Bath opened the tournament against RC Dijon going down 15-5 after two early tries from the French side gave them an early advantage. In the second and final group game against the Swiss National side, Bath went into the game knowing that they had to win to reach the semi-finals. Despite suffering a setback in the opening minutes of the second-half when experienced captain Ali Beck suffered ankle ligament damage, the ladies came away with a vital 13-0 victory.

Bath faced former French champions RC Montpellier in the semi-final and faced a formidable team which included a number of senior internationals. Despite some formidable defence, Montpellier came away 22-3 victors. This meant that Bath would go into the plate final where they would face Irish Premiership side Cooke RFC from Belfast.

Having enjoyed unbroken sunshine all weekend, a thunderstorm just before kick-off altered conditions considerably and a scrappy first-half ensued with Cooke RFC going into the break 3-0 up. However with the sun coming out again in the second-half Bath took control of the game and three unanswered tries gave the blue, black and whites a well deserved 17-3 victory.

Montpellier won the cup final beating Dijon 23-3.  

Bath Rugby Ladies Head Coach Jimmy Deane said: “The Bath squad had a fantastic experience in France, both in terms of the high level of rugby played and the generous hospitality shown by the hosts and they should be extremely proud of their achievement. The squad would like to thank the Pulteney Arms for sponsoring the team kit for the trip and Sitec the team’s shirt sponsor for their great support.”

Ends…