8 h. ago Bath’s treble win blends yesteryear charm with the recently unthinkable | Michael Aylwin

First league crown ends a drought of almost three decades that the Rec Ground faithful would have scarcely believed at the dawn of the professional eraAt the 29th time of asking, Bath are champions of England once more. At five to five on a sunny afternoon here, Ben Spencer passed to Finn Russell – the married couple, as their coach, Johann van Graan, likes to call them – and Russell kicked it somewhere, anywhere but on the pitch to put an end to decades of pain out west.In 1996, when titles were won the old-fashioned way, the notion it would take so long for Bath, who had just won their sixth in eight years – their 10th cup in 13, and their fourth double – to become champions of England again would have seemed absurd. Only a little more absurd than the notion they wouldwin it would have seemed three years ago, when they finished bottom of the table, spared the indignity of relegation only by the very different way English rugby is organised these days. Continue reading...

Politics

20 h. ago Bath’s Ben Spencer says ‘the sky’s the limit’ after they wrap up historic treble

The West Country team ended a 29-year wait for a Premiership title on Saturday.

Politics

21 h. ago Leicester coach Cheika hits out at Cole yellow card after final defeat by Bath

Forward sent to sin bin after collision with Finn RussellBen Spencer believes ‘sky is the limit’ for BathMichael Cheika, the Leicester head coach, took issue with the officiating after his side’s playoff final defeat by Bath, describing the late yellow card shown to Dan Cole after an aerial collision with Finn Russell as “embarrassing for the game” and “hardly even a penalty”.The Australian was also less than impressed with how the scrum was refereed. “I’ve never seen it before in my life, dominating like that and getting nothing, zero. In fact, getting penalised against. Continue reading...

Sport

22 h. ago Finn Russell explains risky pass as Bath grab Premiership glory to end 29

West Country club return to the summit of the English game

Politics

23 h. ago Finn Russell inspires Bath to Premiership title despite late Leicester fightback

Premiership Rugby final: Bath 23-21 LeicesterJohann van Graan’s side cling on to complete treble There was barely a cloud in the clear summer sky in south-west London and blue was also the primary colour on the field. For the first time in 29 years, Bath are the champions of England and any debate about the big-game nerve of Johann van Graan’s multi-talented squad can now be quietly laid to rest alongside Leicester’s shredded dreams.Bath will have some idea of how their old rivals are feeling, having suffered a similarly agonising fate against Northampton in last year’s final. They were not at their absolute best by their own high standards, but once they finally remembered how to catch a rugby ball – a recurring problem in the first half – they had a touch too much for their opponents whose spirited final-quarter rally came too late. Continue reading...

Politics

23 h. ago Bath end their wait for a title with narrow final win over Leicester

The Somerset side battled through the blazing heat in south-west London.

Politics

23 h. ago Bath end three decades of agony in controversial Premiership final win over Leicester

Bath 23-21 Leicester: Dan Cole’s stray shoulder proved costly for Tigers as Finn Russell starred at Twickenham

Politics

45 h. ago Finn Russell explains kicking tweak after Calcutta Cup agony as Bath bid to scratch 29

Scotland stand-off returns to Twickenham looking for a happier outcome than February

Politics

54 h. ago Finn Russell and Bath face day of destiny in throwback Premiership final

29 years after last lifting the Premiership title, Bath take on old rivals Leicester in a classic fixture at Twickenham

Politics

5 d. ago Finn Russell hoping for strong showing from Bath fans at Premiership final

Bath take on Leicester at Twickenham in Saturday’s showpiece season finale

Politics

8 d. ago Finn Russell fitness addressed by Bath after Scotland star limps out of Premiership semi

Injury fears alleviated ahead of Twickenham final

Politics

8 d. ago Bath roar back to topple Bristol and seal Premiership final return amid Finn Russell injury scare

Scotland fly-half inspires four-try comeback at The Rec before limping off late on

Politics

8 d. ago Finn Russell inspires Bath comeback to keep treble dream alive but Scotland star sparks injury scare for final

Bath power into Premiership final with second-half show

Events

2 w. ago British & Irish Lions: Sam Warburton outlines Fin Smith task as "best winger" misses out

The battle for the British and Irish Lions 10 shirt could hot up before the Australia Test series as Fin Smith looks to usurp the current favourite, Finn Russell

Events

3 w. ago Finn Russell leads Bath to European glory as Scottish referee at centre of controversy

Russell kicks 17 points as Bath defeat Lyon in Challenge Cup final

Politics

3 w. ago Bath beat Lyon to win EPCR Challenge Cup and edge closer to trophy treble

The Premiership Cup winners beat the French side 37-12 in Cardiff.

Politics

3 w. ago Time for Scotland's star Finn Russell to reap the rugby rewards his talent deserves

Scotland stand-off on the cusp of glory for Bath and Lions

Events

3 w. ago Finn Russell nominated for prestigious award alongside fellow British and Irish Lion

What the stats say as Russell up for player of season

Events