Bath and Leicester are back in the Premiership final, rekindling a rivalry that once defined English club rugby. Between 1978 and 1997, these two powerhouses collected 15 national knockout trophies and dominated the early years of the league. Their return to Twickenham is reminiscent of a reunion tour for 90s rock icons nostalgic, thrilling, and long overdue.
This resurgence is no accident. Bath, under the composed and meticulous guidance of Johann van Graan, and Leicester, rejuvenated by the passionate and energetic Michael Cheika, have both rebuilt their squads with strikingly similar philosophies. Despite their different temperaments, both coaches understand that rugby success lies not just in tactics, but in psychology and unity.
Van Graan has drawn insights from unconventional sources, including visits to the US Military Academy at West Point and top NFL teams. His belief in holistic preparation extends to yoga breathing exercises in the dressing room, aligning the squad’s mindset before any tactical discussion begins. His commitment to detail and continual improvement has also seen Bath relay their famously muddy pitch to better suit their attacking ambitions. This transformation has contributed to Bath’s dynamic playing style and their powerful bench, dubbed the “bomb squad,” capable of shifting momentum in the second half.
Cheika, meanwhile, has relied on his instinctive ability to inspire. Though his spell with Leicester may be short, his impact has been undeniable. Known for his motivational methods, including symbolic gestures like handing out engraved golf clubs to the Waratahs before a Super Rugby final, he has focused on mental fortitude. Leicester’s players credit him with bringing emotional clarity and purpose, helping them rally late in the season despite earlier struggles, including a heavy European defeat.
Bath, already winners of the Challenge Cup and Premiership Cup, are hunting a treble. Led by flair players like Finn Russell and bolstered by squad depth, they enter the final as favourites even without injured centre Ollie Lawrence. For Leicester, the occasion is tinged with sentiment, as club legends Ben Youngs and Dan Cole prepare to retire. The team is determined to honour them with a fitting farewell.
The stage is set for a compelling finale. Bath, guided by process and discipline, will look to avoid a repeat of last year’s heartbreak. Leicester, fueled by belief and emotion, are ready to challenge the odds. It’s a clash of modern rugby ideologies, rooted in tradition but reborn through innovation and motivation. Whether calm calculation or passionate inspiration triumphs, one thing is clear: English club rugby’s old giants are roaring again.
