The Blue, Black and White have experienced highs and lows this year, having given their all in every fixture across every competition.

Having made a plethora of new signings ahead of the season, including a new Head of Rugby and coaching setup, a fresh intake of senior players and a year of debuts for many of the Academy players, there has been plenty to talk about.

Ahead of the conclusion of Bath Rugby’s Premiership season, we can now announce the winners of the End of Season awards, presented by Pol Roger.

Kicking off the evening, our hosts for the occasion were ITV West News presenter, Jonty Messer, and club legend Lee Mears.

CAPTAIN’S CUP – Ben Spencer

This year’s recipient of the Captain’s Cup was a man who took the captaincy at the beginning of this season and has led from the front, giving his all in each appearance in this year’s campaign.

Welcomed to the stage by Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, scrum-half Ben Spencer accepted the award from his coach, thanking his teammates for their hard work during his inaugural season as captain.

“We’re not where we want to be and have a lot of work to continue to do but the last few results have shown what we’re capable of,” said Spencer.

100 APPEARANCES IN BLUE, BLACK AND WHITE – JOSH BAYLISS

Homegrown stalwart of Bath Rugby, Josh Bayliss, was invited onto stage by Messer and Mears alongside Dave Attwood, who presented him with a framed jersey marking the back row’s 100^th appearance in Blue, Black and White.

Having learnt his craft at Bath Rugby affiliated school, Millfield, and risen through the ranks in the Academy, previously winning the Academy/Breakthrough of the Year award, Bayliss has since became a frequent member of the Senior Squad.

SPIRIT OF RUGBY – HELEN SHAND

Having spent 28 years at the club, Helen Shand was awarded with the Spirit of Rugby award, to a full standing ovation of players, staff members, partners and sponsors.

Receiving the award from Josh McNally, and presented by Paul Daniels of RWK Goodman, Shand was invited to the stage in recognition of her dedication to the club over the last 28 years.

Recently moving on from the club for a new challenge, it was a no brainer by the coaches that the Spirit of Rugby award be given to Shand at the culmination of the season.

CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR – Tom Dunn

Another award voted for by the coaches, this accolade was to go to someone who embodied the three Cs of the club – commitment, clarity and connection.

In front of a delighted room, Tom Dunn was invited to the stage to collect an award destined for the Bath-born hooker.

ACADEMY/BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR – Sam Harris

In recent Bath Rugby history, the Academy/Breakthrough of the Year award has seen the likes of Max Ojomoh, Josh Bayliss, Orlando Bailey, Tom Dunn and Tom de Glanville all be named worthy winners, and go on to be significant members of the Blue, Black and White.

This season, the award went to Sam Harris, who has been making waves in the England Under-20s set-up, as well as putting his stamp on the Bath Rugby Academy and changing the game in the BUCS Super Rugby for Team Bath.

Invited on to stage by two coaches he knows very well, Craig Lilley and Nathan Catt, Harris accepted the award thanking his teammates and coaches for their time and investment in his rugby career.

TRY OF THE SEASON – Will Butt v Leicester Tigers

In a game that showed what Bath Rugby were truly capable of against last year’s Premiership champions, Leicester Tigers.

Flying himself over in the corner with the clock in the red, Will Butt launched everything over the line for the Blue, Black and White to have The Rec erupt around him.

There was no doubt that Butt would be awarded the Try of the Season trophy to cheers from the crowd.

Handing over the award was former Bath Rugby try extraordinaire, Matt Banahan, and club partner Thatchers.

TOP TRY SCORER

With three worthy winners, Tom Dunn, Joe Cokanasiga and Matt Gallagher were all called to the stage as the battle for Bath Rugby’s Top Try Scorer heats up going into the final match.

Dunn has amassed nine tries after becoming the king of the driving maul, with Cokanasiga and Gallagher both bagging themselves seven from the backline. We will find out who will be victorious on Saturday...

Best forward - ted hill

Since joining the club earlier this season after a tough start to 2022/23 at Worcester Warriors, Ted Hill has put his stamp on the blindside position, clutching the number six jersey with both hands.

Being recognised for his game-changing ability, Hill's strength at ball carrying, and power in the tackle earned him the Best Forward accolade, presented by Bath Rugby's Forwards Coach Neal Hatley, Bath Rugby legend Steve Ojomoh and the Baines family.

BEST BACK - MATT GALLAGHER

Picking up his first award of the evening, Gallagher was invited to the stage to receive the Best Back of the Season award, presented by Tribute and Bath Rugby Defence Coach, JP Ferreira.

Gallagher has started all bar one Premiership fixture this season, proving himself to be a consistent and key component of Bath Rugby's back line set up.

The versatile back, who has started on the wing and at full back, joined the Blue, Black and White this season from Munster, alongside van Graan and Ferreira.

supporters' player of the year - ollie lawrence

Having been voted for by Bath Rugby's ever-loyal fanbase, picking up the award for Supperters' Player of the Year was Ollie Lawrence.

The England international joined the club shortly after the commencement of the season and has delivered promising performances since making his debut in the Blue, Black and White.

Lawrence's line-breaking ability has been a hit with supporters who have seen him produce magic on numerous occasions for Bath Rugby.

players' player of the season - matt gallagher

Perhaps the biggest award of the night went to Gallagher as he was awarded Players' Player of the Season, presented by Dyson.

As voted for by his teammates, the award is one that holds a lot of merit amongst the players.

Earning a standing ovation, the back gladly accepted the award to close the ceremony.

gallery

Two awards for Gallagher at Bath Rugby's end of season celebration

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