European Cup record

That 1997/98 success is the only occasion Bath have reached the final of the tournament, with their next best showing a semi-final appearance in 2005/06 that saw them beaten 18-9 by a Dimitri Yachvili-inspired Biarritz Olympique.

Last season

Bath endured a difficult campaign last season with six straight defeats in a strong Pool 3. A frustrating 17-16 loss to Ulster in Round 1 set the tone for the Premiership side, who finished bottom of the pool with five points, four of which were losing bonuses.

Director of rugby

Stuart Hooper – The 38-year-old ended his playing career at Bath in 2016 following a back injury, but not before playing over 175 times for the English club. Shortly after his retirement, he took on the role of performance and player development director at the Recreation Ground, before Todd Blackadder’s departure at the start of the 2019/20 season saw him become director of rugby.

Key players

Bath have England flanker Sam Underhill, centre Jonathan Joseph and wing Anthony Watson in their ranks, as well as highly-rated wing Joe Cokanasiga and front-row forwards Tom Dunn and Will Stuart. Wales No.8 Taulupe Faletau, a member of the British and Irish Lions squads in 2013 and 2017, is also a major figure.

Pool fixtures

Pool A brings a match-up against Scarlets in a carbon-copy of the 2017/18 group stages, when both sides picked up away wins against each other, with the Welsh side eventually qualifying as the pool winners. The pool also provides a first Heineken Champions Cup clash against French side La Rochelle.

1998 champions Bath Rugby are next on the agenda for our Heineken Champions Cup Pool A overview.