The likes of Josh Bayliss, Miles Reid, Tom de Glanville, Max Ojomoh and Orlando Bailey all earned their Blue, Black and White stripes (or hoops if you’d rather!) with others set to do the same on Wednesday evening when Bath host Gloucester at The Rec.

Two 18-year-olds in England Under-20 international Sam Harris and Wales Under-18 centre Louie Hennessey will make their first senior appearances for the club as will 22-year-old JJ Tonks and ex-BUCS Super Rugby talent Michael Etete.

In total, 17 out of the 23 are homegrown players with the average age of group 22.5-years-old, brought up by experienced players such as Johannes Jonker, Ruaridh McConnochie and captain Tom Ellis – involved on their return from injury.

Former second row turned Assistant Coach Luke Charteris oversee the side throughout the tournament, supported by Academy Performance Coach Ryan Davis and Head of Academy Craig Lilley.

The latter is confident the Premiership Rugby Cup prove greatly beneficial to the young players involved.

“Without the A League or Shield competitions, the Premiership Rugby Cup is a great opportunity for our younger players to put on a Bath jersey and be introduced to senior rugby,” Lilley said.

“Some will have experiences with the University and on loan at Championship clubs this season, but they will learn a lot from playing at The Rec under the lights in a senior competition.

“We want to expose as many of our young players to senior rugby as we can and to have 17 homegrown players is a testament to the hard work the Academy staff have put in over the years to give the players the best possible chance to compete for Bath.

“We are all excited to see where everyone can take their game to next and Gloucester will be an exciting challenge on Wednesday.”

MATCH DETAILS - Bath Rugby v GLOUCESTER

When: Wednesday 28 September, 19:45
Where: The Rec
Competition: Premiership Rugby Cup
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol
Referee: Joe James
Assistant Referees: Ryan Collier & Phil Watters

GLOUCESTER PROFILE

Formed: 1873
Stadium: Kingsholm
Director of Rugby: George Skivington
Captain: Lewis Ludlow
Finish last season: 5^th

HONOURS

European Challenge Cup: 2005/06, 2014/15
Premiership Rugby Cup: 1971/72, 1977/78, 1981/82, 2002/03, 2010/11
Premiership Rugby Sevens Series: 2013, 2014

ONE TO WATCH – GEORGE BARTON

Fly-half Barton was a standout at Under-18 level for both club and country. A silky footballer, he could have played football for Cheltenham Town but chose rugby and Gloucester where his kicking out of hand and eye for a pass has seen him earn 13 appearances in the Gallagher Premiership.

TRY REWIND

Ruaridh McConnochie finished off a fantastic crossfield kick from Freddie Burns in 2019 to get Bath Rugby off to the best possible start at Kingsholm.

TICKETS: join us at the rec

Next three at The Rec:

Gloucester, Wed 28 Sep, 19:45 (Premiership Rugby Cup)
Gloucester, Sat 8 Oct, 15:00 (Gallagher Premiership)
Bristol Bears, Wed 19 Oct, 19:45 (Premiership Rugby Cup)

We look forward to you joining us!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Bath Rugby’s Match Preview is delivered to you by Huboo – the club’s Official Training Wear Partner. For more information on Huboo, visit www.huboo.com

Huboo Match Preview: Gloucester (H - Prem Cup)

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