McConnochie's on a mission

RUARIDH McConnochie insists Bath will be winners this weekend even if they don’t lift the Premiership Rugby Cup for the first time since its inception in 2019.

- By JON NEWCOMBE

Exeter stand between Bath and their first trophy since Steve Borthwick led them to victory against Worcester in the 2008 European Challenge Cup final. But whatever the result at Sandy Park today, the former Test and Olympic winger says the competition has been massively beneficial for the club.

As one of the senior heads heavily involved in the run to the final, the 33-year-old has particularly enjoyed seeing the growth of Bath’s next generation talent. Utility back Ciaran Donoghue, right, is one of those to really grasp his opportunity, having moved from full-back to cover fly-half in the absence of the injured Orlando Bailey.

“It’s so good to see him just slot into the 10 position. Orlando was first choice throughout the Prem Cup; he gets an injury and Kieran just steps up straight into it like nothing has changed,” said McConnochie.

“It is awesome to be able to rotate the way that we have throughout the tournament and still be able to attack the way we want and defend the way we want against whatever 15 is put against us.

“Regardless of the outcome on Sunday it has been an incredible competition to be involved in, for us as a club, and for me personally, I have massively enjoyed it, too.