Bath Rugby ended nearly three decades of heartache by clinching their first Gallagher Premiership title since 1996, edging out a brave Leicester Tigers side 23-21 in a gripping final at a packed Allianz Stadium Twickenham.
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The victory completes a sensational treble for Johann van Graan’s men, who had already lifted the Investec Champions Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup earlier this season, underlining their dominance in 2024-25.
A Long-Awaited Coronation
This was Bath’s seventh English crown, but the first of the professional era, crowning a season that has seen them lead from the front. They topped the regular season by 11 clear points and arrived at Twickenham as overwhelming favourites.
Yet Leicester refused to roll over. The Tigers, who snuck into the playoffs with a late-season surge, pushed Bath all the way. It took a moment of class from fly-half Finn Russell, whose late penalty nudged Bath in front, and a monumental defensive effort in the dying minutes to finally get over the line.
Changing of the Guard
While this win marks the peak of Bath’s revival under van Graan, change is on the horizon. A host of senior players will move on this summer, including club stalwarts Ruaridh McConnochie and Louis Schreuder, who both retire. Hookers Niall Annett and Arthur Cordwell also hang up their boots, while several fringe players have been released.
Departures:
- Codi Purnell → Dragons (Wales)
- Mackenzie Graham → Coventry (England)
- Ruaridh McConnochie – Retired
- Louis Schreuder – Retired
- Niall Annett – Retired
- Arthur Cordwell – Retired
- Abdul-Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem, Rory Crum, Josh Dingley, Luke Graham, Will Parry, James Short, Archie Stanley, Raff Weston – Released
- Hame Faiva – Released
- John Stewart – Released
Henry Arundell
? “The Jet Returns”
One of the most exciting young backs in world rugby, Arundell returns to the Premiership after a blistering spell at Racing 92 in France. Known for his searing pace, elusive footwork, and finishing flair, the 22-year-old England international adds serious firepower to Bath’s back three.
One of the most exciting young backs in world rugby, Arundell returns to the Premiership after a blistering spell at Racing 92 in France. Known for his searing pace, elusive footwork, and finishing flair, the 22-year-old England international adds serious firepower to Bath’s back three.
Santiago Carreras
? “Mr. Versatile with a Tango Twist”
A versatile and dynamic back, Carreras arrives from Gloucester with a reputation for unlocking defences and stepping up in high-pressure moments. A mainstay in Argentina's national side, his experience and adaptability make him a valuable asset in Bath’s evolving attacking structure.
A versatile and dynamic back, Carreras arrives from Gloucester with a reputation for unlocking defences and stepping up in high-pressure moments. A mainstay in Argentina's national side, his experience and adaptability make him a valuable asset in Bath’s evolving attacking structure.
Chris Harris
? “The Defensive Wall from the North”
A defensive lynchpin with 50+ caps for Scotland, Harris brings leadership, grit, and organisation to the midfield. Known for his rock-solid tackling and understated playmaking, the former Gloucester man is expected to provide balance and experience to Bath’s explosive backline.
A defensive lynchpin with 50+ caps for Scotland, Harris brings leadership, grit, and organisation to the midfield. Known for his rock-solid tackling and understated playmaking, the former Gloucester man is expected to provide balance and experience to Bath’s explosive backline.
Dan Frost
? “The Set-Piece Sledgehammer”
Signed from Exeter Chiefs, Frost offers explosive power around the park and a strong presence at set piece. A mobile hooker who can carry aggressively and compete at the breakdown, he strengthens Bath’s front-row depth following multiple retirements.
Signed from Exeter Chiefs, Frost offers explosive power around the park and a strong presence at set piece. A mobile hooker who can carry aggressively and compete at the breakdown, he strengthens Bath’s front-row depth following multiple retirements.
Bernard van der Linde
⚡ “Springbok in the Making”
The young South African arrives from the Bulls with a reputation for sharp service and natural game control. Quick off the mark and smart with his kicking game, van der Linde adds exciting competition at 9 and is tipped as a future Springbok contender.
The young South African arrives from the Bulls with a reputation for sharp service and natural game control. Quick off the mark and smart with his kicking game, van der Linde adds exciting competition at 9 and is tipped as a future Springbok contender.
Quiz! Can you name every club that has played in the Premiership?
London Welsh were the last new team to play in the Gallagher Premiership back in 2011 – can you name the others?
You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.
Good luck, and let us know how you do
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