Bath
THE PREM CUP RUNNETH OVER: SALE AWAY
Staddon: Ever present
By Rokobilly
February 5 2026
Bath return to Prem Cup action this Saturday in Salford, with the return fixture against our previous opponent in the competition: Sale.While the focus of the wider media and rugby followers will, inevitably, be elsewhere this is still a competition that offers value to the club.In a Cup preview earlier in the season, I made the point that while the win in the final at Sandy Park last year was an important stepping stone to the greater things that followed, it was the experience and exposure provided to a cohort of younger players that really mattered.
Retaining the trophy would be wonderful, but the priority has to be the benefit these four games can give us (a) for longer term squad development and (b) getting the players still at Farleigh during the Six Nations fit and firing for the season’s finale.
That said, no Bath fan would turn down the chance to beat Bristol, Exeter and Gloucester in successive weeks…
The format
A reminder: the Cup only involves the ten Prem teams. The fun of the “Champ” teams joining in has gone by the wayside. The ten teams are divided into two groups of five. Each team plays its group-mates home and away with one team for each group having a rest each weekend. The top two from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
The Story So Far
We started the campaign with a gutsy defeat at home to a (full-strength) Exeter; following that up with a big win at Ashton Gate. Week three saw us blow a number of chances to beat Glos at Castle Grim and then we fielded a considerably stronger side (with a 7-1 split of first teamers on the bench) to beat Sale 20-0 in the final round pre-Christmas. That match was a strange old game. Four tries, four missed conversations and a bomb squad that failed to detonate.
The Standings
With our rest week last weekend, we have played four to everyone else’s five matches.
· Glos P5 W4 19pts
· Exeter P5 W3 13pts
· Sale P5 W2 12pts
· Bath P4 W2 11pts
· Bristol P5 W1 6pts
Qualification Prognosis
With four games to go, we will almost certainly need 3 wins to qualify in the top two – and even then, bonus points will be important. Our hardest game is likely to be Exeter away – I expect Baxter and co to be going all out for home advantage in the semi-finals. That makes winning this Sunday very important should we want to progress.
The Players
Representative call-ups have depleted the pool of available players for all clubs, be it full internationals, A teams or the U20s.
Bath have fielded 43 players in matchday squads in the four Prem Cup games so far this season with Will Butt, Scott Kirk and Ethan Staddon the only players to start all the matches.
A further 13 have started or been named on the bench in at least three of the four games. Of those Woods, Linegar, Offiah and Winter will be on U20 duty and Ewan Richards is injured.
That gives us a core of 11 players I expect to play this week and next. My assumption is more first teamers may appear in the last two group games as the need to tune-up for the Prem and Europe intensifies.
The one obvious area for concern is Fly-Half. Finn and Max are on 6N duty, Santi is on holiday, Ciaran Donoghue won’t play for a couple of months and, as above, James Linegar is with the U20s. Resources are thin.
JVG named checked Will Roue this week and he may well get a chance this weekend. If he needs any inspiration then he need only look to Donoghue. It was this time last season that an injury to Orlando Bailey handed Ciaran the 10 shirt for the Cup, and we all know how that story ended.
A Possible Squad (Prem Cup appearances this season in brackets)
The pack: Kirk (4), Spandler (3) and Verden (4) up front. Cuckson (4) and Jeanes (2) in the second row. Staddon (4) and Cowan (2) on the flanks and Green (3) at number 8.
In the backs: Van der Linde (0) and Roue (1) at half-back; Butt (4) and Harris (2) in midfield; and a back three of Griffin (3), Emens (2) and, er…?
TDG and Will Muir are possibilities – and the Horse definitely needs a few more gallops – but both were on safari a few days ago. That said, so was Cam Redpath and he is playing 12 for Scotland A this weekend…
The Opposition
Sale lost badly last weekend as Exeter who – according to Torbay Weekly – “turned on the style in a 9 try blitz.” The Sale XXIII featured 14 names who had featured in the Cup game at The Rec in November and just six who had featured in the squad against Saints in the Prem a week earlier. I’d expect a similar team this weekend.
