Henry Arundell Shines for Bath as Curry's Big Hits Spark Premiership Rugby

The Premiership returned after the autumn break with a high-profile clash between Saracens and Bath, and the wide battles stole headlines as the league resumed. The duel on the wings between Henry Arundell and Noah Caluori captured attention as both sides chased early momentum.

Caluori was lively early, hitting the game with courage and timing. His first touch came in the second minute on a towering box-kick, and he followed up by turning a cross-kick over Arundell's head to tee up an early Bath score in the build-up to Max Malins' try. He also helped force another clearance kick in the opening ten minutes while reclaiming the restart after Finn Russell had given Bath the first points from a penalty.

After that early bombardment, Arundell found his footing and Bathed in the pace of the contest, helping Bath weather the early pressure and grow into the game.

Arundell then against Caluori: a star is rising

Arundell crossed for a pair of decisive finishes – the first a long-range interception, the second the decisive winner – taking his tally to six tries in six games this season. A clever chip kick also helped unlock the athletic number eight Arthur Green’s score, underscoring Arundell’s growing influence in Bath’s attacking structure.

Beyond the scores, the Bath winger has been accumulating metres (about 548 so far this season) and breaking lines (16), placing him joint second for defenders beaten. Bath boss Johann van Graan praised the winger’s pace and his development in all facets of the game, including defence, aerial work, and contact, noting his hunger to represent both Bath and England.

A 14-minute cameo against Fiji only added to the momentum as Arundell continues to push for a regular role in Steve Borthwick’s England setup, where the wing position is crowded but opportunities are opening for him.

Curry’s famous hits and a growing reputation

England flanker Tom Curry found himself at the center of a broader on-pitch and off-pitch debate after last weekend’s Anglo-Argentine row. In Friday’s clash with Exeter, Curry delivered a thundering late hit on Josh Hodge, a tackle that drew a yellow card after coming from distance with a clear view of the target. The hit, coming from a full run and at the edge of legality, has become a trademark moment in Curry’s game, praised when it pays off and controversial when it doesn’t.

Historically, Curry has produced similar moments for the Lions and against other opponents, meaning energy, aggression, and commitment define his best performances and are often the centerpiece of his team’s plan. When the execution isn’t spot-on, the decision lies with the officials and the referee’s interpretation—the margins are fine and the risk-reward balance leans on his reputation.

Van Rensburg’s complete game: a midfield force

The Bristol center delivered a multi-faceted display that earned him the man-of-the-match moment in the stands, only for him to contribute more than the pocket of glory. He delivered a 50:22 kick to land the ball near Northampton’s line, collected five turnovers, and covered 21 metres from seven carries while making nine tackles, with the key moment coming when he read a Northampton backline move to force a turnover and send Kalaveti Ravouvou in for a try.

South African-born Van Rensburg is set to become England eligible through residency next year, with World Rugby confirming that an under-20 appearance for the Baby Boks does not cap-tie him to South Africa. His performances this season have reinforced the belief that few midfielders in the league can match his blend of pace, physicality, and sharp defence.

Young Gloucester stepping up as Quins fall short

Gloucester’s youth policy paid off as they handed Harlequins a first-half challenge, with youngsters like Ben Redshaw crossing for a sharp opening score and Impressive front-foot play from Jamal Ford-Robinson and Lewis Ludlow driving the plan. Redshaw, a fresh addition from Newcastle in the off-season, added a real spark with an early try, while other academy players like Arthur Atkinson and Jack Cotgreave offered late impact off the bench.

Gloucester sit mid-table but rank highly for visits to the opposition 22 and defenders beaten, highlighting a growing, adaptable squad style under George Skivington. The transfer news adds a layer of complexity as Tomos Williams’ potential move away to Saracens adds a potential challenge to Gloucester’ s evolving core.

Newcastle’s Red Bull project: chasing a maiden Premiership win

The Red Bull era in the Premiership continues to seek its first victory at the top level. A crowd of more than 10,000 again packed the venue as Newcastle pushed Leicester close, with a standout moment from James O’Connor setting up Ollie Hassell-Collins and Joaquin Moro’s second try after a superb one-hand offload. The hunt for their maiden league win remains on, and the atmosphere remains electric as the project matures.

Expert comment: Arundell’s speed and growing all-round game make him a constant threat in open field; his development in defence and aerial work adds real value for Bath. Curry’s high-energy tackles define his best days, but consistency and officiating calls will shape how those moments influence results across the season.

Short summary: The rugby weekend highlighted Henry Arundell’s rapid ascent and Bath’s attacking options, with Manu-like pace and improved defense bringing balance to their game. Tom Curry’s aggressive style sparked debate, illustrating the risk-reward dynamic of his big hits. Benhard Janse van Rensburg delivered a complete midfield performance, while Gloucester’s youth and Newcastle’s Red Bull project added depth to the Premiership race, promising an exciting season ahead.

Key takeaway: Henry Arundell’s explosive pace and all-round refinement are becoming Bath’s attacking backbone, while Tom Curry’s high-impact approach defines his role in a league where precision and risk collide. Source: BBC Sport