It is a fixture they love and one that causes a stir in family circles! We caught up with them ahead of the game!

JOIN THE DABBINETTS AT THE GAME!

When did you first start watching your club?

Tom: I started supporting Bath because my dad did as I was growing up and I remember my first game was against Sale at the Rec in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. Bath won 40-7 but I can’t remember the year. We were sat in what was the Hamptons Stand, underneath the boxes. A day that I’ll always remember.

Hannah: I started going to Welford Road when I was five, but my earliest memory would be a game against Wasps in 2007. We watched the teams walk in and I vividly remember locking eyes and scowling at Lawrence Dallaglio! And then watching Tigers stuff them.

How would you rate your seasons so far?

Tom: Better, there is certainly a lot of promise in our performances so far this season and now we have two wins on the spin, the only way is up!

Hannah: Frustrating, we haven’t played a league game for three weeks; there have been matches when we’ve been really poor but other games when we’ve looked like champions.

Who have been the standout players for you?

Tom: He joined once the season had started but it’s got to be Ollie Lawrence. He’s made an instant impact and really adds dynamism to our attack. A special mention for Dunnie too! He’s been brilliant as usual.

Hannah: It’s been great to see our young England players kick on again, but Dan Cole is playing some of the best rugby of his career so far this season. And Harry Potter is magic… sorry not sorry!

When did you learn the other supported your age old rival?

Tom: I didn’t know Hannah supported Tigers originally! We met at the 2014 Premiership final, and Hannah was supporting Saracens (she couldn’t support Northampton could she?!) so naturally I thought she supported Saracens. It wasn’t until later I realised she actually supported Leicester! For some reason I still asked her out regardless…

Hannah: Straight away! He was wearing his Bath shirt at the final and spoke with the broadest West Country accent I’d ever heard!

What have been some of your favourite memories of the fixture?

Tom: Our first official date was the 45-0 win in 2014… I collected our tickets from the ticket office on the day of the game to realise that our seats were in front of my parents… so not only did Tigers get hammered, Hannah also met my parents on our first date… I certainly know how to treat a girl!

Hannah: He’s said the 45-0 game hasn’t he? Of course he has… I know we didn’t win the game but I always love rewatching Ben Youngs try at the Rec where he caught pretty much the entire team napping and ran the length of the pitch! The second clash was also a big highlight for me.

Has the fixture ever caused division in the Dabinett household?!

Tom: You could say that… I never let it drop when we’ve got bragging rights! The Clash at Twickenham was special, both sets of parents in their shirts at the home of English rugby… it’s what our sport is about!

Hannah: I get reminded of certain matches quite a lot! The first time we couldn’t make it to the game together was because we were at a friend’s wedding and that certainly created a bit of an atmosphere when the final whistle went! Tom coming back from the loo cheering in my face caused a fair few laughs (not from me!).

What’s it like attending The Rec together for this fixture?

Tom: Special, The Rec is anyway but when it’s Bath v Leicester, for us you can’t beat it. The build-up in the week to game is always exciting.

Hannah: It usually rains! Tom’s right it’s really special, there’s always such a buzz. The Rec has oddly become a bit of a second home over the years so it’s always a good chance to catch up with friends and enjoy some gentle banter!

Who do you think will have the bragging rights at full time on Friday?

Tom: Easy… ME!

Hannah: I have a bad feeling about this… I’m really hoping our lack of game time won’t affect us too much (look at me making excuses already) but I hope I’m doing a happy dance round to see the in-laws in the opposite stand at full time!

What are some of the head to heads to look out for?

Tom: The battle of the back row will be really interesting! Ted Hill has settled in really nicely and Richard De Carpentier has had a great start to the season! Tigers have some real threats in George Martin and Olly Cracknell. Personally, I can’t wait for scrum time. I’m a rare breed, I could sit and watch scrums all day! And give my usually unwanted opinion to the touch judge!

Hannah: Whoever’s in Nemzy’s way is always a good one! But more seriously I’m looking forward to seeing Wigglesworth v Spencer… a bit of the master Jedi vs the young Padawan!

Your score predictions!

Tom: In Johann we trust: Bath Rugby 28-21 Leicester Tigers!

Hannah: It’ll be a close one I think but I’ll back the boys and say Tigers by three - Bath 20-23 Tigers.

join us at the rec on Remembrance Day!

Bath Rugby welcome old rivals Leicester Tigers to The Rec on Friday 11 November, kick-off 19:45.

To mark the occasion, a military pitch parade will take place followed by a wreath laying ceremony, including a bugler performing the last post and reveille, with a minute’s silence for everyone to pay their respects.

We can't wait to see you there!

SEE YOU AT THE REC ON FRIDAY!

Mr & Mrs: Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers edition

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