Van Graan delighted by Spencer's recall

BATH boss Johann van Graan has hailed Ben Spencer’s England return as a triumph of perseverance after his captain and scrum-half was named in Steve Borthwick’s 2024 Six Nations squad. 

- JON NEWCOMBE

Spencer, whose partnership with Finn Russell has been instrumental in Bath’s renaissance this season, was the only back from the West Country club to make the cut before Max Ojomoh and Will Muir belatedly joined him, while props Beno Obano and Will Stuart and flanker Sam Underhill are among the forwards.

Stockport-born Spencer is recalled at the age of 31, four-and-a-bit years after he won the last of his four caps against South Africa, England’s opponents in three of his four Test appearances.

“It is a good story for all involved at the club and a good example for someone who hasn’t played Test rugby for a long time,” reacted van Graan.

“He is still not selected but he is in that Six Nations squad, so it is brilliant for him that after four or five years he is back in the England mix.