It doesn’t feel like 16 years since Bruce Craig first shared his vision for Bath Rugby with the Guardian. Back then there were plenty wondering if his extravagant ambitions would be realised and even he describes it as “a long haul” at times. Anyone would have wanted it to happen a lot quicker than it actually has.
But anything worthwhile is difficult and takes a long time.” It has also taught him loads about the inner workings of professional rugby. In business … it’s a lot easier to get the outcomes.” At least his perseverance is finally being rewarded. Bath claimed their first league title for 29 years in 2025 and work commences next spring on the Rec 2.0, the club’s refurbished city‑centre stadium beside the Avon, made possible by the backing of him and his billionaire co-owner, James Dyson.
A loud snort is audible – “I’ve never been that sort of person” – down the line from Spain. That’ll be amazing.” His pride in the club’s newfound stability under Johann van Graan, strengthened academy, spectacular training base and soon-to-arrive new colosseum is understandable but a few frustrations remain. Even a Dyson-funded Bath cannot exist in a vacuum and Craig, now 63, continues to wince – “It’s probably the biggest problem in rugby still” – at the “shortsightedness and small‑mindedness” of those who cannot see his bigger picture.
The mothballing of the proposed World Club Championship is one irritation, as is the Champions Cup. Bath’s opening pool game against Montpellier is on Saturday night and he is less than impressed by proposals for home-and-away ties in the last 16 and quarter-finals in a revamped 16-team competition. The second games could be dead rubbers.
If you want real jeopardy you’ve got to go to straight knockout. Then every one of those games would be top-notch.” There are even mutterings, from other sources, that some clubs might consider serving notice in 2028 of their intention to leave the existing tournament and start afresh from 2030. Craig is aware of the whispers and does not sound averse to a rethink.
For the moment I don’t think there’s commonality on anything. We really need to get a right answer because otherwise it just doesn’t work with punters, commercially or TV-wise. It needs resolution.” That statement is guaranteed to prompt wry smiles across the Irish Sea.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
