Recalled Joe Cokanasiga spurred on by intense competition at Bath

England international Joe Cokanasiga admits Bath’s rotation policy has helped to keep him on his toes as he looks to feature more regularly in the season’s run-in.

The summer arrival of Henry Arundell and the return to fitness of Will Muir has resulted in Cokanasiga only featuring in three of Bath’s last 10 games.

“Obviously Johann makes the decisions, but it is good for us, especially for us back three players, because we have so much depth, and everyone is playing so well so it kind of brings the best out of everyone, and we know whoever is on the pitch, they’ll do the job,” said the Fijian-born star.

“I have definitely found this year that I have to bring my best every game, every training, because the competition is so high.”

The 28-year-old, who won the last of his 15 England caps in 2023, was one of Bath’s best players in the Champions Cup Round of 16 tie against Saracens, but was left out of the matchday 23 for the epic quarter-final win against Northampton.

However, the winger is one of five England internationals named in Bath’s backline for the visit of Harlequins in the Gallagher PREM this Saturday.

“When me and Johann spoke, I was obviously disappointed that I wasn’t playing (against Saints). But we have so much trust in the team, and having seen Horse (Muir) and Henry out there, you know the job is going to get done,” Cokanasiga added.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Bath

09:30

18 Apr 26

Harlequins

All Stats and Data

Cokanasiga is one of seven changes of personnel from the XV that started the 43-41 win over Saints.

In the front row, loose-head Scott Kirk replaces Beno Obano, who hasn’t recovered from a stiff back, with hooker Tom Dunn and tight-head Billy Sela keeping their spots.

Quinn Roux hasn’t recovered from a dead leg and his place in the Bath engine room is taken by Ewan Richards, with Charlie Ewels alongside him.

Ted Hill starts at six, meaning a shift to the openside for Guy Pepper, who replaces Sam Underhill (concussion), while talisman Alfie Barbeary packs down at No.8 instead of Miles Reid.

Captain Ben Spencer and Finn Russell continue their half-back partnership, while Max Ojomoh, another casualty of squad rotation last week, comes back into the midfield at the expense of Cam Redpath. Ollie Lawrence retains the No.13 jersey.

With Cokanasiga named at 14, Arundell switches to 11, and Santi Carreras is preferred at full-back to Tom de Glanville.

Bath Rugby: 1 Scott Kirk, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Vilikesa Sela, 4 Ewan Richards, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Max Ojomoh, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Santi Carreras

Replacements: 16 Dan Frost, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Tom Carr Smith, 22 Louie Hennessey, 23 Miles Reid