Bath’s 37-12 rout of Lyon in the Challenge Cup final has thrust Johann van Graan into the spotlight, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane highlights Van Graan’s journey from a teenage analyst at the Bulls to a title-winning head coach at Bath, crediting Meyer’s mentorship. The victory in Cardiff, sealed despite a controversial yellow card for Sam Underhill, marks a turning point for Van Graan, who has transformed Bath underdogs to Premiership table-toppers in three seasons.

Watch: Bath achieved something amazing – Van Graan

Keohane notes Van Graan’s recruitment of Springbok prop Thomas du Toit, who has scored 20 tries in 49 games, as pivotal to Bath’s resurgence. With speculation about Van Graan as a potential Springbok coach post-2027, his focus remains on winning the Champions Cup.

“The man-child is no more, Meyer told me recently. Van Graan is all grown up as a rugby coach and very much the boss at Bath,” Keohane writes.

“All that remained was big silverware for Van Graan, added Meyer, who was insistent the EPCR Challenge Cup trophy would go to Van Graan. He is also backing the South African to guide Bath to English Premiership title glory.”

“Van Graan’s biggest growth area, said Meyer, was in his selection and recruitment. The very best coaches are the very best selectors. He identified well and his signing of Springbok prop Thomas du Toit from the Sharks was a masterstroke.”

Keohane underscores the global influence of South African coaches, from Rassie Erasmus to Jacques Nienaber, as Van Graan’s success adds to their legacy.

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