Van Graan the catalyst for Bath's domestic and European resurgence, insists Spencer

England scrum-half Spencer credited van Graan with changing the club’s approach to European competition.

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan with Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan. Pic: Dan Sheridan

Anyone who has spent any time in the company of Johann van Graan will know just how much the South African coach reveres the Champions Cup and it is a major reason why England scrum-half Ben Spencer believes their Bath side can be genuine European title contenders this season.

That is bad news for van Graan’s former club Munster, who must travel to the English West Country for Saturday night’s pool opener against the reigning Premiership and Challenge Cup double winners.