Bath Rugby have kicked off their season with a victory over Harlequins — but without two of their biggest names, with Finn Russell stood down from action.
They followed up the opening win with a home game against Sale Sharks, again missing key players, with England centre Max Ojomoh stepping in at number 10.
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Fly-half Finn Russell and tighthead Will Stuart have been given extended rest periods after their summer exploits and will not feature until October. That rules them out of the trip to Quins and Bath’s first home Premiership clash against Sale Sharks on October 3.
INTERNATIONAL DUTY ADDS TO ABSENTEES
World Cup-winning Springbok Thomas du Toit and new signing Santiago Carreras — joining from Gloucester — will remain on international duty for South Africa and Argentina respectively in The Rugby Championship, which runs until October 4.
VAN GRAAN ON PREPARATION
Speaking at the club’s season launch, head of rugby Johann van Graan said:
“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.”
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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