Bath head coach Johann van Graan admits his side needs “to get a lot better” after qualifying for next season’s Champions Cup.

It took a brilliant 61-29 win over a weakened Saracens to claim the last spot on the final day at the expense of Bristol, who missed out due to a lower points difference.

Excited for Europe

Van Graan is excited to be in the prestigious competition next season but admits his side will have to improve a lot before then.

“It’s a competition I love,” he said.

“I look forward to taking Bath into that competition, and whoever we get is to be determined.

“I’m looking forward to it. We need to get a lot better though.”

End of the road for some

The boss reflected on the departures of several players at the club and believes part of their performance was due to that.

“For a lot of very good people, the train will stop tomorrow and they will get off,” he said.

“We talked from the beginning about connection, clarity and commitment. You saw that commitment here today.”

More clarity

Looking ahead, Van Graan admits the team has a lot of development to come but is pleased that there is now a “clear” identity to Bath’s game.

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He added: “We still have a long way to go. We said we had to become tough to beat and I feel we have. There’s a clear way we play the game now. We became fitter and better. All credit to the players.”

Saracens fell away in the second half at the Rec as Bath found their rhythm, with Van Graan delighted with the efforts regardless of the fact that the league leaders fielded a weakened team.

“Irrespective of who they put out, that’s a very well coached team, and with a system I’ve got a lot of respect for. They kept us busy in the first half and it took some magic tackling to keep them out,” he said.

34-year-old defender-come-midfielder Mathieu Bodmer will join newly-promoted to Ligue 1 side Amiens, according to Le Courrier Picard.

Bodmer has been informed by his current club EA Guingamp that they will not be offering him a new deal when is current contract expires at the end of the month.

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Stormers number eight Evan Roos is bracing himself for a ‘physical’ encounter against the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final against the Bulls.

Last year’s finalist face off in the first playoff on Saturday, and following an injury-laden season, Roos is keen to make his mark in the same loose trio that won the competition last season.

The 23-year-old Springbok returned from injury in the penultimate round of the regular season, coming off the bench in the loss to Munster before starting against Benetton a week later.

Back in action

Roos is relishing the upcoming rematch of last season’s URC final and said he was concerned that he would not return in time from the business end of the tournament. 

“It’s been awesome being back and able to play again. I originally thought I was going to struggle, but it’s been good actually,” he told the Stormers’ official website. 

“The rehab went well, and we worked really hard; I’m feeling better each game.

“I’m just happy I’m running again normally, as I did before, and the knee is giving me no problems at all.”

He added: “Obviously, when I first got injured, I was kind of stressing about the rest of the season; how it was going to pan out, how long I would be out, etc.”

 “But things worked out quite well and got back just in time for the business end of the competition.

North-South derby

Ross is looking forward to the clash with the Bulls, a team the Stormers have a good record against in recent matchups.

The Capetonians have won their last five games against the Pretoria outfit, a run that includes the previous four league encounters and last season’s final. 

“I’m happy to be a part of this week’s match because knockout rugby is the best kind of rugby, and it is lekker to be in the mix,” he added.

“It’s a North-South derby, and you cannot expect anything less than a physical and really good game, with them bringing their A-game as always.

“The Vodacom Bulls are tough opponents, and respect is due where it’s due. They’re a quality outfit, and it’s going to be a spectacle. It’s kind of why we play this game, for these types of moments, and the DHL Stormers and I can’t wait for this weekend.”

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Star back row

Roos has impressed on his return from injury, and ahead of the playoff clash with the Bulls, Stormers boss John Dobson will have the services of veteran backrower Deon Fourie.

Fourie, Roos and Hacjivah Dayimani started in the loose trio that sealed the title last season and could reunite once again against the Bulls.

Fourie is fit again from an eyesocket injury, and Roos is eager to feature in the same back row once again. 

