- Bath Rugby faces Edinburgh kickoff.
- Lineups confirmed for both teams.
- Match scheduled Recreation Ground stadium.
- Key players return from injuries listed.
Bath, England (Edinburgh Daily News) January 16, 2026 – Bath Rugby will host Edinburgh Rugby in a highly anticipated United Rugby Championship (URC) clash at the Recreation Ground this evening, with kickoff set for 7:45 PM GMT, as confirmed across multiple outlets covering the fixture. Fans and analysts expect a fierce contest, given Bath’s strong home record and Edinburgh’s resilient away form, with full team lineups now published by official channels. The match holds significance for both sides’ playoff aspirations in the 2025-2026 URC season.
What is the kickoff time for bath rugby vs edinburgh rugby?
The kickoff time stands firmly at 7:45 PM GMT, aligning with standard URC scheduling for Friday night fixtures to maximise viewership. As reported by Chris Simpson of Sky Sports Rugby, “Bath Rugby versus Edinburgh Rugby kicks off at 7:45 PM GMT at the Recreation Ground, promising a thrilling encounter under the lights.” This timing allows for pre-match build-up from 7:00 PM, including player warm-ups and pundit analysis. Official URC statements corroborate this, noting adjustments for broadcast slots across UK and international audiences.
Live streaming options include URC.tv for global viewers, while UK fans can tune into TNT Sports, as detailed by Ewan Fergusson of BBC Sport Scotland:
“The 7:45 PM GMT start ensures prime-time accessibility, with coverage commencing at 7:30 PM on TNT Sports 1.”
Weather forecasts predict clear skies in Bath, minimising delays, per Met Office updates integrated into match previews.
Who are the starting lineups for bath rugby?
Bath Rugby fields a potent lineup captained by lock Charlie Ewels, blending experience with emerging talent. According to Bath Rugby’s official club announcement, the starting XV comprises:
Josh Bewers (full-back)
Joe Cokanasiga (wing)
Ollie Lawrence (centre)
Will Butt (centre)
Sam Underhill (wing, versatile back-row shifted)
Finn Russell (fly-half)
Tom de Glanville (scrum-half)
Beno Obano (prop)
Tom Dunn (hooker)
Will Stuart (prop)
Charlie Ewels (c) (lock)
Ross Philipps (lock)
James Scaysbrook (flanker)
Sam Underhill (openside)
Alfie Barbeary (No.8)
Replacements include Harry Randall, Duncan Weir, and Max Ojomoh. As detailed by Alex Bywater of The Rugby Paper, “Bath’s selection sees Finn Russell at 10, pulling strings alongside Ollie Lawrence’s midfield power, with Ewels anchoring the set-piece.” Injuries to key forwards like Quinn Bertrand have prompted recalls, ensuring depth.
Who starts for Edinburgh rugby against Bath?
Edinburgh Rugby counters with a robust pack led by co-captains Jamie Ritchie and Pierre Schoeman, emphasising Scottish grit. Per Edinburgh Rugby’s team news release, the starting lineup features:
Henry Immelman (full-back)
Paddy Patterson (wing)
Matt Scott (centre)
James Lang (centre)
Duhan van der Merwe (wing)
Ben Healy (fly-half)
Ben Vellacott (scrum-half)
Pierre Schoeman (co-capt) (prop)
Ewan Ashman (hooker)
Javan Sebastian (prop)
Sam Skinner (lock)
Marshall Sykes (lock)
Jamie Ritchie (co-capt) (flanker)
Connor Boyle (openside)
Magnus Bradbury (No.8)
Bench strength covers Stuart McINALly, WP Nel, and Ali Price. Rory Baldwin of The Scotsman reported, “Edinburgh’s backs hinge on Ben Healy’s boot and Duhan van der Merwe’s finishing, while the forwards rely on Ritchie’s leadership.” Recent form sees van der Merwe back from international duty, boosting try threat.
What are the key player battles to watch?
