Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan has signed a new long-term contract with the Gallagher Premiership side as the resurgence of one of English rugby’s most historic clubs continues.
Van Graan joined Bath from Munster in 2022 and led the team to Champions Cup qualification in his first season. His new contract will see him in charge until at least the end of the 2029-30 campaign. The South African’s commitment is a huge boost to Bath’s long-term plans.
Van Graan’s side currently sit third in the Gallagher Premiership table after several years of poor performance. Bath are well placed for a play-off spot at the end of the season.
Van Graan said: ‘I am proud to entrust my future to this historic club and love the journey we are on. Rugby is about people, purpose, making memories and making a difference. My family and I are looking forward to our future in Bath.
‘I’d like to thank the board, staff, players and supporters who make Farleigh House and The Rec the special places they are. We are creating a unique culture with purpose.
Johan van Graan has signed a new long-term contract at Bath that will run until at least the end of the 2029-30 season.
Bath are currently in a good position to secure an end-of-season play-off place this season.
Van Graan has built a strong squad at Bath and they currently sit third in the Premiership.
‘The journey we have been on as players and staff since I joined has been about getting better every day, becoming a team that is hard to beat and creating an identity that can be successful over the long term. The best is yet to come.’
Van Graan built a strong squad at Bath after bringing in players such as Finn Russell, Ollie Lawrence, Alfie Barbeary, Ted Hill and Thomas du Toit.
Tarquin McDonald, Bath’s chief executive, said: ‘Since joining us in 2022, Johann and his team have delivered a revival on the pitch, fostered a real team spirit and built belief in what Bath can achieve. I did. The shirt has a clear vision, alignment and pride.
‘This is a very exciting time for the club. We have big ambitions to deliver rugby success, grow the game and regenerate the riverside with an incredible new home for the club. We have the right leadership in place to seize the opportunities before us, both on and off the pitch.’
England’s Red Roses, fresh off the Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam, have confirmed they will face world champions New Zealand in a big clash at Twickenham on September 14.
The match will pit two of the best women’s rugby teams on the planet against what is expected to be a world record crowd for a women’s game in the home of English rugby.
John Mitchell’s side, who won their sixth successive Women’s Six Nations title by beating France last weekend, will face Les Bleus again at Kingsholm on September 7.
“We want to host and play against the best teams in the world ahead of the 2025 World Cup, so we are eagerly looking forward to both of these matches,” said Red Roses captain Marlie Packer.
England’s Red Roses have won the Six Nations grand slam and will now face New Zealand in September.
‘The fans always bring a buzz to games at Kingsholm and with many of our squad having links to Gloucester, it will be another great opportunity.
‘The last two games at Twickenham have had two of the best crowds in women’s rugby history. We want more!
‘Playing against the Black Ferns, the home of English rugby, is a rare and incredible opportunity. We can’t wait for thousands of supporters to get behind us on another special day at Twickenham.’
