Bath Rugby Welcomes Captain Ben Spencer Back for Champions Cup Semi-Final
Bath rugby has received a substantial fitness boost ahead of their Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Bordeaux Begles as captain Ben Spencer is set to start at scrum half. Initially uncertain due to a shoulder injury sustained in the quarter-final victory over Northampton, Spencer has now been cleared to play in Bath's first last-four tie in 20 years. Unfortunately, Bath will be without backs Joe Cokanasiga and Max Ojomoh. In their absence, Louie Hennessey, a Wales international, will partner Ollie Lawrence in midfield. Additionally, Henry Arundell is poised for an exciting matchup against fellow sprint star Louis Bielle-Biarrey on the wing. Thomas du Toit, who has played as an impact replacement in his last six matches, is named to start at tighthead. Bath aims to capitalize on the absence of Bordeaux Begles captain Jefferson Poirot, who is currently suspended. The defending champions will also miss head coach Yannick Bru, serving a ban during this crucial match. The winner of this encounter will face either Leinster or Toulon in the Champions Cup final in Bilbao on Saturday, 23 May. Bath's XV against Bordeaux Begles (Sunday, 3 May, 3pm BST): Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Thomas du Toit; Quinn Roux, 5. Charlie Ewels; Josh Bayliss, 7. Guy Pepper, 8. Alfie Barbeary; Ben Spencer (c), 10. Finn Russell; Will Muir, 12. Ollie Lawrence, 13. Louie Hennessey, 14. Henry Arundell; Santi Carreras. Replacements: 16. Kepu Tuipulotu, 17. Francois van Wyk, 18. Vilikesa Sela, 19. Ted Hill, 20. Sam Underhill; Tom Carr-Smith, 22. Tom de Glanville; Miles Reid. Bordeaux Begles XV: Matis Perchaud, 2. Maxime Lamothe, 3. Carlu Sadie; Boris Palu, 5. Adam Coleman; Pierre Bochaton, 7. Cameron Woki, 8. Marko Gazzotti; Maxime Lucu, 10. Matthieu Jaliber; Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12. Yoram Moefana, 13. Damian Penaud, 14. Paolo Uberti; Salesi Rayasi.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-05-01