those 5 weeks!!
Ted Hill to captain the side against Worcester?
Saracens, Bristol and Saints are playing England tourists in the prem cup so why cant Bath?
Bath United Starting XV v Worcester Warriors: 1 Francois van Wyk, 2 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Ted Hill, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Miles Reid, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Josh Bayliss, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Max Ojomoh, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Henry Arundell
Bath United Replacements (in alphabetical order): Henry Bartlett, Tom de Glanville, Tom Dunn, Dan Frost, Chris Harris, James Maloney, Isaac Mears, Ross Molony, Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, Quinn Roux, Vilikesa Sela, Connor Treacey, Bernard van der Linde, Claudius Wheeler, Sam Winters
Very strong team, must be going for the extra days rest versus playing them the following day.
Bath United Replacements (in alphabetical order): Henry Bartlett, Tom de Glanville, Tom Dunn, Dan Frost, Chris Harris, James Maloney, Isaac Mears, Ross Molony, Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, Quinn Roux, Vilikesa Sela, Connor Treacey, Bernard van der Linde, Claudius Wheeler, Sam Winters
Very strong team, must be going for the extra days rest versus playing them the following day.
Very much the stronger selection. Interesting to see how the Academy guys get on in the other fixture.
PG
PG
Quote:Hadn’t realised this was another pay-per-view preseason match. Guess it’s good for Worcester to make the most of this given the reports of players/coaches still owed money.shipwreckedQuote:dcshQuote:[www.clubbertv.co.uk]shipwreckedQuote:A38
https://www.warriors.co.uk/news/matt-rogerson-announced-as-club-captain-and-warriors-squad-vs-bath-announced
Worcester Team.
Live on CLUBBER.CO.UK
I can only find a clubber.ie but that is an Irish site. Is there a link that is streaming the game please?
Perfect, thanks dcsh!
I see Isaac Mears is in the list of replacements. His name did not figure in Bath's 2025-26 squad announcement
I know he figured in England U18's last season and identified then as a Bath Academy player, so is this effectively a trial or an omission from the announcement?
I know he figured in England U18's last season and identified then as a Bath Academy player, so is this effectively a trial or an omission from the announcement?
Quote:dcsh
given the reports of players/coaches still owed money.
It's a bit of a non-story; press reports especially that in The Times do not paint the full and accurate story.
Suffice it to say that the vast majority of rugby creditors have either been settled or have had their claims agreed in principle pending finalisation of detail.
The remainder have gone or will go to independent adjudication. WW will accept that adjudication.
Calculating the individual amounts involved has necessarily taken some time. Each case is different from the next, paperwork is required and there are taxation calculations to be taken into account. The beans have to be counted correctly.
Anyway, we have rugby tonight. The three years' wait has been a long one. I for one am delighted by the quality of the Bath team. It will show up where work has to be done no doubt.
But, quite honestly, the result just does not matter.
Quote:FiveSticks
I see Isaac Mears is in the list of replacements. His name did not figure in Bath's 2025-26 squad announcement
I know he figured in England U18's last season and identified then as a Bath Academy player, so is this effectively a trial or an omission from the announcement?
I think that he was offered a Uni Contract? Not sure if he took it.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:copesterQuote:tigersimon
The interesting thing is that your summer tourists with teams apart from the B&I Lions are available for selection for the Worcester game but not the PRC game!
This is because they are in the second 5 week stage of their 10 week ‘rest’ period which allows them to play pre-season games but not competitive matches during those 5 weeks!!
Ted Hill to captain the side against Worcester?
Saracens, Bristol and Saints are playing England tourists in the prem cup so why cant Bath?
Copester,
A very good question and I have sought advice from one of my sources involved at the higher levels of the game.
The Clubs that have selected England tourists will have had to apply for exemption for these players.
These then may be granted based on individual circumstances (previous season game time etc)
One example I was quoted:-
Oghre was called up to go to USA (to replace Jamie G) after he had taken his 5 week off season break. He played 10 min off the bench. Bristol applied for an exemption, It was approved.
