Van Graan signs new deal to 2030

I’m proud to be committing my future to this historic club, says Bath head of rugby

JOHANN van Graan has been rewarded for transforming Bath Rugby into Gallagher Premiership title contenders with a new contract that keeps him at the Recreation Ground until 2030.

Van Graan arrived at the Recreation Ground from Munster in the summer of 2022 and has overseen a complete transformation of the club both on and off the field, bringing in new heads of department, coaches and a host of star players.

A brilliant run to the end of the 2022/23 campaign saw the South African guide the team to European Champions Cup qualification in his first season, and the Blue, Black & Whites currently sit third in the Gallagher Premiership on 50 points, challenging for the play-offs with just two games remaining of the regular season, having reached the knockout stage of Europe’s elite tournament for the first time since 2015.

With the South African Rugby Union having been linked with potential interest in reuniting with Van Graan back in the Autumn, this new longterm contract provides vital clarity.

Van Graan, pictured, 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 the 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,