Bath make major announcement on the future of Johan van Graan

Bath Rugby have announced the long term commitment between the club and head coach Johan van Graan until the end of the 2029/2030 season.

This contract extension reflects the incredible turnaround in fortunes that Bath have had under Van Graan’s care.

The famous club, situated next to the stunning Pulteney Weir, has spent much of the past quarter century bobbing up and down the Premiership table, rarely looking to reach the heights of their amateur days.

Particularly when Van Graan took over at the west-country side, times were particularly bleak. Scraping along at the bottom of the table, saved only by the lack of relegation threat, the local fans were dwindling.

Fast forward two years and the atmosphere in the famous rugby city is in major contrast, with the blue, black and white on display in every corner of the city. No longer are fans dreading the next loss of their doomed team, but instead they are queuing up in line to see their team challenge for play off places.

Speaking about his re-signing with the club, Van Graan said: “I’m proud to be committing my future to this historic club in Blue, Black and White and I am loving the journey we are on. Rugby is about people, purpose, creating memories and making a difference and my family and I are looking forward to our future in Bath.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the board, staff, players, and supporters who, together, make Farleigh House and The Rec such special places. We are creating a unique culture with purpose, and we are in, all in, all the time.

“The journey we have been on together as players and staff since I joined has been about getting better every day, becoming a team that’s tough to beat, and creating an identity that can deliver success over the long-term – the best is yet to come.”

Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald said: “Since joining us in 2022, Johann and his team have delivered a revival on the pitch, created a genuine team ethos, and built belief in what Bath can achieve. There is a clear vision, alignment, and pride in the shirt.

“These are exciting times for the club. We have big ambitions for rugby success, to grow the game, and to regenerate the riverside with an amazing new home for the club.

“We have the right leadership in place to grasp the opportunities ahead of us both on and off the pitch.”