Open-top bus parade for Bath’s Premiership winning rugby players

BBC Blue bus with 2024/2025 champions written on the side. Bath players are on the top of the bus dressed in black t shirts with blue Bath caps. Lots of people are waving and taking photos in the foreground. — Bath’s Premiership win is the club’s first since 1996

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Bath to welcome home their Premiership Rugby-winning team.

In a historic day for the team Bath beat Leicester Tigers in the final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday to win the title for the first time since 1996.

An open-top bus carried the players over Pulteney Bridge and up Milsom Street, before heading towards Bath Abbey and ending at The Recreation Ground. The club will later host a ticketed party in the stadium.

Bath fan Theo said he was “immensely proud” of the team, adding: “Everyone’s here. Even if you couldn’t go to the final, you can still see this.”

The open top bus has been making its way through Bath’s packed streets

Fans in blue black and white waving flags. The bus is passing in the background with players at the front, arms aloft. — The open top bus has been making its way through Bath’s packed streets

Fellow fan Guy, from Bristol, joked: “I’ve got to be careful because all my neighbours are Bristol fans.

“I’m watching the parade from Milsom Street and it’s brilliant.”

Lifelong fan Barbara said she cried when the final whistle sounded on Saturday afternoon.

“They deserve all this adulation because they’ve brought it home for us,” she said.

“I’d just like to thank the boys, because it means a lot to us.”

Fans of all ages turned up to support their victorious team

A boy with ear defenders perched on a man's shoulders. They both have Bath shirts, hats and flags — Fans of all ages turned up to support their victorious team

The team paraded three trophies through the city centre having won the Premiership, the Challenge Cup and the Premiership Rugby cup.

The players held them high above their heads as they toured through the streets, which had turned a sea of blue, black and white.

The players were cheered as they passed their fans, while flags were waved high in the air.

A ticketed party is being held at The Rec following the parade

Fans in blue black and white waving flags with two blue open top buses passing in the background with players on top waving — A ticketed party is being held at The Rec following the parade

Bath were the trailblazing team in the league this season and went into the final as overwhelming favourites after finishing 11 points clear at the top of the table.

Captain Ben Spencer said on Saturday he “couldn’t be prouder” of the team.

Centre Max Ojomo told BBC Radio Bristol before the parade: “I feel great, relieved, and it is nice seeing how much joy we have brought to the people of Bath.

“There were such high stakes on the line. There was shock and relief, it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”

He added: “It was just massive, surreal to be honest, look at where we were two years ago, you wouldn’t have dreamt of this.”

Bath second-row Ewen Richards said it was a “special moment” for the team

Bath second-row Ewen Richards giving the camera a big thumbs up before the parade — Bath second-row Ewen Richards said it was a “special moment” for the team

Second-row Ewen Richards, who was nervously watching from the side-lines on Saturday, added: “It’s pretty special like, yesterday the boys put in a hell of a shift and to be a part of the group yesterday and to wear this medal today is unbelievable and I’m very proud of the lads that played yesterday.”

He added: “It’s not just for us winning the premiership, it is for the fans, so it’s really special.”