“I must say it’s great being reunited with Brannas and Hacjivah, it’s been a while since we’ve played together, and we had a pretty good season together last year,” he said.

“It makes it even more special for us three to be playing together again in the Vodacom URC quarter-finals. I’m really sure we’re going to enjoy it.”

READ MORE: Seven South African players to watch during the URC quarter-finals

After a sensational season in which their young side smashed PSG’s Ligue 1 monopoly, Monaco’s transfer window was bound to be fascinating.

Interest from Europe’s super clubs was rumoured early in the campaign and only intensified as they made a surprising drive to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Virtually all of Monaco’s key players were linked with moves away.

The predicted exodus has not yet come to pass but Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Nabil Dirar (Fenerbahce) and Valère Germain (OM) have been sold and back-up goalkeeper Morgan de Sanctis left on a free transfer.

It seems likely that Tiemoué Bakayoko will also join Chelsea before long. Such losses would shatter most clubs. Monaco are among the world’s best players of the transfer market. They are not most clubs. After their 2004 Champions League Final defeat, following a fairytale run through the competition’s knockout stages not dissimilar to last season’s, Monaco lost a number of key players.

Dado Prso joined Rangers, Ludovic Giuly went to Barcelona, Fernando Morientes returned to Real Madrid and Edouard Cisse was recalled by PSG. Each had played in the Final defeat to Jose Mourinho’s Porto. In came Javier Saviola from Barcelona, the rugged Diego Perez and future Inter legend Maicon. Far from collapsing, Monaco finished third in Ligue 1 and reached the semi-finals of both domestic cups. In 2014, Eric Abidal, James Rodriguez, Emmanuel Riviere, Radamel Falcao and manager Claudio Ranieri all left. In their place came new boss Leonardo Jardim and Fabinho, Silva and Bakayoko — all heroes of the 2017 title.

This summer, Monaco moved swiftly and decisively to ensure next season’s title defence will be worthy of the name. The first signing, Youri Tielemans, was a real coup. The 20-year-old broke through last season with 18 goals and 16 assists from midfield as Anderlecht won the Belgian title. His long-range strikes were social media sensations but Tielemans was at the heart of everything Anderlecht did. His move to Monaco is a perfect one. His physical strength will protect him as he adapts to the new level of Ligue 1.

Having rejected Manchester City because of concerns over playing time, it seems as though Tielemans is quite sensible – or at least well advised. Tielemans looks young but he’s a leader and a winner. He has been nicknamed the ‘Baby Boss’ of Anderlecht and he’s as close as you can get to a sure-fire successful signing.

Zulte Waregem defensive midfielder Soualiho Meite was the next to join. A once highly-rated youngster, Meite’s career stalled with Lille and he spent the last 18 months on loan with Zulte in Belgium, before the Belgian side activated a buy clause only to sell him on immediately. This spell proved regenerative as he blossomed into a ball-winning machine. Strong, fast and big (6 foot 2 and 12.5 stone), the 23-year-old will be Bakayoko’s understudy or like-for-like replacement if the Frenchman leaves.

Veteran Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio also joined as a replacement for the outgoing De Sanctis. De Sanctis only managed one clean sheet last season, that in a 13-minute injury interrupted start against Fenerbahce. Veteran of over 300 appearances for Wolfsburg, Benaglio provides an assured back-up presence.

In June, Lyon’s Jordy Gaspar caused a minor controversy, signing professional terms with Monaco instead of his boyhood club. Having shone in the UEFA Youth League, Gaspar was handed a Champions League debut last September but when he refused to sign a contract, he was frozen out. Only 20, he’s an attacking right-back, capable on the left, with supreme physical tools. His technique needs refining but he may prove to be yet another shrewd Monaco recruit.

