Premiership: Johann van Graan says Ollie Lawrence’s Bath future in doubt

Despite shining on his debut for Bath against Gloucester, Ollie Lawrence might not be available when the Premiership strugglers take on Saracens in their next fixture.

That was the word from Bath head coach Johann van Graan, who revealed that Lawrence’s one-month loan at the Recreation Ground came into doubt when his club, Worcester Warriors, were relegated from the Premiership after being served with a winding up order by the high court.

Termination of contract

The doubts over Lawrence’s Bath loan came into effect when his Worcester contract was terminated on Wednesday, but after the England centre shone as a ball-carrier in Bath’s Premiership 21-17 defeat against Gloucester, Van Graan is keen to keep the player.

“Ollie was very good. There were a few nervous knock-ons at the start but he’s a class player. He gave us good gainline and good defensive pressure,” said Van Graan, who faces competition from Sale for Lawrence’s services.

“He’s got lovely feet, an excellent hand-off and very good rugby IQ. For a player to come into a system and train on a Tuesday and a Thursday… well done to him.

“I’m not going to discuss contract detail but it’s an incredibly unique situation coming to us on loan and two days later what happened to Worcester.

“We’re glad that the Worcester players are currently at Bath. I really hope he will be here next week. Unfortunately, I can’t say any more than I sure hope he’ll be here next week.”

Bath fly-half Piers Francis was forced off the field late in the first half with a “pretty serious” thigh problem, while scrum-halves Louis Schreuder and Max Green also sustained injured, leaving the club struggling at nine given Ben Spencer is sidelined with concussion.

The packs dominated the west country derby until it came alive in the second half, with Bath doing well to come back from 14-0 and 21-7 down but unable to finish strongly.

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They have now lost all five of their Premiership games so far and are firmly rooted at the bottom of the table.

“I’m gutted. Firstly, we didn’t win the game. We felt we were good enough to win and it was a game of small margins,” Van Graan said.

“Three of the last five games we’ve been in the last play of the game and that’s gutting. I’ll take that as a massive positive in the scheme of things. All credit to Gloucester, I thought this was a game of rugby.

“The players believe, the team believe and I think everybody in Bath will believe after that. But we’ve just got to become better and keep going.”

Nervy moments

Gloucester did well to keep Bath at bay during the final-quarter and their head coach, George Skivington, admitted it was another nervous afternoon.

“It’s the story of the Premiership at the moment – close scores, tight games. It’s a good product to watch if you’re a neutral,” he said.

“I don’t know if stress is the right word but it keeps you on the edge of your seat, that’s for sure.

“I don’t think it’s good for your blood pressure, but you’re starting to expect it now.”