With the sun shining and The Rec basking in perfect autumnal weather, the full Bath Rugby squad headed to their home within the city for an open training session watched by plenty of devoted, young fans.

Hosted by Dick Lovett Land Rover, nearly 500 fans flocked to the stadium to enjoy family fun on the outfield, watched the Bath Rugby squad in full training mode and get autographs and selfies after the session has finished.

Accompanied by Tom Dunn’s Black + White butchers, and Ben Spencer and Sam Underhill’s Grass & Roots Land Rover turned coffee truck, it was certainly an all-round Bath Rugby affair.

On the outfield, Dick Lovett Land Rover held a Perfect Pass contest, which saw fans compete in throwing rugby balls through tyre targets and creating the ‘perfect pass’.

Presented by Richard Davies, Director of Dick Lovett Land Rover, the lucky winner received a signed Bath Rugby jersey in front of a cheering crowd and the whole Blue, Black and White squad.

Immersing themselves in the world of a training session, the fans were talked through some of the drills by Tom Dunn and Dave Attwood, both of whom have dedicated many years to the club and feel the importance of connecting with fans of all ages.

It was also the fans first opportunity to see some of the new signings Bath Rugby have announced over the past few weeks, with the likes of Billy Searle, Ted Hill and Jamie Shillcock all out on the training pitch looking for selection in Bath’s next outing as they take on Newcastle Falcons this coming weekend.

Niall Annett, Tom Ellis and Mike Williams all devoted their time to a Q&A in front of the crowd, answering questions from eager fans – including one for Mike as to how he got so tall!

Asking Tom about his experience captaining the side in the Premiership Cup, and Niall about how he’s settled into this new club and surroundings after signing from Worcester Warriors last season, it was a chance for the fans to get to know the players better and learn more about them beyond rugby.

The Q&A finished with Niall, Tom and Mike coaching three lucky fans through the Super Six Kicks challenge – something a trio of forwards don’t get asked very often! Tom Ellis proved to be the best kicking coach on this occasion winning his young pairing a Bath Rugby training cap.

Wrapping up the session, the team were armed with Sharpies and spent time signing fans’ shirts, balls, caps and posters gifted by Dick Lovett, giving the young fans memories of meeting their idols.

In true fly-half fashion, Orlando Bailey stayed after the main training session to practice kicking from the tee.

Spotting a devoted young fan with ‘Bailey 10’ on the back of his jersey, Orlando went over to invite the youngster and two other fans onto the pitch for a kicking masterclass.

The young boy named Thomas, and his mum, had cut their holiday short to be able to come down to The Rec and have Thomas meet his Bath Rugby heroes. His mum added: “This has been the best half-term treat for Thomas and was so lovely of Orlando to ask him onto the pitch. I think he was speechless when he first asked him to join him!”

Upon leaving, Thomas headed off to the Bath Rugby shop on Argyle Street to get Bailey 10 printed on the back of a new Bath Rugby jersey for this season.

The day turned out to be a fantastic day of family fun and the perfect way to round off the autumn half-term.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to our partner Dick Lovett Land Rover for hosting and providing us with the outfield entertainment along with merchandise for signing.

To secure your seats to watch the Blue, Black and White in their next home fixtures, use the links below and be part of the action:

View the full gallery of images from the day below.

Dick Lovett host Bath Rugby training session in front of a crowd of young fans

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