Bath Rugby Foundation XV to Feature on Bath Rugby Shirt for The Clash

When Bath Rugby run out at Twickenham Stadium for The Clash in April they will be taking 15 inspiring individuals onto the field with them in a unique way.

For the first time, this year’s limited-edition charity shirt will feature the Foundation’s own, very special XV - individuals whose determination to overcome the odds has seen them achieve remarkable success.

Over the coming weeks, we will profile each of the incredible beneficiaries who have been selected to appear on the shirt, which has been designed by Canterbury of New Zealand, Official Kit Supplier to the Club, and will raise funds for Bath Rugby Foundation after the game.

Matt Garvey, Club captain at Bath, said: “As players, we’re really honoured to be representing these 15 amazing individuals at The Clash. The whole community is incredibly important to us, and we know that when we take to the field, we don’t just do so for ourselves, but on behalf of everyone supporting the Club.

“The Foundation work with some very inspirational young people, so it’s great to recognise them in this way, and to also help them continue the great work they do in the wider community in Bath.”

The first member of the Foundation XV to be revealed is the charity’s Senior Foundation Coach, Becks Toan.

Becks, who was recently voted the Coach of the Year at the Bath Chronicle Sports Awards, had been trying – and struggling – to find a route into a sporting career, with long-held ambition of being a coach. She started volunteering for the Foundation, and her life changed from there.

A video interview with Becks Toan and Bath Rugby player, Zach Mercer, can be viewed and downloaded here.

“The Foundation means everything to me,” she said. “I don’t like to think about where I would be without it. I was like a broken down car when I met the Foundation, and they fixed me.

“The Clash was a special experience, and I have great memories of last year. It’s amazing to think I’ll be on the shirt this year. For the players to run out with us a part of the shirt, for me it is more about the Foundation being the priority, playing a big role in a big match.”

The Clash sees the Club take on arch-rivals Leicester Tigers at the home of English rugby on Saturday 7th April. A fantastic day out is on offer, with free family entertainment before and after the game itself. Over 30,000 tickets have already been sold for The Clash, with prices starting at just £5 for children and £15 for adults. Tickets can be bought at bathrugby.com/theclash.