Johann van Graan takes comfort in new ruling after Champions Cup loss

Bath head coach Johann van Graan remains calm despite his team opening their Investec Champions Cup campaign with a 32-14 home defeat against Montpellier at The Rec. Van Graan believes the new European Professional Club Rugby bonus point regulations will keep Pool 4 competitive. Under the updated system, teams must score three or more tries than their opponent to secure a bonus point, reducing runaway point totals across the competition.

Following the opening round, Bath sit fifth in Pool 4, five points behind the Bulls, though Montpellier failed to secure a bonus point in their victory. Under tournament rules, the top three teams from each pool automatically qualify for the Round of 16 alongside the four best fourth-ranked clubs. Bath next travel to face Cardiff before matches against the Stormers and Stade Francais.