Bath boss Johann van Graan rewarded with rare long-term deal

The new deal will see the South African remain at the Recreation Ground until 2030.

The length of the contract is rather unprecedented at Bath, with the only comparison in the Premiership being Pat Lam's eight-year extension back in 2021.

Van Graan, aided by the arrival of Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell, has steered a club that was in the doldrums into the play-off places with two rounds of the regular league season remaining.

The head of rugby joined from Munster in 2022 and secured Champions Cup qualification in his first campaign in charge before recently masterminding passage into the knockout phase for the first time since 2015.

"I'm proud to be committing my future to this historic club and I am loving the journey we are on," Van Graan said.

"Rugby is about people, purpose, creating memories and making a difference. My family and I are looking forward to our future in Bath.

"The journey we have been on together as players and staff since I joined has been about getting better every day, becoming a team that's tough to beat, and creating an identity that can deliver success over the long-term. The best is yet to come."

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