Statement: Bath confirms exciting stadium expansion
Yesterday at 08:56 AM
Bath Rugby, the historic Premiership club, has taken another step toward transforming its iconic Recreation Ground with an amended planning application for a sparkling new 18,000-capacity stadium.
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A Legacy Since 1894
Having called the Recreation Ground home since 1894, Bath Rugby is now looking to the future with a vision to modernise the stadium, enhance facilities, and up the current crowd capacity from 14,500 to 18,000.
Lower Stands, Higher Views
The revamped plans include a thoughtful tweak: lowering the east and west stands to preserve breathtaking views of the picturesque town and countryside that surrounds the stadium.
Tarquin Talks Progress
Bath Rugby’s CEO, Tarquin McDonald, couldn't hide his excitement:
"The amended submission showcases an exciting vision for the future, with significant public benefits that will positively contribute to the entire community."
With the council expected to review the proposals in the new year, McDonald added, "We now look forward to the council bringing the proposals to a planning committee."
Goodbye Temporary Stands
For years, Bath has relied on a temporary East Stand, which is dismantled every summer to allow locals and visitors to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Rec's scenic surroundings.
From 2018 to the Supreme Court
The road to redevelopment has been anything but smooth. Originally submitted in 2018, the project has faced design revisions and legal wrangling, even reaching the Supreme Court.
What's New?
A revised application in 2023 retained much of the original vision but introduced adjustments to the stands and seating—a balancing act between capacity and maintaining the unique charm of the Rec.
Bath fans can now dream of a stadium that blends modernity with heritage, a perfect home for the blue, black, and white!
Rugby's Top Earners: The 20 Highest-Paid Players in the Game Right Now
Who's next to break the £1 million barrier? Let the salary race begin.
- Siya Kolisi (Sharks) – £808k
- Owen Farrell (Racing 92) – £797k
- Finn Russell (Bath) – £795k
- Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – £740k
- Faf de Klerk (Yokohama Canon Eagles) – £716k
- Dan Biggar (Toulon) – £636k
- Maro Itoje (Saracens) – £636k
- Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) – £557k
- Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights) – £506k
- Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers) – £502k
- Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm) – £502k
- Mitchell Moses (Parrametta Eels) – £499k
- Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles) – £497k
- Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans) – £497k
- Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos) – £497k
- Steve Luatua (Bristol Bears) – £493k
- Nicholas Hynes (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks) – £492k
- James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters) – £492k
- Tom Trbojevic – (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles) – £492k
- Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – £485k
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Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you're over 30 and can't name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it's time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we'd rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby's golden era. If the names don't come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you've got what it takes to ace this one? Let's find out. Good luck!
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