Bath's Bhatti out for months with forearm injury

Bath are set to be without new signing Jamie Bhatti for a number of months due to a forearm injury.

The Scotland international was one of two new players brought to Bath this summer, along with number eight Dan du Preez.

Bhatti played in Bath's pre-season friendly win against Glasgow last week and posted an image on his Instagram of an X-ray, external following the match.

Head of rugby Johann van Graan said the 33-year-old would undergo an operation but would not play a part as the season kicks off.

"Jamie was so excited to get going and unfortunately he'll be out for a few months, he's getting operated on today. Hopefully he's back as soon as possible," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

Bath begin the new Prem campaign away to Harlequins on Friday.

They welcome prop Will Stuart back to the fold after nine months on the sidelines with an Achilles injury, but are without a number of others for the trip to London.

Vilikesa Sela and Louis Hennessey are both unavailable due to foot injuries and will be out for "a bit of time" Van Graan said.

Will Muir has not recovered enough from the shoulder injury that ended his 2025-26 early in May, while Henry Arundell has a small back issue.

Bath finished second in the table last season but lost to Exeter in the play-offs to miss out on a place in the final.

Their points difference of 222 was the best in the league; they scored 102 tries at an average of 5.37 per game - behind only champions Northampton - and had the second most try-scoring bonus points in the division.

But Van Graan conceded their attack is something Bath are looking to improve this season, particularly with Mike Prendegast joining as attack coach over the summer.

"We made a change in our attack and that's something we'd like to improve," Van Graan said.

"If you look at the league, attack is the main theme, so yes we want to make an improvement in that area."