Bruce Craig, after 16 years at the helm of Bath Rugby, shares insights on his journey since first presenting his vision to the Guardian. Reflecting on the challenges, he admits the process has been more difficult than anticipated, stating, "It has been a lot more difficult than I anticipated. Anyone would have wanted it to happen a lot quicker than it actually has."

Under Craig’s leadership, Bath achieved their first league title in 29 years in 2025. Exciting developments are on the horizon with the upcoming Rec 2.0, a refurbished stadium set to commence construction in March 2024 and finish by September 2028. Craig expresses pride in the club's stability and the strength of their academy, yet he remains frustrated by the shortsightedness in rugby governance.

Key challenges include the mothballing of the proposed World Club Championship and concerns over the current Champions Cup format. He advocates for a return to a knockout format to enhance competition, stating, "If you want real jeopardy you’ve got to go to straight knockout."

Craig also hints at potential changes in the tournament structure, suggesting that clubs might consider leaving existing competitions to start anew by 2030. He emphasizes the need for unity among leagues to ensure commercial viability and better engagement with fans.

Looking forward, he advocates for expanding the Premiership to 12 teams, including Welsh regions, to increase competitiveness and revenue. He envisions a future where the English clubs operate independently of the RFU, aiming for a significant shift in English rugby over the next five years.

Ultimately, Craig's passion for rugby is evident. He desires to elevate the sport globally, emphasizing investment and structural changes to realize its full potential. "I want rugby to be much more widely distributed in the world and for many more people to play the game," he asserts, as he continues his ambitious journey.