Posted 12th Feb 2024

Coach’s pride as Archie Griffin’s senior Wales debut marks milestone moment for University of Bath rugby programme

Student Archie Griffin’s senior international debut for Wales in the Guinness Six Nations is a shining example of how the University of Bath’s partnership with Bath Rugby is helping players develop, achieve and excel.

That is the view of Aaron James, Head of Rugby at the University, who watched in pride as Griffin – a third-year Sports Performance student – took to the famous Twickenham field for Wales in the second half of Saturday’s hard-fought 16-14 defeat to England.

Griffin’s first cap comes almost a year to the day after he was lining up for the University men’s 1st XV in a BUCS Super Rugby match at Loughborough. The tighthead prop was a regular starter during the 2022-23 campaign, securing a place in the league’s Team of the Year with a string of impactful performances.

University of Bath students (from left) Billy Sela, Louie Hennessey, Scott Kirk and Ieuan Davies were on opposing sides when England played Wales in the U20 Six Nations Rugby at The Rec in February 2024. PICTURE CREDIT: Bob Bradford.
(From left) Billy Sela, Louie Hennessey, Scott Kirk and Ieuan Davies were on opposing sides when England played Wales in the U20 Six Nations Rugby at The Rec in February 2024. CREDIT: Bob Bradford.

That development helped Griffin progress from the Bath Rugby Academy to the club’s senior squad and he has made five Premiership appearances so far this season, earning a professional contract extension through to 2027.

Griffin is among dozens of Bath Rugby Academy players to have benefitted from invaluable BUCS Super Rugby experience with the University while also continuing their education and gaining a degree. That group includes five current students who have represented their countries in the opening two rounds of the U20 Six Nations – Scott Kirk and Billy Sela (England), Murdoch Lock (Scotland), and Ieuan Davies and Louie Hennessey (Wales).

James said: “Saturday was a special moment for all the coaches and staff here who have been part of Archie’s development over the past few years. Archie is one of 26 players to have progressed through our programme to the professional game but he is the first current student to win their debut international cap. It’s a real testament to the partnership we have with Bath Rugby and the development pathway both parties have put in place.

“Archie is such a club man. He connects really well with everyone, from the 1st XV through to the 6ths and to the supporters on the sidelines. He is a real character and puts a lot into the club – if he’s not playing, he’s here supporting us. We hope he goes on to win a number of caps for Wales and consistently play for Bath Rugby.”

Watch the full interview with Aaron James here:

Reflecting on his debut, Griffin told Welsh Rugby Union’s Instagram account: “It was intense walking into Twickers, I’ve never experienced anything like that. I’m obviously devastated with the loss but I’m happy to get my first cap. I just treated it like any other game – soak it in once you are on the pitch but play like you would any other game.”

Click here to find out more about the rugby programme at the University of Bath.

Other news articles

A picture of University of Bath men's 1st XV player Ludo Kolade being tackled during the 2024-25 BUCS Super Rugby match at Exeter's Sandy Park. The picture was taken by BUCS Sport.
Bath pick up another valuable bonus point after playing their part in entertaining BUCS Super Rugby derby at Exeter’s Sandy Park

A strong second half at Exeter’s Sandy Park saw the University of Bath men’s 1st XV collect another important four-try bonus point in their pursuit of a BUCS Super Rugby home quarter-final. The visitors found themselves trailing 24-7 at...

Read More
A picture of University of Bath rugby player Alfie Griffin running with the ball at two Hartpury defenders.
Four-try bonus point provides consolation for much-changed Bath in BUCS Super Rugby derby defeat at Hartpury

The University of Bath men’s 1st XV left Hartpury with a hard-earned bonus point following a tough derby against their BUCS Super Rugby West Country rivals. Bath were missing several players on U20 Six Nations and Premiership Rugby Cup...

Read More
A composite graphic of University of Bath student rugby player (from left) Enoch Opoku Gyamfi, Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, Billy Sela, Kepu Tuipulotu, Charlie Griffin and Jack Woods who have been selected for the 2025 U20 Six Nations
Quartet named in England match-day squad for tournament opener as University of Bath students selected for U20 Six Nations 2025

Six University of Bath students have been selected for the 2025 U20 Men's Six Nations, with four of them being named in England’s match-day 23 for the tournament’s opening fixture against Ireland. Tighthead prop Billy Sela (Sports Performance), who...

Read More
Team Bath BUCS Super Rugby Sponsors
Partners and Suppliers