Just paid my money to Clubber to watch the game tonight. Hope the commentary is better than last week from Munster
Quote:HELP. I'm new to this type of viewing contract. So I pay my money online. That's no problem.hanuman
Just paid my money to Clubber to watch the game tonight. Hope the commentary is better than last week from Munster
What next ?
I'm sat in front of my tele and then. What do I do.
Am I right in thinking beno, underhill and barbeary won't have played at all in pre season? May have missed it, hard to keep track with all the players used!
Not mentioned in the injury update.
Any idea what is going on there? Beno and alfie not played since June I assume?
Not mentioned in the injury update.
Any idea what is going on there? Beno and alfie not played since June I assume?
Quote:wetsideQuote:HELP. I'm new to this type of viewing contract. So I pay my money online. That's no problem.hanuman
Just paid my money to Clubber to watch the game tonight. Hope the commentary is better than last week from Munster
What next ?
I'm sat in front of my tele and then. What do I do.
As far as I know it's a streaming service so you need to stream the game to your phone or computer, either via the app or a browser. Then watch on that device or cast/connect that device to your TV.
BB
Quote:tigersimonQuote:copesterQuote:tigersimon
The interesting thing is that your summer tourists with teams apart from the B&I Lions are available for selection for the Worcester game but not the PRC game!
This is because they are in the second 5 week stage of their 10 week ‘rest’ period which allows them to play pre-season games but not competitive matches during those 5 weeks!!
Ted Hill to captain the side against Worcester?
Saracens, Bristol and Saints are playing England tourists in the prem cup so why cant Bath?
Copester,
A very good question and I have sought advice from one of my sources involved at the higher levels of the game.
The Clubs that have selected England tourists will have had to apply for exemption for these players.
These then may be granted based on individual circumstances (previous season game time etc)
One example I was quoted:-
Oghre was called up to go to USA (to replace Jamie G) after he had taken his 5 week off season break. He played 10 min off the bench. Bristol applied for an exemption, It was approved.
Thanks TS.
It's all very confusing, you would think the Clubs would be able to manage players activity without the rfu involved.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Quote:copesterQuote:shipwrecked
I think throwing an 18 year old James Linegar into the mix against Quins is wrong, I'm all for young players getting chances but he hasn't played any sort of rugby at that level even as sub. Everything to date is against his peers, he would have to play the full 80 minutes as well. He is a talent but having to tackle Dombrandt or CCS is fraught with danger. Far too early.
Spencer is the 10 with TCS inside him, he will run the game and bring stability to the backs.
Edit: He might be on the bench though.
I would play Linegar. The only way to get experience is to play. especially with experience around him. The same was said about Worboys a few seasons back and he was great against Northampton.
Charlieboa has been raving about him and I back his rugby knowledge as I do admit I have not seen him play.
Overly generous on my knowledge copester but v kind!
Share your concerns SW. I suggested redpath to start with linegar on the bench.
Guess mojo more likely based on the wuss selection.
They may go mojo/ redpath/ lawrence and have harris/butt on bench for example.
Redpath effectively covers 10.
I expect they will go this route but I don't like the idea of not having a single specialist 10 in the 23.
Linegar for a bit in a very exoerienced team would be fine I think but fully accept its a big risk - he is crazily young and needs another pre season of conditioning ideally.
Clearly really rated, v v unusual to get a senior academy contract with another year at school c18m ago from memory. Straight into eng u20s at 18 now as well.
Quote:No I don’t believe they have played. I think I saw photos/video of Underhill and Barbeary in Cork, Beno was in some previous video, so not clear they are injured. Possible just being protected and could be unleashed next Friday??Charlieboa1
Am I right in thinking beno, underhill and barbeary won't have played at all in pre season? May have missed it, hard to keep track with all the players used!
Not mentioned in the injury update.
Any idea what is going on there? Beno and alfie not played since June I assume?
Quote:copesterQuote:tigersimonQuote:copesterQuote:tigersimon
The interesting thing is that your summer tourists with teams apart from the B&I Lions are available for selection for the Worcester game but not the PRC game!
