**Bath Rugby’s Triumphant Turnaround: A Season of Glory Under Johann van Graan**
Johann van Graan, head coach of Bath Rugby, expressed his immense gratitude for the transformative journey that the club has undergone since his arrival in Somerset nearly three years ago. Reflecting on their recent triumph in the Gallagher Premiership final, where Bath edged out the Leicester Tigers in a nail-biting match that ended with a score of 23-21 at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, Van Graan recalled the initial challenges he faced. Upon assuming his role in July 2022, he encountered a “club with no hope.” This remarkable win not only celebrates Bath’s historic treble this season—having already secured both the Premiership Cup and the Challenge Cup—but also marks a significant milestone in the club’s resurgence from last season’s struggles.
The last few seasons have been marked by ups and downs for Bath Rugby. After finishing at the bottom of the Premiership table during the 2021/22 campaign, Van Graan and his team embraced a challenge that seemed insurmountable. Despite coming precariously close to Premiership glory the previous season, their hopes were dashed as they fell to Northampton Saints in the final. However, the 2023 season has told a different story; Bath emerged as a dominant force in the league, concluding the regular season 11 points clear of their closest rivals, Leicester Tigers. Van Graan has acknowledged the vital support he received from the club and the community of Bath throughout this journey, emphasizing a spirit of unity that transcends the playing field.
In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, Van Graan shared his emotional response to the victory. “At the final whistle, I was just thankful, grateful for this journey that started almost three years ago,” he stated. He expressed how the team progressively transitioned from a state of despair to building belief and resilience. “Today—connection, satisfaction, and more,” Van Graan continued, highlighting the inclusive culture he has fostered within the team, where individuals are embraced regardless of their background. His commitment as a leader further shines through in his appreciation for both players and supporters that have rallied around Bath Rugby.
Bath’s journey to victory not only culminates in a long-awaited seventh Premiership title but also breaks a 29-year drought since their last championship. Between 1996 and now, the club had frustratingly finished runners-up five times, failing to come close to clinching the title in recent seasons leading up to Van Graan’s stewardship. With back-to-back appearances at Twickenham, the head coach believes this latest success is not merely a one-off but a catalyst for future achievements. Van Graan articulated that this victory has effectively “awoken a city” by rallying supporters from various walks of life, who now deeply identify with the team.
Reflecting on the significance of this victory, the 45-year-old coach emphasized the importance of resilience and character, stating, “You don’t become a champion when you win a trophy; you’re a champion every day of your life.” This mentality of cultivating champions within the squad has been integral to their recent successes. When asked about future aspirations, Van Graan pointed to his notepad’s inscription: “The best is yet to come 2025,” which tantalizingly suggests that even greater achievements may lie ahead.
While he acknowledges the gravity of the moment and the need to savor the sweet taste of victory, Van Graan remains focused on the future. He intends to take time to relish this triumph, especially since it comes in the context of recent personal losses among those close to the team. He poignantly remarked, “You’ve got to enjoy it with the people around you.” As Bath Rugby prepares to embark on a new season, Van Graan’s optimism and commitment to continual improvement inspire hopes that the best is indeed yet to come for this storied club.