Monaco’s final recruit may prove their finest. Jordi Mboula, the jewel of Barcelona’s academy, was snatched for €3m. Mboula’s sensational UEFA Youth League goals, of which he scored eight, showed his serious talent. Usually playing on the right of the front three, Mboula has been described as a winger but is really a wide forward. Tall, deceptively quick and elegant, Mboula is reminiscent of a young Thierry Henry. So much so that he is nicknamed ‘Titi.’The prospect of Mboula lining up alongside Kylian Mbappé is tantalising for everyone except whoever will have to try to defend against them.

Five new signings will be joined in Monaco’s squad by a number of exciting youngsters returning from loan spells. Former Manchester City academy prospect Rony Lopes scored four goals and laid on four more for Lille last season and will be pushing to take Bernardo Silva’s now absent place. Allan Saint-Maximin, an endlessly pacy and skilful forward, completed more dribbles than any other Ligue 1 player at Bastia in the last campaign. He too will push for a place.

Monaco have done excellent work in this window. If they manage to keep most of the title-winning squad intact, they’ll have impressive depth. If, as expected, more big-names depart, Jardim will have the tools to build a new team for the title defence.

S.R.

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The Premiership resumes on Friday with two matches as Bristol Bears take on Sale Sharks and Gloucester host Bath in the big West Country derby.

Bristol Bears v Sale Sharks

England international Harry Randall will make his 100th appearance for Bristol Bears in their Premiership clash with Sale Sharks on Friday.

The scrum-half, who co-captains the side alongside Steven Luatua, will become the 51st player to reach the milestone and the ninth youngest.

Randall continues his half-back partnership with AJ MacGinty, while in midfield, Academy centre Joe Jenkins replaces the injured Semi Radradra at outside centre.

There’s also a return to action for Joe Batley in the second-row, with Magnus Bradbury returning to number eight.

Meanwhile, double Curry is on the menu for Sale as Tom returns from a hamstring injury to join brother Ben in the Sharks line-up.

Director of rugby Alex Sanderson has picked an unchanged backline with the only changes coming in the pack, as Tom Curry wears the number six shirt, replacing Jono Ross, who slots in at number eight in place of the injured Dan du Preez.

Simon McIntyre for Bevan Rodd is the only front-row change with the Mancunian prop lining up alongside Akker van der Merwe and Nick Schonert.

Jean-Luc du Preez and Jonny Hill team up once again in the second-row, with Tom Curry, captain Ben Curry and Ross in the back-row.

Scrum-half Gus Warr starts again alongside George Ford at half-back, with Manu Tuilagi and Rob du Preez outside them in the centres.

In an unchanged back three, Tom Roebuck will line up alongside fellow speedsters Tom O’Flaherty and Joe Carpenter.

Ewan Ashman, Bevan Rodd and Coenie Oosthuizen make up the front-row replacements, with Josh Beaumont and Sam Dugdale covering the rest of the forwards.

Homegrown trio Raffi Quirke, Sam James and Arron Reed are the rest of the substitutes.

Form: Bristol Bears’ four game winning run in Premiership Rugby ended with their 24-46 defeat at Leicester in Round 21. Bristol have won their last three Premiership fixtures at Ashton Gate since their 26-all draw there with Leicester on 3 December. The last time the Bears lost at the venue in the competition was when Saracens were the visitors on 5 November. Sale Sharks have won just one of their last four Premiership matches: 35-24 at home to Saracens on 5 March. The Sharks have won only once away from home in Premiership Rugby since early October: 24-18 over Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop on 8 January. Sale’s only defeat in their last six encounters with Bristol in Premiership Rugby was 15-32 on their most recent visit to Ashton Gate in January 2022.

