Van Graan relishing final-day showdown

Bath director of rugby Johann van Graan says the final-day Rugby Prem match-ups put the league in a "great place", with two showdowns set to decide the play-off draw.

Reigning champions Bath, in second, will take on third-placed Leicester at the Rec, with the winner booking a home semi-final spot, while fourth-placed Exeter and fifth-placed Saracens face off looking to secure the final spot in the post-season.

"It's great for the neutral," said van Graan.

"It could come down to the final play, and this is why we coach and play. It's not about pressure, it's about enjoying the moment.

"I'm loving it, the players are loving it. The Prem is in such a great place and we should enjoy that because it wasn't like this a few years ago."

Saturday's game with Leicester pitches Bath against the side they defeated in the Prem Final 12 months ago, though there is no trophy on offer this time around.

The other prize of a play-off semi-final in front of their own fans could be enough to provide the catalyst for back-to-back titles for the Rec side.

Over the years, 86% of Prem finalists have played their semi-final at home.

Prior to 2024, Bath had reached the post-season just once in eight years. Now the defending champions are preparing for a third straight season in the final four.

"Where you are now was once the goal," said van Graan.

"What more could you want for a Saturday afternoon? Whoever wins gets a home semi-final.

"You want to play at home in front of your own people, so we know the significance of this game [Saturday] and we have the upmost respect for Leicester, but this will just be another game."

On the pitch, Bath will be looking to use the atmosphere of the Rec to push them across the line this weekend, according to hooker Kepu Tuipulotu.

The 20-year-old, who has been nominated for the Prem Breakthrough Player of the Year award, is set to take part in his first play-off campaign, and says the squad are eager to use the home crowd to their advantage in the coming weeks.

"They are like a 16th man. In games like this every moment is crucial, and these guys produce such intensity, it's a great atmosphere for us to play in," he said.

"The tunnel of noise at the Rec, with all the flags, is something else. I remember seeing it last season and thinking it was pretty cool, and then this season walking through it as a player.

"It gets you properly geed up to play for the team and play for the people that care about this team, this town, and this badge. It's the most special part of it."