This is because they are in the second 5 week stage of their 10 week ‘rest’ period which allows them to play pre-season games but not competitive matches during those 5 weeks!!
Ted Hill to captain the side against Worcester?
Saracens, Bristol and Saints are playing England tourists in the prem cup so why cant Bath?
Copester,
A very good question and I have sought advice from one of my sources involved at the higher levels of the game.
The Clubs that have selected England tourists will have had to apply for exemption for these players.
These then may be granted based on individual circumstances (previous season game time etc)
One example I was quoted:-
Oghre was called up to go to USA (to replace Jamie G) after he had taken his 5 week off season break. He played 10 min off the bench. Bristol applied for an exemption, It was approved.
Thanks TS.
It's all very confusing, you would think the Clubs would be able to manage players activity without the rfu involved.
Agree it is confusing!
These player load management rules are all part of the Professional Rugby Board (“PRB”) Regulations, agreed between the RFU, PRL, the clubs and the RPA. Team England Rugby ltd will also have some involvement as they took on the responsibility of the welfare for the England players when the England players broke away from the RPA!
As the saying goes ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’
Quote:What about the various Australian players that are coming to the Prem having played Super Rugby, a Lions Series and then the Rugby Championship? Are they allowed to go straight into a whole Premiership season without enforced rest periods?tigersimon
Agree it is confusing!
These player load management rules are all part of the Professional Rugby Board (“PRB”) Regulations, agreed between the RFU, PRL, the clubs and the RPA. Team England Rugby ltd will also have some involvement as they took on the responsibility of the welfare for the England players when the England players broke away from the RPA!
As the saying goes ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’
Quote:dcsh
Bath United Starting XV v Worcester Warriors: 1 Francois van Wyk, 2 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Ted Hill, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Miles Reid, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Josh Bayliss, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Max Ojomoh, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Henry Arundell
Bath United Replacements (in alphabetical order): Henry Bartlett, Tom de Glanville, Tom Dunn, Dan Frost, Chris Harris, James Maloney, Isaac Mears, Ross Molony, Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, Quinn Roux, Vilikesa Sela, Connor Treacey, Bernard van der Linde, Claudius Wheeler, Sam Winters
Very strong team, must be going for the extra days rest versus playing them the following day.
Thats pretty much the strength of team for the two games I expected interesting to see Opoku-Gyamfi on the bench. Henry Arundell has played all 3 games, two in the 15 shirt. Henry Bartlett I've not seen play at all.
Basically it's a warm up for the Quins game. Love that Ted Hill and Ollie Lawrence are both starting.
A win… but not by the amount it should have been comparing the starting teams. A few injury worries, Horse looked to have an ankle injury (limped on for a bit but then went off at HT), Ted Hill went off (maybe concussion as no obvious injury), worst was probably Van der linde (I think), that looked a hamstring to me. Clearly a pre-season game and not at full throttle. I thought Dan Frost tried really hard for the short amount of game time he had. Kepu was good, including a great break for a Ben Spencer try. His other try was made by Coka break after a little tip on from Dunny. Worcs were well up for it and decent atmosphere - first game at home for over a 1000days!
They had a No8 who was making a lot of ground at the end of the game - not sure if it was our old boy (chap with a very long name!) or not
They had a No8 who was making a lot of ground at the end of the game - not sure if it was our old boy (chap with a very long name!) or not
Worcester 19-33 Bath Final score
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:Shadders
They had a No8 who was making a lot of ground at the end of the game - not sure if it was our old boy (chap with a very long name!) or not
Khalik?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:southstand
Abdul-Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem former senior academy player.
Good player, smart bit of business by wuss.
Soooo many backrowers at bath so smart move got him hopefully as aswell.
Who goalkicked for bath last night? Was it mojo? Tdg?
Last night was very special for Warriors fans, and it was great to share it with a team with such a fantastic history and links through various ex-Warriors players. 'Friendlies' are always strange games, but I thought Bath took it seriously, and our newly assembled Warriors rose to the challenge.
