Bath head of rugby van Graan said: “GJ really impressed us last season and it’s great to be able to welcome him back for a second year. “The experience he brings to the group is something you can’t teach.
“His calmness, both on and off the field, is just one of the attributes GJ brings to this side and I’m pleased we’re able to have both his playing ability and his vast experience again this season.”
The South African was credited with dramatically improving Bath's line-out which turned into a real platform to attack from as the season progressed. Boasting over 150 Premiership appearances across three Premiership teams having run out for Worcester and Northampton Saints, as well as Super Rugby side the Blue Bulls, van Velze’s experience has seen his inclusion in the club’s leadership group, using his wealth of knowledge to guide and influence his younger teammates.
He will be available for selection for the start of the season in September.
Bath Rugby squad 2023/24
PROP: Arthur Cordwell, Thomas du Toit, Ioan Emanuel*, Archie Griffin, Johannes Jonker, Scott Kirk**, Beno Obano, Juan Schoeman, Billy Sela*, Archie Stanley*, Will Stuart, Mikey Summerfield*, Kieran Verden
HOOKER: Niall Annett, Tom Dunn, Max Pearce**, Jasper Spandler*, John Stewart
SECOND ROW: Jack Bennett*, Rory Cameron*, Harvey Cuckson*, Josh Dingley*, Eddie Erskine**, Charlie Ewels, Will Jeanes*, Fergus Lee-Warner, Daniel Marais*, Josh McNally, Ewan Richards, Quinn Roux, GJ van Velze.
BACK ROW: Abdul-Khalik Akenzua Al Kareem*, Alfie Barbeary, Josh Bayliss, Chris Cloete, Jaco Coetzee, Thompson Cowan*, MacKenzie Graham*, Arthur Green*, Ted Hill, Nahum Merigan, Miles Reid, Ethan Staddon*, George Timmins*, JJ Tonks, Sam Underhill
SCRUM-HALF : Tom Carr-Smith, Ieuan Davies*, Murdoch Lock**, Louis Schreuder, Ben Spencer
FLY-HALF : Orlando Bailey, Piers Francis, Sam Harris*, Finn Russell, Raff Weston*, George Worboys
CENTRE: Will Butt, Louie Hennessey*, Ollie Lawrence, Max Ojomoh, Will Parry*, Cameron Redpath, James Short*, Max Wright
BACK THREE: Joe Cokanasiga, Tom de Glanville, Ciaran Donoghue*, Matt Gallagher, Gabe Goss, Luke Graham*, Byron Lloyd-Gilmour**, Ruaridh McConnochie, Will Muir
* Bath Rugby Academy player
** University scholar
Bath Rugby coaching team
HEAD OF RUGBY: Johann van Graan
ASSISTANT COACHES: Lee Blackett, Richard Blaze, Jon Callard, JP Ferreira, Andy Robinson, Stevie Scott
References
