Carreras inspired by his Bath dream

By GARY FITZGERALD

SANTI Carreras has been “dreaming” of being a European rugby winner since a starry-eyed teenager watching it on televsion back home in Cordoba.

Now the Argentinian hopes to help Bath make a strong start to their latest bid for Champions Cup glory days convinced the West Country outfit have the ammunition to be triumphant in their quest.

French clubs have monopolised the trophy since Exeter Chiefs lifted it during Covid on the back of Saracens‘ spell of domination in the competition. It is 28 long years since Bath managed to get their hands on club rugby’s most prestigious prize – a 19-18 final victory over Brive.

Montpellier visit The Rec on Saturday to kick start another European campaign into life with Johann van Graan’s team in a highly competitive Pool 4 which also includes Northampton, Stade Francais, Bulls and Cardiff.

And Carreras, part of a losing Gloucester team in the Challenge Cup final two years ago, recalls: “When you are growing up it is the tournament you dream of playing in what was then the Heineken Cup, and also winning it. I was about 15 and 16 watching the games from Europe on Saturday evenings. It was so exciting seeing the great players playing in games between all the biggest clubs. It was very special and you just hoped one day you might get your chance to be involved in them.

Crashing home: Santi Carreras scoring for Bath against Harlequins

PICTURE: Alamy

“I saw two of my good friends and Argentina team-mates Juan Cruz Malia and Santiago Chocobares help Toulouse lift the trophy in 2024 and I thought I would like to do that myself. It was just after I had played for Gloucester in the Challenge Cup final which we lost to Sharks at Tottenham.

“I’ve not won any trophy before so it would be really special if I can win the Champions Cup with Bath. It would be one of my biggest achievements.

“To do well in both the Premiership and Champions Cup you need a big and a strong squad. We have a lot of quality and talent here at Bath. It won’t be easy. Montpellier are a good team and I have good friends in their team like Domingo Miotti and Justo Piccardo. I expect there will be a few texts between us in the build up.

“It is always a full house at The Rec and a fantastic atmosphere both inside the stadium and around the city on match days, whether it’s in the league or Europe. We must use it to our full advantage.”

Carreras – in his second season since joining from Gloucester – insists his energy levels remain high despite a busy Nations Championship summer with Argentina.

He played all three games, scoring one try against Wales and being heavily involved in the spicy clash with England in Santiago del Estero. The Pumas have upcoming November games with Ireland, Italy and France but he says: “I felt good and fit after playing for Argentina and just wanted to return to Bath where the players had been training hard for the new season.

“I had just a week off but will get a longer break in February. Right now I just want to enjoy my rugby with my club because the spirit and togetherness here is very similar to the one with Argentina. It is like a family with everyone helping each other and getting along so well.”

Carreras will be praying he and his Bath “family” are just about to take their first steps towards long awaited Champions Cup glory.