Match report | Bath open their Prem season with a win

September 25, 2026
358
Ultimate Rugby

Gallagher PREM Round 1 — Harlequins 17-33 Bath Rugby

Bath Rugby opened their PREM season with a bonus-point victory at the Twickenham Stoop, running in five tries to overcome a spirited Harlequins side that led for large parts of an entertaining opening night of the 2026-27 season.

First half

Bath struck early through Daniel du Preez, powering over from close range in the 12th minute, with Finn Russell converting. Harlequins responded in style four minutes later as scrum-half Will Porter finished off a moment of individual brilliance, though Connor Slevin's touchline conversion drifted right.

The game swung back Bath's way as Joe Cokanasiga finished a fine solo try in the 20th minute, teed up by Tom Carr-Smith, with Russell adding the extras. Harlequins hit back again through Chandler Cunningham-South, who finished a slick passing move, but this time Slevin's conversion attempt sailed left.

Bath then produced the score of the half, with Santiago Carreras picking off an interception with his feet to race away untouched, and Russell's boot made it 26-10. Right on the stroke of half-time, a driving Bath maul earned Dan Frost the try, Russell converting again to send the visitors in 33-10 clear — despite Harlequins having claimed two tries themselves.

Second half

Harlequins came out fighting after the break, with Pedro Delgado finishing off from close range and Slevin's conversion cutting the deficit. Harlequins' Sam Riley was then shown a yellow card in the 53rd minute, but Bath were unable to add to their tally as the third quarter passed without further scoring.

This Santi Carreras interception deserves your full attention 🤯

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— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) September 25, 2026

It was Bath who had the final word, a rolling maul in the 71st minute yielding a try for replacement Ewan Richards, though Russell's conversion attempt drifted right. The result was already settled, with Bath cruising home 33-17 in front of a subdued home crowd.