Bath Rugby have kicked off their season with a victory over Harlequins \u2014 but without two of their biggest names, with Finn Russell stood down from action.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s first home Premiership clash against Sale Sharks on October 3.<\/p>\n INTERNATIONAL DUTY ADDS TO ABSENTEES<\/p>\n World Cup-winning Springbok Thomas du Toit and new signing Santiago Carreras \u2014 joining from Gloucester \u2014 will remain on international duty for South Africa and Argentina respectively in The Rugby Championship, which runs until October 4.<\/p>\n VAN GRAAN ON PREPARATION<\/p>\n Speaking at the club\u2019s season launch, head of rugby Johann van Graan said:<\/p>\n \u201cEvery player has got to have a five-week off-season, which all the players that are now back in have had. Hated\u2019 Rugby List<\/p>\n Rugby might be a game rooted in respect, but that doesn\u2019t mean every player is a fan favourite. <\/p>\n In fact, some names seem to exist purely to wind up the opposition \u2014 whether it\u2019s for dirty play, endless sledging, off-field antics, or just being\u00a0toodamn good.<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 with one\u00a0storming\u00a0to the top of the list.<\/p>\n A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters\u00a0love\u00a0to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you<\/p>\n #6.\u00a0Eben Etzebeth (South Africa\/Sharks)<\/p>\n Position:\u00a0Lock 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.<\/p>\n That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality \u2014 just as long as he\u2019s not slamming your favourite player into next week.<\/p>\n RUCK Verdict: #5.\u00a0Owen Farrell (England\/Racing 92)<\/p>\n Position:\u00a0Fly-Half\/Centre 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\u2019t be fooled \u2014 his infamous \u201cshoulder-first\u201d tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.<\/p>\n Farrell\u2019s critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It\u2019s sad his world-class talent isn\u2019t recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.<\/p>\n RUCK Verdict: CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
Then it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Caps:\u00a0131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours:\u00a0\ud83c\udfc6 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the game\u2019s last true hard men \u2014 and one of the most divisive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Caps:\u00a0112
Major Honours:\u00a0\ud83c\udfc9 England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours<\/p>\n
\u201cStill England\u2019s pantomime villain \u2014 unless he\u2019s your guy. Then he walks on water.\u201d<\/p>\n