If Bath are to repeat that 20-0 scoreline they will need to do so with a considerably less experienced team - De Glanville, Redpath, Reid and Frost all started that day – and away from home.
If they manage it, then Will Butt’s Barmy Army will be very much in the mix to make the knock-out stages. COYB!
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StumbleuponTHE PREM CUP RUNNETH OVER: SALE AWAY. TEAM UP!
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 05/02/2026 10:19
05/02/2026 10:19
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Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2026:02:18:13:07:32 by CoochieCoo.
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Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2026:02:18:13:07:32 by CoochieCoo.
I wonder if we will see 3 scrum halfs involved in squad - Tom Carr-Smith potentially on wing with Bernard Van Der Linde at 9 and Le Roux on bench.
Also Jack Bennett & George Timmins on bench. If mainly like the U20s match then I expect Jack Harrison and Henry Bartlett whose been playing regularly for Rams to be involved.
Also Jack Bennett & George Timmins on bench. If mainly like the U20s match then I expect Jack Harrison and Henry Bartlett whose been playing regularly for Rams to be involved.
May even bring in some guests / triallists - I think that this has been done before?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Indeed, JvG name checked TCS as a possible 10 too.
If I could be bothered, seeing who didn't play for the Uni midweek at Exeter would be informative.
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
If I could be bothered, seeing who didn't play for the Uni midweek at Exeter would be informative.
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
I didn't recognise many of the BUCS team from last night. Certainly none of the players who gave featured in the Prem Cup played v Exeter Uni.
Linegar has not been named in the U20 squad for Fridays game v Wales. Does this mean he could play on Sunday for Bath?
Quote:Nor has Tyler Offiah so wonder if he'll be released which would help the back three options with Emens at 15 with Offiah and Griffiths on wings.BathMan in Oxford
Linegar has not been named in the U20 squad for Fridays game v Wales. Does this mean he could play on Sunday for Bath?
It's honestly hard to comprehend that this competition was once the pinnacle of English rugby. Us, the holders, are scrabbling around trying to put a team together because even the U20s games are deemed more important.
Remember going as a boy to the Pilkington Cup Final in '96, which - according to Wiki - was watched by 75,000 (a world record for rugby union at the time).
Surely now we've squeezed the Champ teams out (again) it's time to put it out of its misery. Go back to A league on Monday nights and leave it as that.
Apologies to OP and others for bringing down tone of thread but at least last season it was a bit of fun. Now it just seems like a chore.
Remember going as a boy to the Pilkington Cup Final in '96, which - according to Wiki - was watched by 75,000 (a world record for rugby union at the time).
Surely now we've squeezed the Champ teams out (again) it's time to put it out of its misery. Go back to A league on Monday nights and leave it as that.
Apologies to OP and others for bringing down tone of thread but at least last season it was a bit of fun. Now it just seems like a chore.
Bath Rugby: 1 Scott Kirk, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Kieran Verden, 4 Will Jeanes, 5 Harvey Cuckson, 6 Ethan Staddon, 7 Thompson Cowan, 8 Arthur Green, 9 Bernard van der Linde, 10 Will Roue, 11 Will Muir, 12 Will Butt ©, 13 Jack Harrison (debut), 14 Charlie Griffin, 15 Austin Emens
Replacements: 16 Jasper Spandler, 17 Ioan Emanuel, 18 Mikey Summerfield, 19 Jack Bennett, 20 George Timmins, 21 Neil le Roux, 22 James Linegar, 23 Tyler Mason (guest)
Replacements: 16 Jasper Spandler, 17 Ioan Emanuel, 18 Mikey Summerfield, 19 Jack Bennett, 20 George Timmins, 21 Neil le Roux, 22 James Linegar, 23 Tyler Mason (guest)
[www.salesharks.com]
15. Luke James, 14. Albert Bradshaw, 13. Joe Bedlow, 12. Marius Louw, 11. Alex Wills, 10. Tom Curtis, 9. Dom Hanson; 1. Tumy Onasanya, 2. Nathan Jibulu, 3. Tye Raymont, 4. Reuben Logan, 5. Tom Burrow ©, 6. Sam Dugdale, 7. Tristan Woodman, 8. Dan du Preez.
