Bath unburdened by expectation of Premiership final - Johann van Graan

Bath head coach Johann van Graan has underlined that his players are entering the Premiership final free of historical baggage, driven instead by unity, belief, and an unwavering focus on the present.

As the club prepares for its biggest game in decades, van Graan remains steadfast in his view that pressure is not part of their vocabulary.

“When I joined Bath, you look at the history… and you see that this club at a time was incredibly successful… One thing that we all did together is we respect our history, but we started the club at zero in our minds on July 11, 2022,” van Graan explained.

He added, “There is no expectation and we don’t feel any burden. The only thing we feel is each other and inside of that circle, and that is what we are doing.”

This mindset has been key to Bath’s transformation, with players empowered to think only of their journey under the current regime.

The season has already seen silverware with the Premiership Rugby Cup and strong runs in European competitions. But the biggest prize now lies within reach.

Since taking the reins in 2022, van Graan has steered the club from its lowest point to the brink of domestic supremacy.

His approach has been holistic, incorporating principles of continuous improvement, team psychology, and even breathing control to manage stress in high-pressure moments.

Bath’s ability to switch between powerful forward play and expansive attack has been a hallmark of their campaign. Their identity is rooted not just in tactics, but in cohesion, mutual respect, and a belief in the process.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Leicester Tigers, van Graan acknowledged the gravity of the occasion while keeping the focus grounded: “It is definitely a stand-alone fixture… a final is so unique, it is the last game of the season for both clubs.”