The encounter between Bath and Leicester evokes a golden age of English rugby. On Saturday, they will revive the historic rivalry in the English Premiership final, a clash that promises strong emotions.
Both teams, along with Gloucester, have been permanent members of the top category since its creation in 1988. They dominated the early years of the league, winning 12 of the first 15 titles and nine cups. However, Saracens, Wasps, Northampton and Exeter broke their hegemony.
Leicester has continued to reap successes, with titles in 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2022, totaling 11. Bath’s last triumph was in 1996, when they won the league title, an achievement they have not repeated.
In 1996, Bath and Leicester faced each other at Twickenham, with Bath winning the Pilkington Cup final 16-15 thanks to a penalty try in the last minute. Leicester fans still remember that moment.
Until this season, the double of league and cup in 1996 was Bath’s last national success, although they won the European Cup two years later. They have lost three Premiership finals since then, including last year’s against Northampton.
Now, Bath is aiming for a treble in 2025, after winning the Premiership Cup and the European Challenge Cup. They finished at the top of the Premiership and overcame Bristol in the semi-finals.
South African coach Johann van Graan has implemented a pragmatic approach at the Recreation Ground, and the fans have learned to appreciate the strength of his team, especially their “Bomb Squad”.
The combination of media formed by Ben Spencer and Finn Russell has been key. Russell has controlled his impulses, guiding the team and improving his effectiveness in goal kicks.
It’s been a lot of hard work from the group. Johann transformed hope into belief. This group believes it can win big games. Saturday will be another big game and we know we support each other.
Ben Spencer
Leicester returns after a difficult season, where they finished at the bottom of the table. Under the direction of the Australian Michael Cheika, they have regained their confidence and secured second place, surpassing Sale in the semifinals.
They beat us a few weeks ago and Bath is the only team we haven’t beaten this year, so we must find a way to dominate that opponent.
Michael Cheika
The match will be emotional for Ben Youngs and Dan Cole, the English players with the most matches played, who will play their last matches with Leicester.