We had a great night, and I hope the travelling Bath fans enjoyed their time at Sixways.
We had a great night, and I hope the travelling Bath fans enjoyed their time at Sixways.
Spencer kicked when he was on. TDG I think kicked when he wasn’t on. Max played10 initially and then TDG in second half. I thought Max looked a bit sharper and his distribution is great… decision making his issue, runs into trouble on occasions.
Quote:Faddy
Last night was very special for Warriors fans, and it was great to share it with a team with such a fantastic history and links through various ex-Warriors players. 'Friendlies' are always strange games, but I thought Bath took it seriously, and our newly assembled Warriors rose to the challenge.
We had a great night, and I hope the travelling Bath fans enjoyed their time at Sixways.
Always enjoy trip to Worcs! Hope the crowd stays as good throughout the season. For a kind of scratch team in a pre-season fixture, they really seemed to play for each other and building a decent team spirit.
Scorers according to the Malvern Gazette
Final score: Worcester Warriors 19-33 Bath
Louis Brown scores the first try back at Sixways!
Guy Pepper drives over for Bath.
Ben Spencer goes over for Bath's second.
Tom Seabrook goes over for Warriors' second.
Will Trewin gets one back for the hosts.
Ben Spencer crosses the whitewash again.
Vilikesa Sela comes good on repeated Bath pressure to cross over.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Final score: Worcester Warriors 19-33 Bath
Louis Brown scores the first try back at Sixways!
Guy Pepper drives over for Bath.
Ben Spencer goes over for Bath's second.
Tom Seabrook goes over for Warriors' second.
Will Trewin gets one back for the hosts.
Ben Spencer crosses the whitewash again.
Vilikesa Sela comes good on repeated Bath pressure to cross over.
Yes, really encouraged by what we saw last night.
It was good to leave all the off field stuff behind and be able to concentrate on the rugby.
I think I will be enjoying the season!
It was good to leave all the off field stuff behind and be able to concentrate on the rugby.
I think I will be enjoying the season!
Indeed A38, Matt Everard has clearly decided that a bit of power will overwhelm opponents. That's a collection of talented players who held their own against a strong Bath side. Sincerely hope you have a good season.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:Shipwrecked
Scorers according to the Malvern Gazette
They missed Dunny's try.
Sequence is a bit off too, Will Trewin's try was scored in the last minute of the game.
The Garsides livened thing up when they came on for Worcester, Louis Brown looks a real handful for Warriors at full back. For Bath both Kepu and Billy had powerful games making breaks and creating tries. Ollie Lawrence looks like he is fully recovered and Guy Pepper was a handfull.
Van de Linde going off was curious, hope its not a big problem. Some of Bath's ex players had an excellent work out, Khalik and Short.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Van de Linde going off was curious, hope its not a big problem. Some of Bath's ex players had an excellent work out, Khalik and Short.
Quote:FiveSticksQuote:Shipwrecked
Scorers according to the Malvern Gazette
They missed Dunny's try.
Sequence is a bit off too, Will Trewin's try was scored in the last minute of the game.
Your right, its in there "as it happens" but not in the summary.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:20:10:19:49 by shipwrecked.
That was only a pre-season friendly but it seems to have been a somewhat underwhelming performance following a fortunate draw against Munster. Clearly the absence of a fly half is a problem as well as a few troubling injuries. Let’s hope that Quins are also a bit rusty next Friday.
Always going to be the way with so many on international duty and having to be drip fed back in to the squad. Rugby just can’t get out of its own way in that regard.
Will be interesting to see how the first few weeks shake out, we have quality all over the pitch but will be missing a handful of stardust players. Could be tight this season.
Will be interesting to see how the first few weeks shake out, we have quality all over the pitch but will be missing a handful of stardust players. Could be tight this season.
Horse got injured, looked an ankle injury. Tried to run it off, so hopefully not too bad. Was playing without any strapping on his knees - which I think he still had at end of last season?
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