Bath statement on evening fixtures concerns

Following the announcement of the latest round of TV picks for the Anglo-Welsh Cup, Bath Rugby would like to address some of the concerns raised by supporters about the volume of evening matches this season.
To confirm, the Club does not determine the dates or times that our matches broadcast live on TV are played. The decision is made either by Premiership Rugby or EPCR – depending on the competition in which we play – and is based on when the TV broadcaster selects their broadcast timings. Our preference is, and always will be, Saturdays with an ideal kick off time of 3pm. We liaise closely throughout the season with Premiership Rugby and push for the fixtures that are most suitable to the team and our supporters.
All clubs will be broadcast live on TV throughout the season and when it comes to Aviva Premiership Rugby or the Anglo-Welsh Cup there is normally only one live TV slot on a Saturday. So all clubs who prefer kicking off at 15.00 on Saturday will move through the season.
We understand supporters’ frustration with the amount of Thursday and Friday night matches that there have been so far this season, particularly when many travel a great distance to support the team at the Rec.
At the point, television picks are confirmed, we endeavour to let all supporters know as soon as possible to allow time to plan. And we are now giving supporters more notice when it comes to Aviva Premiership Rugby than ever before.
We appreciate there has been a lot of evening matches this season, but the support at each and every one has been fantastic and is hugely appreciated by the team, so thank you.