Bath Rugby beat Cadtres Olympique 43-20 in the third pool stage game of the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup to go top of Pool 2
Sam Jess
14:34, 12 Jan 2026
Bath showed their intent in Europe with a crucial 43-20 win away in Castres to put a home knockout tie in their own hands, as “excellent” Vilikesa Sela shone on the biggest stage.
Bath have been below their best over the winter period, with losses against Toulon and Northampton, while a last-gasp try against Exeter saved them from blowing a 26-point lead. However, away in Castres, the reigning PREM champions showed their class to smash their opponents and claim a vital bonus-point win, with Johann van Graan full of praise for his side.
READ MORE: Exceptional Alfie Barbeary inspires Bath Rugby to victory away at Castres Olympique
“This is a tough place to come and win, not many teams from the Top 14 or the Champions Cup get a result here, so I am pretty happy with the result.” Johann van Graan said post-match.
“I thought we handled the conditions really well, and we also adapted throughout the game.” Van Graan continued.
Last season, Bath were known for their second-half performances, but in recent weeks, they have been underwhelming in that area. On Friday night, however, van Graan’s side outscored Castres 22-6 in the second 40 minutes as they turned the screw.
”It was a real 23-man performance tonight, and we became more dominant as the game went on.” Van Graa said.
”We were able to scramble in defence really well, and our impacts, Will Butt, Guy Pepper and Thomas du Toit were excellent.”
One player whose stock has risen is young prop Vilikesa Sela, who was given the start ahead of Thomas du Toit.
“I thought he was excellent, again, at 20 years old, he is starting some big games for us and last week and starting tonight. He adapted really well.”
“He's learning pretty quickly. And he even won a few scrum penalties. I'm really glad about his performance.”
With Will Stuart out for the long term, Sela will be key for Bath as they look to bag more trophies this season and look to go deep in the Champions Cup.
”We take each game one by one, and we enjoy the journey together, but we will enjoy tonight’s result as it is a big one for us as a group to get five points away from home.”
”Next week is another big game at home to Edinburgh, so we will focus on them after tonight.”
Bath have only reached the Champions Cup knockouts once under Johann van Graan, but as a bonus-point win at home to Edinburgh next week and not only will they reach the last 16, they will top Pool 2, meaning they will have not only a home last 16 tie but also a home Quarter-Final should they get that far.