In the high-stakes world of Premiership rugby, not even the stars are safe from the bench. Bath's head coach Johann van Graan has ushered in a new era of squad rotation that sees even the likes of England international Sam Underhill fighting to secure his spot week in, week out. With a roster brimming with talent, Van Graan’s strategy focuses on keeping his team fresh and competitive, a luxury that could well redefine team dynamics at Bath.
“First of all, I’d say he is a world-class player,” Van Graan remarked about Underhill.
“When he finds his rhythm, he’s really, really good, but nobody’s guaranteed that they will play.”
This ethos of merit over reputation ensures that even high-caliber players like Underhill must earn their stripes every game week. “Sam will start some games, Sam will be on the bench at some stages, and some weeks he won’t play. It’s all about what’s best for the team,” added Van Graan.
The squad depth at Bath is not just a buffer but a breeding ground for international talent, as suggested by the array of players pushing for national team selection. “The more players we can have playing international rugby, the better for us as a club. I want as many guys as possible to be selected,” Van Graan expressed, highlighting the dual benefit of individual and club success.
Among the emerging talents, Guy Pepper and Miles Reid have been standout performers. Pepper, at just 22, is already a fixture in the starting lineup and has made his England debut, drawing praise for his dynamism and work rate. “He has huge potential,” noted Tom Dunn, Bath’s experienced hooker. Reid, meanwhile, has been a defensive bulwark for the team, with Dunn commenting on his impactful tackles and presence over the breakdown.
As Bath continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the Premiership, the emphasis on squad rotation and performance-based selections under Van Graan’s stewardship is setting a new standard. With players like Underhill, Pepper, and Reid at the helm, Bath’s approach might just be the blueprint for balancing star power with team ethos, ensuring that every player, regardless of their status, has to fight for their place on the pitch.
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In the high-stakes world of Premiership rugby, not even the stars are safe from the bench. Bath's head coach Johann van Graan has ushered in a new era of squad rotation that sees even the likes of England international Sam Underhill fighting to secure his spot week in, week out. With a roster brimming with talent, Van Graan’s strategy focuses on keeping his team fresh and competitive, a luxury that could well redefine team dynamics at Bath.
“First of all, I’d say he is a world-class player,” Van Graan remarked about Underhill.
“When he finds his rhythm, he’s really, really good, but nobody’s guaranteed that they will play.”
This ethos of merit over reputation ensures that even high-caliber players like Underhill must earn their stripes every game week. “Sam will start some games, Sam will be on the bench at some stages, and some weeks he won’t play. It’s all about what’s best for the team,” added Van Graan.The squad depth at Bath is not just a buffer but a breeding ground for international talent, as suggested by the array of players pushing for national team selection. “The more players we can have playing international rugby, the better for us as a club. I want as many guys as possible to be selected,” Van Graan expressed, highlighting the dual benefit of individual and club success.
Among the emerging talents, Guy Pepper and Miles Reid have been standout performers. Pepper, at just 22, is already a fixture in the starting lineup and has made his England debut, drawing praise for his dynamism and work rate. “He has huge potential,” noted Tom Dunn, Bath’s experienced hooker. Reid, meanwhile, has been a defensive bulwark for the team, with Dunn commenting on his impactful tackles and presence over the breakdown.
As Bath continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the Premiership, the emphasis on squad rotation and performance-based selections under Van Graan’s stewardship is setting a new standard. With players like Underhill, Pepper, and Reid at the helm, Bath’s approach might just be the blueprint for balancing star power with team ethos, ensuring that every player, regardless of their status, has to fight for their place on the pitch.