Johann van Graan: Bath to ‘stick to process’ in European Challenge Cup final

Johann van Graan has urged his Bath players to “keep it simple” and “stick to the process” as they aim for European Challenge Cup glory when they face Lyon in the final on Friday.

The Premiership leaders are in their first European cup final since head of rugby Van Graan took over in 2022 and are aiming for a first European win in 12 years.

This will be Bath’s fifth appearance in the Challenge Cup final, having won the title in 2008 and finished runners-up in 2003, 2007 and 2014.

“A special moment for the club, the first European final that we as a group have played in,” Van Graan said.

“[I’m] excited, looking forward to it, got to enjoy the moment as that’s what finals are about. It’s once-off, we’re playing against a good side, we respect them.”

Bath come into the final off the back of a thumping 43-15 win over Leicester and Van Graan said his message to his players has been to straightforward.

“Keep it simple, stick to your process, keep doing the things that got you in the final,” he said.

“Credit to the players, this week has all been about what did we learn about Leicester, what can we do better this week and how do we adapt the plan for what’s coming on Friday night.”