The teams:

Bristol: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Siva Naulago, 13 Joe Jenkins, 12 James Williams, 11 Gabriel Ibitoye, 10 AJ MacGinty, 9 Harry Randall (cc), 8 Magnus Bradbury, 7 Fitz Harding, 6 Steven Luatua (cc), 5 Chris Vui, 4 Joe Batley, 3 Max Lahiff, 2 Harry Thacker, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Will Capon, 17 Yann Thomas, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Sam Jeffries, 20 Dan Thomas, 21 Andy Uren, 22 Sam Bedlow, 23 Ioan Lloyd

Sale: 15 Joe Carpenter, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Rob du Preez, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Tom O’Flaherty, 10 George Ford, 9 Gus Warr, 8 Jono Ross 7 Ben Curry (c), 6 Tom Curry, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Jean-Luc du Preez, 3 Nick Schonert, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Simon McIntyre
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Josh Beaumont, 20 Sam Dugdale, 21 Raffi Quirke, 22 Sam James, 23 Arron Reed

Date: Friday, April 14
Venue: Ashton Gate
Kick-off: 19:45 BST (18:45 GMT)
Referee: Luke Pearce
Assistant referees: Adam Leal, Andrew Jackson
TMO: Dean Richards

𝘿𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙮. 👊

The Cherry & Whites side to face Bath at Kingsholm is in. 🍒

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🤝 Teamsheet proudly sponsored by @BPE_Solicitors.#GLOvBAT //🍒🛁 pic.twitter.com/wxF4jHa0RZ

— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) April 13, 2023

Gloucester v Bath

Gloucester have made two changes to their starting side that went down to La Rochelle as they prepare to face Bath in the Premiership on Friday.

Argentina international Mayco Vivas starts in the front-row, after making his first Gloucester start in La Rochelle two weeks ago.

He is joined by young hooker Seb Blake and Jamal Ford-Robinson, who replaces the injured Kirill Gotovtsev.

Freddie Clarke, who was awarded try of the round for his acrobatic score in La Rochelle, combines with Matias Alemanno in the second-row once more.

The Premiership’s top ball carrier, Ruan Ackermann, also picked up an injury in La Rochelle, so he’s replaced in the back-row by experienced Ben Morgan.

Morgan packs down at eight, with Jack Clement switching to blindside flanker. Captain Lewis Ludlow starts at openside.

The backline is unchanged from the Cherry and Whites’ narrow Champions Cup exit a fortnight ago.

Stephen Varney and Billy Twelvetrees are the half-backs, with Seb Atkinson and Chris Harris in midfield.

Ollie Thorley, Louis Rees-Zammit and Santi Carreras form a dangerous back three.

On the bench, Ciaran Knight comes in to cover the front-row alongside Henry Walker ad Harry Elrington.

Cam Jordan and Freddie Thomas offer more forward cover.

Charlie Chapman, George Barton and Jonny May are on standby for the backs.

Meanwhile, Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan has made two changes to his backline for the trip to their West Country rivals.

Academy graduate Max Ojomoh comes into the centre to partner England international Ollie Lawrence while Tom de Glanville returns at full-back meaning a switch to the wing for Matt Gallagher.

The team is otherwise unchanged from the win over Exeter Chiefs last time out. Captain Ben Spencer and Orlando Bailey make up the half-back positions and wing Joe Cokanasiga completes the back division.

Beno Obano, Tom Dunn and Will Stuart combine in the front row, backed up by the second-row pairing of Josh McNally and GJ van Velze.

Ted Hill, Chris Cloete and Miles Reid make up the back-row.

Form: Gloucester’s only victory in their last six Premiership Rugby matches was 28-26 at home to Harlequins on 17 February. This is also the Cherry and Whites’ only victory at Kingsholm in their last four encounters in all competitions. Bath’s five game losing run in the Premiership ended with their 36-19 eclipsing of Exeter Chiefs at the Recreation Ground in Round 21. Bath’s only away victory in the competition in the past 12 months was 17-10 t Newcastle on 5 November. Gloucester have won their last three fixtures against Bath in Premiership Rugby since Bath’s 16-14 win at the Rec in February 2021. Bath’s most recent victory at Kingsholm in Premiership Rugby was 43-20 in April 2018.

