Bayliss returns in a largely unchanged 23 to take on Racing 92

Having secured wins against Ulster Rugby and Cardiff Rugby in Rounds 1 and 2, the European competition is back, with Racing 92 heading to The Rec for the first time in Bath Rugby history.

In a hotly anticipated return to the field, Josh Bayliss has been named by Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, after spending the season so far on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

Shuffling the team slightly for the visit of the Top 14 side, van Graan’s selection remains largely unchanged from the win over Gloucester Rugby last weekend.

Beno Obano and Tom Dunn remain in place in the front row after a consistent performance so far this season.

Thomas du Toit switches in from last week’s bench to take the starting tighthead position.

Quinn Roux has also been brought into the starting XV, partnering Charlie Ewels in the second row.

GJ van Velze and Miles Reid both retain their jerseys on the flanks after a huge shift last weekend.

Alfie Barbeary completes the pack and starts at Number 8.

Amongst the backs, Ben Spencer and Finn Russell retain their familiar partnership at half back.

This will be Russell’s first encounter with his former side after leaving the Parisian outfit last summer.

In the midfield, international pairing, Cameron Redpath and Ollie Lawrence, remain as van Graan’s centres.

Out on the wing, unstoppable Will Muir takes the 11 jersey, getting increasingly familiar with the fans of the South Stand due to his try-scoring efforts in what is becoming known as Horse Corner.

Joe Cokanasiga secures the other wing at 14, with double try-scorer and last week’s Gallagher Player of the Match, Tom de Glanville, retaining his spot at full back.

Amongst the replacements, Niall Annett, Juan Schoeman and Will Stuart line up ready to come on in the front row.

Elliott Stooke, Josh Bayliss and Chris Cloete make up the forwards in a 6-2 split. After playing for Bath United and putting in an impressive performance last weekend, this is Bayliss’s first professional run out since being injured in pre-season.

Louis Schreuder and Sam Harris take the replacement backs positions, with young Harris becoming a regular feature in the senior set-up in recent weeks.

The game kicks off on Sunday 14 January at 13:00.

TEAMS

Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 GJ van Velze, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville

Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Elliott Stooke, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Sam Harris, 23 Chris Cloete

MATCH DETAILS

Competition: Investec Champions Cup
Round: Three
Fixture: Bath Rugby v Racing 92
Location: The Rec
Date: Sunday 14 January 2024
Time: 13:00
Referee: Andrea Piardi (ITA)
Assistant Referees: Federico Vedovelli (ITA) & Filippo Russo (ITA)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (ITA)
Coverage: TNT Sports, BBC Radio Bristol, Rugby Pass TV, The Rugby Network, or following along on our Twitter/X channel for live commentary