Van Graan rules out rushed signing despite £400,000 Carreras injury windfall at Bath

Bath head coach Johann van Graan has urged patience over any potential squad reinforcement after Santi Carreras was ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury sustained in the 23-5 Premiership derby defeat at Gloucester on Friday night.

Carreras, the Argentina international, went down in the 12th minute on Gloucester’s 4G surface and will play no further part in Bath’s title defence. The injury activates a potential £400,000 injured-player credit under Premiership salary-cap rules — available when a player misses 12 or more continuous weeks — which must be spent on a player in a comparable position, in this case fly-half or full-back, and cannot exceed the injured player’s own salary.

Despite the funds being available, van Graan is in no hurry to act. “What I have learnt over the last few years is that whenever we get injuries is to take our time,” he said. “I’ll always look around the rugby world at who’s available and who’s not. But I am not going to make a rushed decision on this. If I get the need, then I will use it. But you won’t see a back entering next week — but you might later in the season.”

Van Graan pointed to existing cover within his squad as a reason for the measured approach. Established full-back Tom de Glanville, though not yet back in full training at the start of the week, is expected to return, while Henry Arundell offers versatility at 15. Ciaran Donoghue, who came through Bath’s academy, is another option, and younger players Jack Woods — on Bath University’s books — and Austin Emens, currently on loan at London Scottish, provide additional depth. Sam Winters was also mentioned as a prospect who will get opportunities in the Premiership Cup.

The loss of Carreras is a significant blow for the reigning champions. After a difficult debut season at the Rec, the 75-cap Pumas international had rediscovered his best form, scoring a try-of-the-season contender on the opening weekend before the injury cut short his momentum.

“Obviously it’s very sad for him. When you see the word ACL confirmed you know that it is a long time recovery and it is one of the most horrible injuries that a player can get because of the time that they are out,” van Graan said. “Santi is one of our most important players — he plays multiple positions and is an important part of our jigsaw in the way we select teams. We will look after him very well in the coming months.”