Replacements:
16. Tadgh McElroy, 17. Ralph McEachran, 18. Patreece Bell, 19. Ethan Caine, 20. Dylan Hodkinson, 21. Nye Thomas, 22. Sam Bedlow, 23. Sebi Krippner.
15. Luke James, 14. Albert Bradshaw, 13. Joe Bedlow, 12. Marius Louw, 11. Alex Wills, 10. Tom Curtis, 9. Dom Hanson; 1. Tumy Onasanya, 2. Nathan Jibulu, 3. Tye Raymont, 4. Reuben Logan, 5. Tom Burrow ©, 6. Sam Dugdale, 7. Tristan Woodman, 8. Dan du Preez.
Replacements:
16. Tadgh McElroy, 17. Ralph McEachran, 18. Patreece Bell, 19. Ethan Caine, 20. Dylan Hodkinson, 21. Nye Thomas, 22. Sam Bedlow, 23. Sebi Krippner.
Looks like both teams have selected teams in the correct spirit of the competition, so looking forward to a good contest. COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Barfboy
It's honestly hard to comprehend that this competition was once the pinnacle of English rugby. Us, the holders, are scrabbling around trying to put a team together because even the U20s games are deemed more important.
Surely now we've squeezed the Champ teams out (again) it's time to put it out of its misery. Go back to A league on Monday nights and leave it as that.
Monday nights do not work for the weekly cycle of training and preparing the 1st team, the 2nd team players are required as opposition, so they can’t be away on rest or recovery - the benefit of this is often referenced by JvG. Monday United matches were often cancelled due to player shortages.
I agree that having effectively two development competitions for many of the same players (cup & u20s) running at the same time is problematic, maybe it would be better to move the u20s to a time when those players were unlikely to get game time at their clubs.
Plus removing the cup would removed 4+ home games per club which is a decent chunk of income. The Bristol match next week has already sold out, so people clearly want to come a watch even if it isn’t the top end talent on display.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:02:06:13:23:25 by dcsh.
Why not move the U20s to after the 6N - during the ECC knockout rounds- when most U20s would need/welcome the game time?
I also agree with restoring the Champ teams.
PG
I also agree with restoring the Champ teams.
PG
Like our squad, great opp for them.
Pleased butt plays though would have made someone who will be here next season captain- great chance for someone to develop their leadership experience.
Interesting that linegar is released back to us, imagine we may have requested that but were prepared to make do without offiah.
Interesting that dan du preez plays- struggled with injuries this season. If rumours are true let's hope he plays amazingly in a losing cause for sale!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:02:06:15:16:28 by Charlieboa1.
Pleased butt plays though would have made someone who will be here next season captain- great chance for someone to develop their leadership experience.
Interesting that linegar is released back to us, imagine we may have requested that but were prepared to make do without offiah.
Interesting that dan du preez plays- struggled with injuries this season. If rumours are true let's hope he plays amazingly in a losing cause for sale!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:02:06:15:16:28 by Charlieboa1.
Quote:dcshQuote:Barfboy
It's honestly hard to comprehend that this competition was once the pinnacle of English rugby. Us, the holders, are scrabbling around trying to put a team together because even the U20s games are deemed more important.
Surely now we've squeezed the Champ teams out (again) it's time to put it out of its misery. Go back to A league on Monday nights and leave it as that.
Monday nights do not work for the weekly cycle of training and preparing the 1st team, the 2nd team players are required as opposition, so they can’t be away on rest or recovery - the benefit of this is often referenced by JvG. Monday United matches were often cancelled due to player shortages.
I agree that having effectively two development competitions for many of the same players (cup & u20s) running at the same time is problematic, maybe it would be better to move the u20s to a time when those players were unlikely to get game time at their clubs.
