Bath Rugby and Thatchers Cider have gone back to their roots with a collaboration that will continue to bear fruit in the heart of cider country – and supporters of the Blue, Black and White can win a taste of Bath Rugby history.
Thatchers and Bath Rugby have created a unique Farleigh Cider pressed from apples grown pitchside at Farleigh House. Reflecting Bath Rugby’s commitment to a homegrown team, cider fans can now enjoy this homegrown cider – with homegrown 100-capped captain Charlie Ewels part of the picking team.
Once pressed, expertly crafted and bottled by Thatchers, the one-of-a-kind Farleigh Cider was delivered back to Farleigh House for players to take part in a labelling and signing session. Each member of the Bath Rugby squad has signed a bottle of Farleigh Cider.
Each bottle – a very special piece of Bath Rugby and Thatchers history – can be won through a charity raffle in aid of the Bath Rugby Foundation and the Thatchers Foundation, both of which support local communities throughout Somerset.
For captain Ewels and his teammates, the Bath Rugby Foundation is a cause very close to their hearts and the squad have been supporting the Foundation in different ways during lockdown.
Thatchers, the family cider makers, are very much part of the Bath Rugby family, with the 2020/21 season marking the ninth year of partnership between the two brands deeply synonymous with the West Country.
The Farleigh apple trees were planted in 2011 and last autumn, the Farleigh House orchard produced apples which were picked by Bath Rugby players under the watchful eye of Thatchers’ farm manager Chris Muntz-Torres.
Bath Rugby captain Charlie Ewels said: “We’re all very proud of our partnership with such an iconic West Country brand and I can attest Farleigh Cider really is a very special drink. I’d like to encourage all of our supporters to support the raffle and help raise funds for two hugely deserving causes.”
Thatchers head cidermaker, Richard Johnson, who blended the Farleigh Cider and invited some of the squad to Myrtle Farm for a tasting in 2019, said, “At 5.5% abv, Farleigh Cider is a fantastic union of varieties. Like a scrum the apples used are a blend of strength and guile and all have their unique contribution. Pour this cider into your favourite cup and let it tackle your taste buds!”
