Head coach Steve Meehan
Captain Michael Claasens
Arrivals Luke Watson (Stormers), Olly Barkley (Gloucester), Matt Carraro (Waratahs), David Wilson (Newcastle Falcons), Ben Skirving (Saracens), Julian Salvi (Brumbies), Nicky Little (Padova), Chris Cracknell (Exeter)
Departures Matt Stevens, Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett, Andrew Higgins, Justin Harrison, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, James Scaysbrook, Shaun Berne
Last season Premiership: fourth. Heineken Cup: quarter-finalists. A season that started well could have disintegrated in the wake of the Matt Stevens drugs scandal. Rallied well to consolidate a top-four finish playing an admirable brand of rugby.
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Prospects It will be interesting to see how the club respond to the departure of five players for drug-related offences. It should make them stronger and, with some astute signings, there is no reason to think that Bath cannot again challenge on all fronts. However, the running sore of the Recreation Ground and the scale of commitment of Andrew Brownsword, the chairman, must be resolved. The departure of Mark Bakewell, the forwards coach, may be one that the club will have cause to regret most.
Two to watch Wilson: A tight-head prop with a bright future who has impressed Martin Johnson, the England team manager, and will anchor the pack. Barkley: Back at his spiritual home, he will bring welcome nous to the midfield and solve the goalkicking problem.
Likely finish Top four again