Bath Rugby will kick off their 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership campaign without four of their biggest names, head of rugby Johann van Graan has confirmed.
While Bath’s England internationals — Max Ojomoh, Will Muir, Ben Spencer, Charlie Ewels, Guy Pepper, Ted Hill and Sam Underhill — are set to feature in the league opener away at Harlequins on September 26, two British & Irish Lions won’t be available.
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Fly-half Finn Russell and tighthead Will Stuart have both been handed extended rest periods following their summer exploits and will not feature until October. That rules the pair out of the trip to Quins as well as Bath’s first home clash against Sale Sharks on October 3.
Adding to the absentees, World Cup-winning Springbok Thomas du Toit and new signing Santiago Carreras — who joins from Gloucester — will remain on international duty for South Africa and Argentina respectively in The Rugby Championship, which runs until October 4.
Speaking at the club’s season launch, van Graan explained:
“Every player has got to have a five-week off-season, which all the players that are now back in have had.
“Then it’s got to be five weeks of preparation, which means most of the guys will be available for the first game against Quins.
“Finn and Will have to wait until Round Three of the Premiership, which is Lions Protocol.”
Before the big Premiership kick-off, Bath will sharpen up with three friendlies and a Premiership Rugby Cup tie.
Van Graan added:
“We’ll play against Glasgow, which we’ll use purely as a training game.
“Then we’re going to go to Ireland for the week to go play Munster, spend some good time together, and then come back and play against Worcester on the Friday evening, followed by Exeter for the start of the PREM Cup on the Saturday. So yeah, we’ve got a big month ahead in terms of preparation, and we’re looking forward to it.”
EDITORS PICKS:
Owen Farrell and Two Springboks Named on Controversial ‘Most Hated’ Rugby List
Rugby might be a game rooted in respect, but that doesn’t mean every player is a fan favourite.
In fact, some names seem to exist purely to wind up the opposition — whether it’s for dirty play, endless sledging, off-field antics, or just being toodamn good.
With old villains like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar hanging up their boots, a fresh crop of love-to-hate stars has taken over. And yes, two Springboks have made the cut — with one storming to the top of the list.
A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters love to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you
#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: 🏆 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.
That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he’s not slamming your favourite player into next week.
RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)
Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: 🏉 England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.
Farrell’s critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It’s sad his world-class talent isn’t recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.
RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
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