Van Graan’s Bath aim to make early statement
The Investec Champions Cup roars back to life this weekend, and few clashes will set the tone quite like Bath hosting Munster.
Johann van Graan’s troops go into the tournament with real momentum. Fresh off last season’s dominant EPCR Challenge Cup triumph and currently sitting atop the English Premiership standings as defending champions, they enter Europe with belief and expectation.
Their game has sharpened across the park, and with home advantage under lights, The Rec will be primed for a statement performance.
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Captain Ben Spencer says last year’s silverware has fundamentally shifted Bath’s mindset.
“It was huge for us to get it over the line last season so we take a lot of confidence from that,” he said. “We know Europe is a huge step up and we’re looking forward to challenging ourselves against the best players in the best club competition in the world.”
Munster, meanwhile, are second in the Vodacom URC and travel with the swagger of a team built for big occasions. They thrive in hostile environments, bring a battle-hardened pack and have a history of raising their game on European nights – the kind of opponents Bath must beat to prove they’re genuine contenders.
But how will Saturday’s demoralising loss at home to the Stormers affect them as they switch focus to a new competition?
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Spencer doesn’t think it’ll matter too much and still expects a fierce opening examination from the Irish giants.
“It’s great to start at home. Saturday night against Munster and we’re really excited. The Rec is already sold out,” he said.
“The great thing about this competition is you play clubs that you don’t play every week. We’ve got two massive games away against the French clubs [Toulon and Castres], and they’ll be huge.”
Investec Champions Cup fixtures (Round 1, SA times)
Friday, 5 December
Bayonne vs Stormers, 10pm
Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors, 10pm
Saturday, 6 December
Saracens vs Clermont, 3pm
Bulls vs Bordeaux Begles, 5:15pm
La Rochelle vs Leicester Tigers, 7:30pm
Leinster vs Harlequins, 7:30pm
Scarlets vs Bristol Bears, 10pm
Bath vs Munster, 10pm
Sunday, 7 December
Pau vs Northampton Saints, 3pm
Toulouse vs Sharks, 5:15pm
Gloucester vs Castres, 5:15pm
Edinburgh vs Toulon, 7:30pm
EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures (Round 1, SA times)
Friday, 5 December
Ulster vs Racing 92, 10pm
Saturday, 6 December
Lions vs Benetton, 3pm
Stade Francais vs Cardiff, 3pm
Black Lion vs Montpellier, 5:15pm
Lyon vs Newcastle Red Bulls, 7:30pm
Zebre Parma vs Montauban, 10pm
Sunday, 7 December
Perpignan vs Dragons, 3pm
Ospreys vs Connacht, 5:15pm
Exeter Chiefs vs Cheetahs, 7:30pm
The Investec @ChampionsCup is back this week! pic.twitter.com/5SEuSn1Uh3
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) December 1, 2025
Photo: Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images