Bath's Ground Redevelopment Forces Move for Final Home Games of 2026/27 Season

Bath Rugby will play their last two home games of the 2026/27 Premiership Rugby season at an alternative venue as redevelopment work on the Recreation Ground begins. The club received planning permission in September 2025 for an expansion that will increase the venue's capacity to 18,000, adding 3,500 new seats with new East and West Stands. The phased development is set to commence during this campaign, with Bath required to host their matches against Harlequins and Saracens in round 16 and round 18 at a different location. This alternate venue is also expected to accommodate a home play-off match if Bath secures a spot in the top two. Bath’s chief executive, Tarquin McDonald, stated: "We are in discussion with alternative host venues and we will update you once the location for these fixtures is confirmed. Our goal is to minimise disruption as far as possible, and we hope that you will all join us and help make these fixtures a proper home away from home." The club has a long history at the Recreation Ground, having played there since 1894. Under the leadership of Johann van Graan, Bath hopes to rebound after being eliminated in the semi-finals of both the Premiership and Champions Cup last season.

Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-08-10