It has been a long time coming and the faithful Blue, Black and White supporters have been thoroughly missed by everyone connected with the club.

“We’ve had to wait, everyone else had their fans back two weeks ago!” captain Charlie Ewels quipped.

“It’s going to be really special to have our fans back. I’ve listened to comments from players from other teams around having their fans back and ‘you don’t realise what you had until it’s gone’. Those are the emotions I’ve been feeling and can’t wait to have them back.

“I’m sure 2,500-3,000 people will make enough noise for 14,000 at the Rec!”

Not only aiming to go out on a high for the fans and the players departing the club, Bath still have something to play for when Northampton Saints visit on Saturday.

Heineken Champions Cup rugby is in the hands of Stuart Hooper’s men with a win set to secure a top eight finish in the league.

Northampton will be in the top tier European competition next term and despite qualifying two weeks ago, they didn’t rollover when champions Exeter Chiefs visited Franklin’s Gardens last time out.

“They are playing very well,” Ewels said.

“They have got some very good individuals and are dangerous with the way they play rugby and attack.

“They went hard at the breakdown against Exeter last weekend so it’s a big challenge, one which we’re looking forward to.”

MATCH DETAILS

Date: 12 June 2021
Kick-off: 15:00
Competition: Gallagher Premiership
Where: The Rec
Referee: Ian Tempest
Assistants: Hamish Smales & Peter Allan
TMO: David Rose
Media Coverage: BT Sport

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS’ CURRENT FORM

(WLLWL)

Northampton Saints 26-29 Exeter Chiefs | Gallagher Premiership
Northampton Saints 30-25 Wasps | Gallagher Premiership
Newcastle Falcons 18-10 Northampton Saints | Gallagher Premiership
Northampton Saints 7-31 Gloucester | Gallagher Premiership
Leicester Tigers 18-23 Northampton Saints | Gallagher Premiership

A RESILIENT DISPLAY

Bath Rugby survived conceding a try inside the opening minute and a red card to end Northampton's unbeaten start to the 2019/20 campaign.

Rory Hutchinson charged down Rhys Priestland's kick to score early and James Grayson's penalty put Saints 8-0 up after as many minutes.

Bath fought back through Will Chudley's try and a Priestland penalty put them ahead at the break.

Aled Brew saw red before Charlie Ewels and Zach Mercer crossed either side of Tom Wood's finish.

Match Preview | Northampton Saints | Gallagher Premiership | R22

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