As the rugby season intensifies, Bath faces a conundrum with the fitness of key England internationals Ben Spencer and Ollie Lawrence ahead of their crucial showdown with Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens. Additionally, Max Ojomoh will be absent due to injury. The stakes are high as Bath evaluates its roster following recent injuries that saw club captain Spencer sidelined last minute during last weekend's match, and Lawrence suffering a hand injury.
Spencer, who has been a pivotal figure for Bath this season with 15 appearances, is under close observation by the medical team after a shoulder issue prevented him from playing against Harlequins. Bath's head of rugby, Johann van Graan, remains optimistic about Spencer's situation. "He ran very well outside a bit earlier, so there are no major concerns from our side. We’ll put him back on the field in time," he noted, underscoring the importance of a cautious approach to player health.
"No more news,"
van Graan said, regarding Spencer's immediate playing prospects.
"We made a decision that he wasn’t going to play as there was something in that shoulder, and we’ll make a decision whether he plays this week or next week."
Meanwhile, Lawrence's recent hand injury has been less severe than initially feared. "Ollie’s hand is not too bad, actually," van Graan revealed. The decision on when he will return to play remains pending, with the team taking a careful stance to ensure his full recovery.
The health of other team members also hangs in balance; Beno Obano and Quinn Roux are recovering from back and leg injuries respectively. Van Graan shared an update: "They’re a lot better. Again, we’ll make decisions as the week goes." With critical matches looming, including encounters with Bordeaux and Exeter, the strategy involves prudent management of the team's resources.
Unfortunately, England centre Max Ojomoh is definitely out for the upcoming match due to a leg injury just below the knee. Van Graan commented on his condition, "With Max, at first it seemed like an ankle injury, but it’s actually just below the knee. We’re still getting some more feedback on him. It might be a week or it might be two weeks, but he’s not available this weekend."
This period is a testament to the resilience and depth of the Bath squad as they navigate through injuries and prepare for the significant challenges ahead. Each decision made in the coming days will be crucial as Bath looks to maintain its competitive edge while ensuring the well-being of its players.
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As the rugby season intensifies, Bath faces a conundrum with the fitness of key England internationals Ben Spencer and Ollie Lawrence ahead of their crucial showdown with Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens. Additionally, Max Ojomoh will be absent due to injury. The stakes are high as Bath evaluates its roster following recent injuries that saw club captain Spencer sidelined last minute during last weekend's match, and Lawrence suffering a hand injury.
Spencer, who has been a pivotal figure for Bath this season with 15 appearances, is under close observation by the medical team after a shoulder issue prevented him from playing against Harlequins. Bath's head of rugby, Johann van Graan, remains optimistic about Spencer's situation. "He ran very well outside a bit earlier, so there are no major concerns from our side. We’ll put him back on the field in time," he noted, underscoring the importance of a cautious approach to player health.
"No more news,"
van Graan said, regarding Spencer's immediate playing prospects."We made a decision that he wasn’t going to play as there was something in that shoulder, and we’ll make a decision whether he plays this week or next week."
Meanwhile, Lawrence's recent hand injury has been less severe than initially feared. "Ollie’s hand is not too bad, actually," van Graan revealed. The decision on when he will return to play remains pending, with the team taking a careful stance to ensure his full recovery.
The health of other team members also hangs in balance; Beno Obano and Quinn Roux are recovering from back and leg injuries respectively. Van Graan shared an update: "They’re a lot better. Again, we’ll make decisions as the week goes." With critical matches looming, including encounters with Bordeaux and Exeter, the strategy involves prudent management of the team's resources.
Unfortunately, England centre Max Ojomoh is definitely out for the upcoming match due to a leg injury just below the knee. Van Graan commented on his condition, "With Max, at first it seemed like an ankle injury, but it’s actually just below the knee. We’re still getting some more feedback on him. It might be a week or it might be two weeks, but he’s not available this weekend."
This period is a testament to the resilience and depth of the Bath squad as they navigate through injuries and prepare for the significant challenges ahead. Each decision made in the coming days will be crucial as Bath looks to maintain its competitive edge while ensuring the well-being of its players.