From BUCS Super Rugby to international stage – Bath graduates Max Ojomoh and Tom Pittman make debuts for England and USA Eagles
After playing alongside each other for the University of Bath in BUCS Super Rugby, Max Ojomoh and Tom Pittman faced each other on the international stage when England took on the United States in Washington DC on Saturday.
It was a senior debut for Bath Rugby treble winner Ojomoh, who formally graduated from the University last week after completing his Business degree.
Lining up at inside centre for the USA Eagles was Sports Performance alumnus Pittman, who had made his international debut the previous weekend during a 31-20 defeat to Spain in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The duo were team-mates during the Covid-curtailed 2019-20 BUCS Super Rugby season, with Pittman – who started in the 3rd XV – helping the University win the annual Anniversary Game showpiece at The Rec in fine style and Ojomoh making five appearances in Blue & Gold before being called up for the U20 Six Nations.
He made his Premiership debut the following year and quickly established himself as a 1st XV regular for Bath, going on to play a key role this season as the club won the Gallagher Premiership, EPCR Challenge Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup – all while balancing his sport and studies.
Aaron James, Head of Rugby at the University of Bath, said: “Max was part of our BUCS Super Rugby squad during his first year of study, adding his relentless energy each time he trained and played.
“He developed his talent at Chippenham RFC and King Edward’s School before joining the University, combining his education with playing for Bath Rugby Academy. He was always seen as a player with great potential, so it was no surprise when his club priorities took over for the rest of his time at the University, but he has often been present on the sidelines for our matches and the ‘Brothers’ are proud to have played a small part in his journey towards becoming a full international.”
Ojomoh was handed his England debut in Saturday’s 40-5 victory by Head Coach Steve Borthwick, a University of Bath Hall of Fame for Sport inductee who himself was an Economics with Politics student at the University when he made his senior international bow as a player in 2001.
Pittman’s journey to the international stage has taken him from the University of Bath, where he graduated in 2021, to Championship clubs Jersey Reds and Cornish Pirates before he joined French fifth division club C’Chartres Rugby last summer.
The versatile back has enjoyed an excellent season and, after discovering he was eligible for US selection thanks to his American-born grandfather, was called into the Eagles squad for this summer’s three home tests.
Pittman will also be playing his club rugby in the United States after signing with Anthem Rugby Carolina for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
University of Bath Performance Backs Coach Steve Barber, who worked with Pittman when he began in the 3rd XV, said: “Tom was always self-driven to improve his skillset and game understanding. We are delighted that drive has got him to the international stage.”
Click here to find out more about combining study and rugby at the University of Bath.
Top picture: Max Ojomoh, credit RFU Collection via Getty Images | Tom Pittman, credit USA Eagles.
