Prem 2026-27 preview – Bath: Title odds, key players and transfers

By Peter Ryan

A new Prem season is rapidly approaching, and the excitement is building.

Bath are going into a new season looking for a massive year; the bookmakers have them in the running.

On paper, that may be the case; let’s dive in.

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Last season

This Bath side is always going to be a frontrunner heading into any season.

Stacked with talent and depth, they’re balanced, with raw power up front and electrifying backs.

Last time out, they finished second in the league table with 69 points, amassing 13 wins and five losses.

They missed out on a spot in the final thanks to a 27-26 loss to the Exeter Chiefs. The pain of defeat can either linger or become fuel.

For Bath, the mission this season is to turn that disappointment into something greater, fight their way back to the top and reclaim the crown.

They have had some movement in the squad, but they definitely have the talent to compete at the front once again.

Movement in squad

The biggest loss is Thomas du Toit; the South African will make the move to the Hollywoodbets Sharks.

They are losing not only a physical tighthead but also a potent try scorer. The prop scored eight tries last season, powering over for some vital contributions.

Even though they are losing du Toit, they have been busy bringing people in. Dan Du Preez and Jamie Bhatti have been brought in to add experience and quality to the front row.

Bath still have a tremendous amount of talent within their squad, with players who are more than capable of changing the game.

Key players

As previously stated, Bath have a tremendous amount of talent to choose from.

The half-back pairing of Ben Spencer and Finn Russell is vital to Bath’s identity.

The England international made 63 passes, 198 kicks and 12 assists. The stats underline how important Spencer is for the team.

His half-back partner Russell tallied 107 points last season.

Henry Arundell was a force to be reckoned with, crossing the try line 13 times, powering over 991 metres and breaking the line 23 times.

In the forward pack, Miles Reid was a true workhorse; carrying, tackling and winning turnovers, he did it all.

With competitors like this, it’s no surprise the bookmakers have Bath as favourites.

Betting outlook

Johann van Graan’s side come into the season as clear favourites at 9/5 odds.

The Northampton Saints, Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs are all seen as contenders.

Bath look to be the right pick; however, a quick start will be crucial, especially with Spencer set to miss the start of the season.

Yet, if everything goes according to plan, they can lift the trophy again.

Bath are not simply entering another season; they are entering it with something to prove.

The talent is undeniable, and the hunger remains, setting the stage for a campaign that could deliver something truly special

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