Plus removing the cup would removed 4+ home games per club which is a decent chunk of income. The Bristol match next week has already sold out, so people clearly want to come a watch even if it isn’t the top end talent on display.
Only said Monday because that's when they used to be, but really mean just away from Fri/Sat/Sun so it's a total separation from first-team duties.
It's got an SPL feel to it this year - playing half the league four times. Very disinterested compared to last year.
I would wager Bath vs Bristol would be the only PREM Cup sell out this year.
I think they've got the schedule just right. These matches are of a decent standard to entertain us with the added bonus of something to play for. I had barely heard of most of our team last year but now know how good they are and they have been match hardened. The U20 competition appears to be the fly in the ointment.
I was a great fan of the monday A games but I can understand now why they were unpopular with the clubs. I've warmed to the Prem Cup and welcomed the presence of the Championship clubs. Obviously the success Bath had last season has fuelled that interest and I'm looking forward to the next 4 games, always good to check how our youngsters are progressing. That success last season certainly aided the success of the first team. It's a shame that the games aren't all being televised, I would like to see the Sale game but it's my least favourite away trip, been there twice, don't want to go again. Newcastle's further but always had a great time.
Ps, on second thoughts I really don't like Ashton Gate.
Ps, on second thoughts I really don't like Ashton Gate.
Quote:I think local radio is the only coverage, possibly some highlights afterwards [www.bbc.co.uk]Treble
Is the game on TV anywhere?
Blimey, quite a result given I recognised about the same number of Sale players in their lineup as ours
Good to hear Mike Tremlett doing the commentary for the game on BBC Sport
Quote:dcsh
19-60 Final score, great work, roll on next week.
I know it's a derby, but given that Bris have only won one out of six I'm not sure how competitive it'll be. I also predict low attendance on Calcutta Cup day.
Listening to the commentary Bath seemed in total control although they will be annoyed that Sale nicked 3 tries. Better commentary than the last time I listened to Somerset Sound. Mike Tremlett particularly informative. He made the point that JVG will be very pleased the conveyor belt of talent is continuing. Sounded like Frost, Jeanes and Le Roux performed well.
Quote:Bath have been saying next week is a sell out…SusanneQuote:dcsh
19-60 Final score, great work, roll on next week.
I know it's a derby, but given that Bris have only won one out of six I'm not sure how competitive it'll be. I also predict low attendance on Calcutta Cup day.
Quote:SusanneQuote:dcsh
19-60 Final score, great work, roll on next week.
I know it's a derby, but given that Bris have only won one out of six I'm not sure how competitive it'll be. I also predict low attendance on Calcutta Cup day.
The game is officially sold out. Looking forward to it.
A great statement from the team of mainly youngsters. The future is bright its blue black and white. It ruined my prediction league score as I got their score within 1 but a country mile away from ours!
Impressive result.
You've got to think it's between us Exeter & Glaws for 2 places.
I originally thought Glaws had already done enough for one of them but now I'm not so sure.
If Glaws lose to Exeter and beat Sale, we beat Bristol, then even if we lose to Exeter, beating Glaws at home on the last day should see us overhaul them and go through with Exeter. Especially with our huge points difference.
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
You've got to think it's between us Exeter & Glaws for 2 places.
I originally thought Glaws had already done enough for one of them but now I'm not so sure.
If Glaws lose to Exeter and beat Sale, we beat Bristol, then even if we lose to Exeter, beating Glaws at home on the last day should see us overhaul them and go through with Exeter. Especially with our huge points difference.
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
Very well done Bath, the squad depth coming on nicely. Sounded (on the radio) like Roue and the big new saffa lad did well as guests? Also sounded like Arthur Green outplayed Du Preez.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Only listened on the radio but Jeanes sounded impressive. I didn't hear why Cuckson went off but seemingly our lock strength is deepening ..... hopefully they will come through into XXIII contention next year should Roux start to tire!
Highlights
Not too many worldies in there, but it's clear our youthful pack were seriously dominant.
Is the fact we scored 5 lineout maul tries a sign that our set piece has really clicked? Or did Sale just put up a paper thin defence? Either way I'm sure Dan and Jasper will be glad to boost their try scoring stats for the season.
