Not only is it three-time European champions Toulon visiting The Rec on Saturday, but members of the 1998 Heineken Cup-winning side will be in attendance to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their triumph.
The likes of captain Andy Nicol and coach Andy Robinson will reminisce with supporters as well Adebayo Adedayo, Phil de Glanville, Jeremy Guscott, David Hilton, Dan Lyle, Federico Mendez, Matt Perry, Eric Peters, Mark Regan, Nathan Thomas and Richard Webster.
Current Bath Rugby hooker Niall Annett can feel the ‘special vibe’ around the city this week and he is determined for the Blue, Black and White to keep their qualification chances alive this weekend.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR BATH RUGBY V TOULON
"It's a big game and we've treated it very much like that, it's a cup final of sorts. It's one that we're building heavily towards and has been a big focus in training in the week," he said.
"European days are special. There's a 25-year reoccurrence of the triumph that they had so there's a special vibe around town and hopefully we can put in a performance that is reflective of that.
"It's a club that has history and heritage in all competitions and formats. We are working hard every week and every day and every session to try and build and bring those special days back."
MATCH DETAILS - bath rugby v TOULON
When: Saturday 14 January, 15:15 GMT
Where: The Rec
Competition: EPCR Challenge Cup R3
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol, Viaplay
Referee: Chris Busby (IRE)
Assistant Referees: Dan Carson (IRE), Aimee Barrett-Theron (SA)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRE)
TOULON PROFILE
Formed: 1908
Stadium: Stade Mayol
Head Coach: Franck Azéma
Captain: Raphaël Lakafia
Finish last season: Runners-up of EPCR Challenge Cup
HONOURS
European Rugby Champions Cup: 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15
Top 14: 1930/31, 1986/87, 1991/92, 2013/14
Challenge Yves du Manoir: 1934, 1970
Rugby Pro D2: 2004/05, 2007/08
ONE TO WATCH – SERGIO PARISSE
A legend of the game, Parisse continues to prove his world-class his worth even at the age of 39. The Number 8 has fantastic one-hand carrying ability and seems to avoid contact with sensational offloads. He has 142 international caps for Italy, many of which came as captain. Parisse has played over 50 times for Toulon since joining in 2019.
TRY REWIND
Jonathan Joseph scored this bizarre try against Toulon in 2017!
TICKETS: join us at the rec
Next three at The Rec:
Toulon, Sat 14 Jan, 15:15
London Irish (Foundation Day!), Sat 18 Feb, 15:00
Bristol Bears, Fri 24 Feb, 19:45
We look forward to you joining us!
