“I have seen some real talent in Austin Emens play,” stated Johann van Graan, head of rugby at Bath University.
Prior to the 2024–2025 season, Bath Rugby has announced that they have signed GB Rugby 7s international Austin Emens to a senior academy deal. Emens graduated with a business degree from the University of Bath.
The quick back’s outstanding achievements for the University men’s first XV in the national BUCS Super Rugby competition have drawn the attention of the Blue, Black, and White coaches. In addition, he has experienced success on the international front after making his GB Rugby 7s debut in December.
“I’m really happy and proud to sign for Bath Rugby,” Emens declared. I wasn’t really prepared for this chance. I came to the university mostly for the academic experience since it was the ideal degree for me, but I also knew that rugby was a huge part of the community and that there were connections to Bath Rugby.
“The past few months have been a bit of a blur—signing with Bath and participating in the GB7s have happened all at once—but I’m happy to have these opportunities and it’s fun.” They are the goals I’ve worked towards and desired.
Johann van Graan, Head of Rugby, stated of Emens’ addition to the team: “I am really happy to welcome Austin on our journey.” Austin’s play has shown some serious talent, and I’m excited to watch how he grows over the coming years.
After hooker Tom Doughty was signed by Bath Rugby in 2018–19, Emens is the second University of Bath student to sign a contract during the BUCS Super Rugby period. Emens was playing 3rd XV rugby two years ago.
“We are absolutely delighted for Austin; he has worked so hard for this opportunity and it is thoroughly deserved,” stated Aaron James, Head of Rugby at the University of Bath.
Austin’s contract was won via his self-motivation, both on and off the pitch, skill development, comprehension of the game, and consistent performances through 7s and 15s. It is truly a proud moment to witness such a decent guy receive his well-deserved award.
“Austin joins Tom, who we have helped advance to professional contracts through the BUCS Super Rugby programme; this is a testament to the partnership between the University of Bath and Bath Rugby Academy.” Developing athletes who go on to play professional rugby, and our partners at Bath Rugby in particular, is one of the objectives of the University’s Performance Rugby Programme.”
Emens was a standout school rugby player for Brighton College. He did not play for a club academy, though, and he entered the university’s rugby programme in September 2021 to begin his business degree.
The 2022–22 season gave him his first taste of BUCS Super Rugby, but it wasn’t until the second half of the 2022–23 season that he established himself as a regular, assisting the University in finishing in the top four and making it to the cup semifinals.
The winger scored a try in his debut game wearing a Bath Rugby badge while serving as a guest player for Bath United during their early season matchup against England U20.
The most recent student at the University of Bath to commit to Bath Rugby for the 2024–2025 season is Emens.
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