Not too many worldies in there, but it's clear our youthful pack were seriously dominant.
Is the fact we scored 5 lineout maul tries a sign that our set piece has really clicked? Or did Sale just put up a paper thin defence? Either way I'm sure Dan and Jasper will be glad to boost their try scoring stats for the season.
Telling how many times we seemed to split their maul defence with them driving around the outside, and us straight through. Great stuff, but worrying for Sale
Looks a blueprint approach on what seems to be an appalling pitch
Best of the bunch was that inside reverse ball for Green(?)'s try
Best of the bunch was that inside reverse ball for Green(?)'s try
Le Roux looks sharp and Griffin looks large! Sale looked so flat .... there is not much of the usual energy you expect from them.
OK, so to ask a stupid question...if TNT sports were there and filming it (on a day when there was no other rugby on), why didn't they just show it? Even if it was a stream or TNT4 or something? It's not like it would have mattered if it would have stopped the 6 people in the crowd from attending...
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Was the Sale team much less experienced than ours? I watched the highlights & it was incredible how much stronger we were. We only had one or two with first team experience so I would have expected it to be a far more of an even encounter. On that showing we must have a good chance of retaining the cup!
Quote:BathMatt53
OK, so to ask a stupid question...if TNT sports were there and filming it (on a day when there was no other rugby on), why didn't they just show it? Even if it was a stream or TNT4 or something? It's not like it would have mattered if it would have stopped the 6 people in the crowd from attending...
They're a little focussed on the Winter Olympics at the mo
They did send a team to cover the women’s match though, perhaps with limited resources they made a choice on who to send where?
Back to the match, it really is a great sign post for our future. I counted only three main players from our side, roughly the same for them, but we absolutely dominated the tight. Great news for our future, our back row stocks seem to be good for decades now (tongue in cheek)!
Back to the match, it really is a great sign post for our future. I counted only three main players from our side, roughly the same for them, but we absolutely dominated the tight. Great news for our future, our back row stocks seem to be good for decades now (tongue in cheek)!
Quote:hastaQuote:BathMatt53
OK, so to ask a stupid question...if TNT sports were there and filming it (on a day when there was no other rugby on), why didn't they just show it? Even if it was a stream or TNT4 or something? It's not like it would have mattered if it would have stopped the 6 people in the crowd from attending...
They're a little focussed on the Winter Olympics at the mo
Yes but they don't even need a commentary team if they can't get one. Besides which it was the same in previous rounds. If its being filmed they can stream it - like Quins do with their u18s matches. I guess the point is that the level of interest isn't worth it for these Prem cup games.
On thge Sale side, from that one clip and the radio commentary Nathan Jibulu continues to look a handful. It can't be too long before he is with main England squad / team?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:02:09:07:22:53 by BathMatt53.
Quote:Bath Hammer
Was the Sale team much less experienced than ours? I watched the highlights & it was incredible how much stronger we were. We only had one or two with first team experience so I would have expected it to be a far more of an even encounter. On that showing we must have a good chance of retaining the cup!
To the contrary, I'd say Sale fielded more "first team" players that ourselves.
They had:
Jibulu (2nd choice)
Dugdale (2nd choice)
Du Preez (1st choice)
Maasi-White (1st choice)
Luke James (2nd choice)
Sam Bedlow (2nd choice)
Compared to us:
Frost (2nd choice)
Butt (2nd choice)
Muir (1st choice)
It sounded like yesterday's performance was a continuation of last year's campaign, with our academy and fringe players slotting into the line up but having real clarity on how we need to play and how to execute the gameplan. Very encouraging and gives me real confidence for the remaining rounds, especially if we get a few returnees back (Richards, Donoghue, Hennessey, Kepu).
Thanks for highlights BBB. Wow - did not expect a scoreline like that. Thought it would be other way round if I'm honest.
Encouragingly, that was reminiscent of last season - whoever pulls on the shirt, it's clear even from those 5mins that they know their role in the system they're playing. Much like we've seen from Saints in recent weeks.