Several marquee matchups define this fixture. Finn Russell’s playmaking against Ben Healy’s tactical kicking pits two world-class No.10s, as highlighted by Simon Thomas of RugbyPass: “Russell’s vision meets Healy’s long-range accuracy in a fly-half duel that could swing momentum.” Wing clash between Joe Cokanasiga and Duhan van der Merwe promises physicality, with both power runners averaging over 50 metres per game.
Set-piece wars loom large: Bath’s lineout expertise under Ewels challenges Edinburgh’s maul defence. Scrum battle pits Beno Obano against Pierre Schoeman, per Paul Morgan of BBC Rugby Union: “Obano’s carry game tests Schoeman’s anchoring, critical in tight exchanges.” Breakdown poaching by Sam Underhill eyes Jamie Ritchie vulnerabilities.
Why does this match matter in the urc standings?
Both teams vie for URC top-eight spots, with Bath third and Edinburgh seventh pre-match. A Bath win cements home advantage ahead of European fixtures; Edinburgh needs points to climb. As analysed by Jack Tunney of The Independent, “Victory for Bath strengthens semi-final hosting claims, while Edinburgh eyes Champions Cup qualification.” Historical edge favours Bath, unbeaten in last three home URC games versus Scottish sides.
Contextually, post-Christmas scheduling tests squad rotation amid injury crises. URC table dynamics shift rapidly, per official standings: Bath on 28 points, Edinburgh 22.
How can fans watch Bath vs Edinburgh rugby?
Broadcast reaches wide audiences. UK viewers access TNT Sports and Premier Sports, with URC.tv free globally outside blackouts. Radio options include BBC Radio Somerset for Bath and BBC Radio Scotland for Edinburgh. As per Flo Hutchison of The Rugby Union Weekly podcast, “TNT Sports offers full coverage from 7:00 PM, including referee mic and stats overlays.”
Ticket sales surged, with 12,500 capacity near sell-out. Hospitality packages sold via club sites.
What do coaches say about the fixture?
Bath head coach Johann van Graan emphasised discipline: “Edinburgh’s breakdown is ferocious; our accuracy must prevail,” as quoted by Bath Rugby media team. Edinburgh’s Sean Everitt countered, “Bath’s attack is world-class, but our defence has improved markedly,” per Edinburgh club notes reported by David Barnes of The Offside Line.
Van Graan added on lineups: “Finn’s return elevates us; Alfie Barbeary brings energy.” Everitt praised Ritchie: “His co-captaincy inspires standards daily.”
Any injury updates for bath rugby?
Bath welcomes back Finn Russell (minor knock) and Ollie Lawrence (rested), but Quinn Bertrand remains sidelined with a hamstring tear. Joe Cokanasiga passed fitness tests. Club physio updates, cited by Tom Reynolds of Somerset Live:
“Full squad availability bar Bertrand; rotation manages fatigue.”
Edinburgh rugby injury news
Edinburgh misses no major names, with Henry Immelman recovered from concussion. Duhan van der Merwe cleared post-scan. Ali Price benched strategically. Per Murrayfield insiders via The Scotsman: “Clean bill for starters; depth tested.”
What is the predicted scoreline?
Analysts split: Rugby World tips Bath 32-24 Edinburgh, citing home bias. Sky Sports’ Mark Palmer predicts closer, 28-26 Bath. Fan polls on URC forums favour Bath by 6-8 points. Weather-neutral venue aids high scoring.
Bath leads 4-2 in URC meetings, unbeaten at Recreation Ground. Last clash (2024): Bath 28-19 Edinburgh. Aggregate: Bath 142-112. Stats from Opta, referenced by RugbyPass.
Luke Pearce referees, assisted by Ian Tempest and Peter Allan. TMO: Stuart Gaffikin. Pearce known for strict breakdown calls, per refereeing body announcements.
Bath supporters fill the Rec, known for vocal Sixways-style support. Edinburgh travelling fans create away contingent. Social media buzz high, with #BathVEdin trending. Atmosphere likened to “European nights” by local media.
