Johann van Graan rewarded with unprecedented long-term contract after inspiring Bath’s revival

Bath have moved to lock in the long-term services of head of rugby Johann van Graan, with the South African signing a six-year contract extension.

The former Munster boss joined Bath in 2022 and has since overseen major improvements at the Premiership club.

He guided the side to Champions Cup qualification in his debut season in the West Country, and the Blue, Black and Whites currently sit third in the Premiership, challenging for a play-off spot with just two games remaining in the regular season.

Johann van Graan re-signs with Bath

Bath also reached the knockout stages of the Investec Champions Cup for the first time since 2015, and Van Graan’s recruitment efforts have also been praised.

It’s been a period of revival at Bath and the club have rewarded their head of rugby’s efforts with a deal until the end of the 2029/30 season.

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.

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However, the proof is in the pudding with Van Graan who has signed the likes of Ollie Lawrence, Alfie Barbeary, Ted Hill, Thomas du Toit, and Finn Russell during his time in charge.

He joined the side off the back of a season where they finished bottom of the table and his arrival has also seen a uptick in form for the likes of Ben Spencer, Beno Obano, Will Muir and Tom Dunn.

His extension comes off the back of contract extensions of Sam Underhill, Will Stuart, Joe Cokanasiga and Cameron Redpath whilst the club has also secured the signings of Ross Molony, Francois van Wyk, and Guy Pepper.

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Loving the journey

“I’m proud to be committing my future to this historic club in Blue, Black and White and I am loving the journey we are on. Rugby is about people, purpose, creating memories and making a difference and my family and I are looking forward to our future in Bath,” Van Graan said.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the board, staff, players, and supporters who, together, make Farleigh House and The Rec such special places. We are creating a unique culture with purpose, and we are in, all in, all the time.”

“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.”

Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald added: “Since joining us in 2022, Johann and his team have delivered a revival on the pitch, created a genuine team ethos, and built belief in what Bath can achieve. There is a clear vision, alignment, and pride in the shirt.

“These are exciting times for the club. We have big ambitions for rugby success, to grow the game, and to regenerate the riverside with an amazing new home for the club.

“We have the right leadership in place to grasp the opportunities ahead of us both on and off the pitch.”

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