Bath Rugby faced Bordeaux Begles on May 3, 2026, in the Champions Cup semi-final. This match marked Bath’s first top-tier European semi-final in 20 years. However, they fell short, losing 38-26 at the sold-out Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole.
Bordeaux took an early lead, showcasing their ‘organised chaos’ style of play. Bath struggled to respond effectively. Will Muir scored two tries for Bath, while Louie Hennessey added another early in the second half. Despite these efforts, Bath could not overcome Bordeaux’s dominance.
Ben Tameifuna scored a decisive try for Bordeaux, solidifying their advantage. Tom Carr-Smith scored a late consolation try for Bath, but it was not enough to change the outcome. The final score reflected a hard-fought battle but also highlighted areas where Bath could improve.
Johann van Graan expressed disappointment with certain officiating decisions. He stated, “I want to make clear that the better team won on the day, but I want to ask why certain things are not picked up when you play away from home in France.” He emphasized the need for consistency on both sides throughout the competition.
Bordeaux will now face Leinster in the Champions Cup final. This defeat extends Bath Rugby’s wait for a trophy in this competition to 29 years. The match attracted significant attention and was broadcasted on various platforms including Premier Sports and France TV.
This semi-final represents a pivotal moment for Bath Rugby as they seek to rebuild and aim for future success in European rugby.
