Twenty-one centuries ago the Romans chose Bath as the site to host their spas. The hot springs are no longer the only thing running through the city centre. For the last century and a half, rugby has been the beating heart of Bath's community. Located right in the centre of the city, the blue, black and white hooped side play amidst the Ancient Roman and more recent Regency architecture.

 

The club has no shortage of money which fits with its surroundings. Bath has been financed by Bruce Craig for a number of years. This has allowed the club to attract some of the biggest names in the games including Taulupe Faletau, George Ford and more recently Finn Russell. One of the key lures for these talented stars is Farleigh House, the stately home that Bath use as their training ground when they're not trying maul their opponents back in their best attempt of a testudo formation. If a stately home as a training ground wasn't enough, the 'best of British' is emphasised by the famous faces who support the club. You will often see the likes of James Dyson, Mary Berry and Greg James frequenting The Rec.

 

Bath have recently been through a turbulent patch and unfortunately attracted the label of perennial 'underachievers' considering the resources at their disposal. The club last made a final in 2014/15. Bath are now embarking on a new era with many established figures departing the south-west in the last season or two including Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph and Taulupe Faletau. Some of the best young British talent have arrived to take their place. The club's recruiters acted swiftly with the demise of Wasps and Worcester Warriors early last season. Craig and co have snapped up Ted Hill, Alfie Barbeary and most importantly Ollie Lawrence who was named Premiership Player of the Season last year. The task for Johann van Graan is to bring this squad together under one playing philosophy and begin challenging for titles again.