Bath Rugby's first Cup-winning captain Roger Spurrell has died

Fearless flanker Roger Spurrell, who captained Bath at the start of their glory years, has died aged 71.

Spurrell led Bath to victory in the first of Bath’s 10 domestic Cup triumphs against arch-rivals Bristol in 1984, before repeating the feat against London Welsh a year later.

One of the best players never to be capped by England, Spurrell will be remembered as someone who spilt blue, black and white blood for the club, who perhaps didn’t get the recognition by the national team selectors that he deserved because of his refusal to toe the party line.

A paratrooper, shepherd and nightclub and restaurant owner outside of rugby, Spurrell was a great character who lived life to the full.

And a measure of how highly he was regarded is summed up perfectly in the heartfelt tribute published on the club’s official website, below:

“The club is saddened to learn of the passing of former captain and Bath Rugby double centurion, Roger Spurrell, who passed away on 30th May 2026 aged 71.

“Born on 19th May 1955, Roger made his debut for Bath on 18th September 1979 against the California Seahawks. He went on to represent the Blue, Black and White 206 times between 1979 and 1986, playing his final game against South Wales Police in October 1986.

“Today’s Bath Rugby team proudly embraces the mantra “Tough to Beat.” Long before those words became part of the club’s identity, Roger Spurrell embodied exactly what they stand for.

“A relentless competitor, inspirational captain and natural leader, Roger set the standards that helped shape the future of Bath Rugby. He was a player who demanded the very best from himself and those around him, instilling a resilience and determination that became hallmarks of the club.

“In the 1981-82 season, he took on the captaincy of the club to spend four seasons leading his side out to victory twice in the John Player Cup of 1984 against Bristol and of 1985 against London Welsh. Those victories, now more than forty years ago, marked the beginning of the journey that would see Bath Rugby develop into one of the leading clubs in the game.

“A true West Country man, Roger’s career spanned across many teams in the south-west, including Launceston RFC, Plymouth Albion, Army RFC, Devon & Cornwall, Combined Services, Somerset and South West England.

“Roger was instrumental in turning Bath into a winning side with grit, and his contribution was recognised when he became one of the club’s inaugural Hall of Fame inductees in 2015, alongside the likes of Jack Rowell OBE and Jeremy Guscott.

“Off the pitch, Roger was involved in various business ventures, including as owner of ‘The Island Club’, a popular late-night drinking spot in Bath and also successful restaurants in Polzeath and Newquay, Cornwall.

“While his achievements on the field were considerable, Roger’s greatest legacy was the example he set. He was tough, committed and utterly dedicated to the team. The values he championed remain woven into the fabric of Bath Rugby today.

“The club will remember Roger for all he has given to the club and would like to express its sincere condolences to Roger’s family and loved ones.”