The teams:

Gloucester: 15 Santi Carreras, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Ollie Thorley, 10 Billy Twelvetrees, 9 Stephen Varney, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Lewis Ludlow (c), 6 Jack Clement, 5 Matias Alemanno, 4 Freddie Clarke, 3 Jamal Ford-Robinson, 2 Seb Blake, 1 Mayco Vivas
Replacements: 16 Henry Walker, 17 Harry Elrington, 18 Ciaran Knight, 19 Cam Jordan, 20 Freddie Thomas, 21 Charlie Chapman, 22 George Barton, 23 Jonny May

Bath: 15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Matt Gallagher, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Miles Reid, 7 Chris Cloete, 6 Ted Hill, 5 GJ van Velze, 4 Josh McNally, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Tom Dunn, 1 Beno Obano
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Valeriy Morozov, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Fergus Lee-Warner, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Max Green, 22 Piers Francis, 23 Josh Bayliss

Date: Friday, April 14
Venue: Kingsholm
Kick-off: 19:45 BST (18:45 GMT)
Referee: Christophe Ridley
Assistant referees: Anthony Woodthorpe, Jack Makepeace
TMO: Tom Foley

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Toulouse have today completed a deal to sign previously loaned Monaco winger Corentin Jean, on a four-year deal.

The French forward impressed in his loan spell with the side last term, when he was deemed surplus to requirements by his parent club.

Jean featured 18 times in Ligue 1 and set up his team mates for a goal on five occasions, netting once himself. He also featured in Toulouse’s Coupe de Ligue run, and scored once in the process.

At 21-years-old, Jean will certainly arrive with promising potential, and will undoubtedly have a better chance to fulfill it with vital playing time at TFC.

S.H.

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Leinster have announced their second high-profile re-signing of the day after Ronan Kelleher put pen to paper on a fresh deal with the province.

The 25-year-old hooker has committed his future to the side as he celebrates a recent Six Nations Grand Slam playing for Ireland with a new Leinster contract.

Kelleher has struck up an outstanding partnership at hooker with team-mate Dan Sheehan in recent seasons and that is set to continue after Thursday’s news.

Joins James Lowe in re-signing

The international front-row, who came through Leinster‘s academy, made his senior debut in February 2019, against South African side the Southern Kings.

Solid form meant he subsequently went on to claim his first Ireland cap in the 2020 Six Nations, coming off the bench in their 19-12 victory against Scotland.

He follows Leinster team-mate James Lowe in agreeing a contract extension, while James Ryan and Josh van der Flier also agreed deals on Tuesday this week.

Kelleher has struggled with an injury for Leinster this term and will hope it does not affect his game time in the end-of-season run-in for the in-form province.

Following the 2022/23 season, the powerful yet mobile hooker will look to impress in Ireland’s World Cup warm-ups in the hope of making their final squad.

Dane Blacker moves to Dragons

Elsewhere in the URC, the Dragons have announced the signing of scrum-half Dane Blacker, who joins the region on a long-term contract from the Scarlets.

One of the most exciting talents in Welsh rugby, Blacker will make the switch to Rodney Parade this summer and be reunited with former boss Dai Flanagan.

The 24-year-old number nine was called up by Wales last year for the end-of-year internationals and been previously capped at U18s, U20s and Sevens level.

The dynamic back previously played for Dragons twice on loan during the 2017/18 season, scoring on debut against Ulster, with Flanagan a fan of the player.

“I’ve known Dane since he was 18-years-old and I’m really excited to bring him into our club next season,” said the coach.

“Dane is a hugely talented and driven young player, but also the right character for our environment. He has international aspirations with Wales that we want to help him achieve as a Dragon.

