After a promising 2019-20 that saw them make the playoffs, Bath disappointed in 2020-21. Despite earning a spot at the Champions Cup, there isn't as much excitement as last season going into a new campaign. This will also be the season that determines a lot of jobs to see if some will be staying or going. This will be a very telling campaign for Bath before a lot of changes possibly happen. That being said, let's preview the club's 2021-22 season
Last Chance For Hooper?
Stuart Hooper took over as the director of rugby after Todd Blackadder left before the 2019-20 campaign and in his first try led the team to a playoff appearance albeit in a COVID-19 impacted season. It looked promising for the club especially after being able to recruit players like scrumhalf Ben Spencer to join and built considerable depth. As hopeful as the fanbase was for 2020-21, the team struggled and finished in the middle of the table. Injuries did have an impact, but underachievement certainly was the main culprit. With this being Hooper's third season in charge, this will be a big one for his job status as if there's more underachievement, he could be shown the door. Is his recruitment not good? Is he not preparing the club for every game like he should? Or is he simply just not cut out to be a director of rugby? All of those are likely to be answered, but if Bath gets off to a sluggish start, then expect Hooper's seat to be hot.
Staying Healthy
As mentioned earlier, injuries hindered some of Bath's chances to play better than they did. Missing key pieces like Joe Cokanasiga, Cam Redpath, or Ruaridh McConnochie who bring dynamism to an attack certainly hurts Hooper's game plan every match. But when fully healthy, this team has a lot of talent that can absolutely compete for a playoff spot. With the depth, dynamism, and options to choose from, Bath should be decent if they can avoid the injuries.
New Arrivals
Aside from some academy products like Arthur Cordwell, Max Ojomah, and Orlando Bailey, there aren't too many new arrivals on the scene. That has a lot to do with the club's plan to have a squad made up of 50% of academy products. However, that doesn't mean they couldn't bring in any players. Players like Danny Cipriani, who will be tasked with replacing Rhys Priestland at flyhalf, and forwards Johannes Jonkers and D'Arcy Rae, who were brought on as depth for the front row, as well as Jaco Coetzee who helps make the back row even deeper and dynamic, these are moves that signal how serious the club is at building a champion. However, how will these players do once they get going and how much will they contribute? Those questions will be answered soon.
Can Certain Players Keep It Up From Their Breakout Campaigns?
Despite a disappointing 2020-21 season for Bath, there were some players who broke through and showed that they can not only be considerable depth, but key players to an attack. Will Muir was a bright spot last season as he was a nice player to have on the wing as his speed played a crucial part. Gabe Hamer-Webb is another player who stood out last year as he helped become a great option as a wing. Tom de Glanville seemingly became the best option at the 15 jersey and was a crucial part of Bath's attack. And in the forwards, Beno Obano, Josh McNally, and Miles Reid all showed how great they were even with Obano and McNally getting called up for international duty. If all these players can keep it up from last season, then Bath might be a difficult team to play.
Does The Team Have Depth When Players Are Called Up For International Duty?
One thing Bath has is a lot of players who might be called up for international duty. Anthony Watson, McConnochie, Redpath, Jonathan Joseph, Ben Spencer, Cokanasiga, Sam Underhill, Taulupe Faletau, McNally, Charlie Ewels, Will Stuart, Obano, and Tom Dunn are all players who might be called up or expected to and that's a lot. No matter who the club is, that's a large amount of crucial players and possibly even more could be selected. When international duty is called, does the club have enough to compete still? The depth will be tested and it could determine whether the team has enough to make the playoffs.
Fixtures
Match 1: at Sale
Match 2: vs Newcastle
Match 3: at Bristol
Match 4: vs Saracens
Match 5: at Harlequins
Match 6: vs Wasps
Match 7: at Leicester
Match 8: vs Exeter
Match 9: at Northampton
Match 10: vs Gloucester
Match 11: at London Irish
Match 12: vs Worcester
Match 13: vs Harlequins
Match 14: at Saracens
Match 15: at Wasps
Match 16: vs Leicester
Match 17 at Newcastle
Match 18: vs Bristol
Match 19: vs Sale
Match 20: at Exeter
Match 21: vs Northampton
Match 22: at Gloucester
Match 23: vs London Irish
Match 24: at Worcester
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