Still not mad about the format but pleased for the boys. Well done.
Encouragingly, that was reminiscent of last season - whoever pulls on the shirt, it's clear even from those 5mins that they know their role in the system they're playing. Much like we've seen from Saints in recent weeks.
Still not mad about the format but pleased for the boys. Well done.
Such a heartening performance which puts oomph into this campaign and, you could argue, the run in. I was kind of ok with us not performing that well in the Prem Cup, as this season the squad is stretched a little thinner and we need to prioritise other efforts more. This win by this group of lads has given confidence that we can compete in this tournament again, whatever XXIII we field.
It's just another HUGE win for JvG and testament to the miracle he's worked in 2-3 years. Getting full squad buy in. Integrating the squads, including the university. Clear planning. Recruitment. They all align to allow even our 2nd/3rd XV to perform away from home, v a tough outfit. A few seasons back, we were getting hammered in this tournament. Now, whatever team we put out, it plays the Bath way, fully commits, and brings home big results.
Only seen the YouTube highlights but a word for Butt, who despite his upcoming move clearly isn't phoning it in as captain. Also, I just like the look of BVDL- he just behaves like a quality player, and he could add some real impact from 9.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
It's just another HUGE win for JvG and testament to the miracle he's worked in 2-3 years. Getting full squad buy in. Integrating the squads, including the university. Clear planning. Recruitment. They all align to allow even our 2nd/3rd XV to perform away from home, v a tough outfit. A few seasons back, we were getting hammered in this tournament. Now, whatever team we put out, it plays the Bath way, fully commits, and brings home big results.
Only seen the YouTube highlights but a word for Butt, who despite his upcoming move clearly isn't phoning it in as captain. Also, I just like the look of BVDL- he just behaves like a quality player, and he could add some real impact from 9.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Quote:As a serious broadcaster, who charges hefty subscriptions that really isn't an option. Anyone would have a right to complain for what would be 'poor coverage' - 1 camera and no commentators. What if there was swearing being picked up from ref mics? Etc.BathMatt53
Yes but they don't even need a commentary team if they can't get one.
TNT's position, which I think is fair, is pretty clear - that they'll only produce one broadcast feed of 1 PREM Cup game per week during what are periods where the eyes of the rugby world are elsewhere.
It's up to the PREM if they want more coverage of it - Bath for example have the capabilities to stream to YouTube, they would just need the permission
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:02:09:10:05:30 by A.M 180.
Quote:A.M 180Quote:As a serious broadcaster, who charges hefty subscriptions that really isn't an option. Anyone would have a right to complain for what would be 'poor coverage' - 1 camera and no commentators. What if there was swearing being picked up from ref mics? Etc.BathMatt53
Yes but they don't even need a commentary team if they can't get one.
Swearing already is! But I'm not sure that anyone would complaint too much about a free stream would they (same as BUCS, some U18s, all of u20s). Anyway, they have chosen not to do it so that's that.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
It's not _that_ long ago that not every prem game was shown live either. It's a reflection of the standing of the competition.
Bath have scored 101 tries across the 3 competitions this year so far (50 in the PREM, 26 in the Prem Cup and 25 in the Big Cup). Last year the final total was 205 including the playoffs .
Sounded seriously impressive on the radio.
Tremlett was asked for a standout player, started with jeanes but then went on to name half the squad!
I think early securing of top spot last season was v useful- gave the likes of kirk, spandler, jeanes, cowan, timmins, offiah, woods, le roux a taste of prem rugby.
Good for them to understand what it requires to play at that level and how hard they would have to work.
Trusting them in prem cup and the prem being paid back now and in the future.
Tremlett was asked for a standout player, started with jeanes but then went on to name half the squad!
I think early securing of top spot last season was v useful- gave the likes of kirk, spandler, jeanes, cowan, timmins, offiah, woods, le roux a taste of prem rugby.
Good for them to understand what it requires to play at that level and how hard they would have to work.
Trusting them in prem cup and the prem being paid back now and in the future.
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