🚨 𝙒𝙀𝙇𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙀 𝘽𝙇𝘼𝘾𝙆𝙀𝙍 💥

Show some ❤️ for the 🆕 Dragon 🐉#WeAreGwentRugby #Cap250 pic.twitter.com/dZr1HGQ8e7

— Dragons RFC (@dragonsrugby) April 13, 2023

“His arrival gives us real strength at scrum-half and a healthy competition for places next season. We’re looking forward to the impact we know he will make with us.”

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Blacker said: “I’m really excited by the opportunity at Dragons and, having spoken to Dai, I’m looking forward to being a part of the club’s vision for the future.

“In addition, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Scarlets for all their support and backing throughout my time in West Wales, especially the fans who have been incredible during my time at the club.

“We have a few big games left and I’m looking forward to being a part of a strong finish to this season!”

Former Monaco full-back Elderson Echiejile has passed his medical at Sivasspor and moved to the Turkish club.

Elderson struggled to cement his place in Monaco’s first XI, starting just 33 games in Ligue 1 across his three seasons at the club. Over the course of the last year, he has been forced to find games elsewhere, with a brief loan spell in Belgium, at Standard Liege. He then moved on loan to Sporting Gijon, in January 2017, where he played just 4 times.

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The Nigerian international passed a medical on Friday afternoon ahead of his proposed transfer to Turkish side Sivasspor. Sivasspor’s official Twitter account tweeted, “Elderson Echiejile has signed a contract worth 1 year at Sivasspor.”

A.R.

Western Force wing Zach Kibirige showed his class as he scored a stunning try late on in his team’s 36-16 loss to the Waratahs on Saturday.

The visitors were looking to throw everything at the Waratahs to try to get back in the game, and centre Hamish Steward floated a crosskick out wide. Kibirige rose beautifully to claim the ball out of the air but still had a lot to do.

The wing, however, knew exactly what he was looking to do as he gathered himself and chipped the ball over the last defender to cross for the try.

It was a brilliant effort but only a consolation try in the end.

Put a ribbon around that and wrap it up for Christmas! 🎁

🖥️ Waratahs v Force | LIVE NOW on 9Gem and 9Now#SuperRugbyPacific #WARvFOR #9WWOS pic.twitter.com/xMce5WdZZm

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) April 15, 2023

Earlier on, Waratahs fly-half Ben Donaldson broke the deadlock with a penalty in the ninth minute as both sides settled into the game.

Click here to see teams and scorers

The hosts would also score the first try as a sumptuous inside ball from scrum-half Jake Gordon sent Izaia Perese in for a 16th-minute try. Donaldson made no mistake with the conversion.

Force star Jake Strachan responded with penalties on either side of a 33rd-minute Mark Nawaqanitawase try as Donaldson added the extras. A lively first half from Gordon was rewarded as he collected a loose ball off his laces to run in unopposed.

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The Waratahs would score next through a rumbling Harry Johnson-Holmes in the 53rd minute, with Donaldson once again adding the extras.

The visitors were looking to spark something and chase the game scoring through Mana Mataele in the 59th minute. There was a lull in scoring as the game opened up, ultimately sparking the outrageous Kibirige try.

However, deservedly so, Perese would have the final say as he crossed for his brace in the final few minutes, with Donaldson adding two more for good measure.

It was an important bonus point win for the Waratahs, who will be happy to return to winning ways.

Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific.

Lille right-back Sébastien Corchia is set to seal a move to a top European club before the end of the week, the player’s agent Mikkel Beck told Get French Football News exclusively this morning.

“We are looking for a good project for him outside Lille. I think also that there is a little surprise probably in the making. I am working on finding the right project for him and very soon we might have a good project for him.”

When asked about reported interest from Galatasaray for Corchia, Beck had the following to say:

“You mention Galatasaray which for me is a very big club in terms of history and followers and fans. But there are also other big clubs in for him at the moment. Like I said, we might have an interesting solution very soon from one of the biggest clubs in Europe. We are pretty happy in the interest that clubs are showing in Sébastien.”

Read Mikkel Beck’s full interview with Get French Football News later this week.

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