Bath rugby have named their first squad of the 2024/25 campaign, with the blue, black and whites ready for a pre-season fixture against Munster this afternoon (3pm KO). Johann van Graan has confirmed a stacked match day squad of 39 players, that includes international stars Finn Russell, Joe Cokanasiga and Charlie Ewels amongst the replacements.
Van Graan has named two Bath players that are getting set to make their starting XV debut, as lock Ross Molony and wing Austin Emens are pencilled in at the number five and 14 jerseys respectively. Molony joined Bath from Irish province Leinster, with the Dubliner delighted with the chance to mark his maiden cap against his age-old rivals Munster.
A further four players could make their debuts from the bench, as the quartet of former Leicester prop Francois van Wyk, England U18s hooking prospect Kepu Tuiopulotu, former Dragons outside half Jack Woods, and Tyler Offiah, the 18-year-old son of Rugby League Hall of Famer Martin Offiah, have all been named amongst the replacements.
Starting XV: 1 Arthur Cordwell, 2 John Stewart, 3 Kieran Verden, 4 Jacques du Plessis, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Ewan Richards, 7 Thompson Cowan, 8 Miles Reid (c), 9 Louis Schreuder, 10 Orlando Bailey, 11 Ruaridh McConnochie, 12 Will Butt, 13 James Short, 14 Austin Emens, 15 Ciaran Donoghue
Replacement forwards: Niall Annett, Jasper Spandler, Kepu Tuipulotu, Ioan Emanuel, Archie Stanley, Mikey Summerfield, Francois van Wyk, Charlie Ewels, Will Jeanes, Quinn Roux, Jaco Coetzee, Ted Hill, Arthur Green, Ethan Staddon
Replacement backs: Tom Carr-Smith, Ieuan Davies, Finn Russell, Louie Hennessey, Max Ojomoh, Joe Cokanasiga, Tom de Glanville, Luke Graham, Tyler Offiah, Jack Woods
