Johann van Graan’s verdict on ‘best player on the planet’ as ‘jovial’ Argentina star returns for Bath

Bath boss Johann van Graan has credited Santiago Carreras’ character as the full-back returns to club duty for the opening round of the 2026/27 Prem season.

The last time the Argentine international appeared in Bath colours, he was widely criticised for not attempting a last-minute drop goal against Exeter Chiefs in the Prem semi-final.

Since then, however, Carreras has had the summer to recoup, and has once again proven himself on the international stage with Los Pumas.

With Bath’s final match of last season now a distant memory, Carreras has been back strutting his stuff in training.

“We’ve enjoyed every minute of having him,” Van Graan said.  “A week ago in training, there was a purple patch of 20 minutes where Santi was the best player on the planet. Like some of the stuff he did in training was amazing.

“I think, testament to him, he’s a guy with a lot of very good characteristics, good character, and he’s part of our group. As I say, many times we’ve got ebbs and flows in games, careers, seasons. He’s pretty much focused on what’s ahead, and he’s always prepared.”

Discussing his character since his arrival from Gloucester in 2025, Van Graan used the word “jovial” to describe his Argentine star, adding that he’s “good fun” and “one of the best team men that you will see”.

Despite his ability to fit in well with the squad, there is heavy competition for the full-back position between Tom de Glanville and Carreras, but Van Graan claimed that the two “could not be closer to each other” in terms of friendship.

“That’s an example of two guys playing for the same position,” he explained. “So it’s all about the team, and we work together as a group. And doesn’t matter who plays on the weekend, whether that might be Sam Winters or Ciaran Donoghue in the future. It’s a squad, and he fits in very well.”

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What Tom De Glanville will bring to the wing

De Glanville will start in the slightly less familiar position of wing at the weekend, but rather than being a weakness, Van Graan believes the 26-year-old will add his own qualities to the position.

“He definitely brings it in the air a little bit,” he noted. “He’s also a second receiver, so we’ve got multiple receivers in terms of our backs starting, if you look at Santi, Finn [Russell], Max Ojomoh.

“The conditions are looking very good for the weekend. It’s two very good attacking teams playing against each other, and the other bit is his experience and his calm, and he’s been there, and he’s done that.

“He’s played for us on the wing before, so of course, if you look at the makeup of the squad, because Henry’s [Arundell] not available, we need a bit of full-back cover, should we have an injury. So multiple layers to this selection, but I’ve got complete trust in each.”

Arundell has picked up a slight injury so was not available for selection, and fellow wing Will Muir remains on the injury list following shoulder surgery.

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