Stuart faces lengthy layoff after ruptured Achilles tendon
Bath and England prop Will Stuart is set to be sidelined for a prolonged period following a ruptured Achilles tendon, a setback described as devastating by his club. The injury occurred early in the second half of Bath’s Champions Cup win over Munster on Saturday and was labeled as a “very serious” issue.
Stuart is expected to undergo surgery within the coming weeks, and Bath’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, stressed that an Achilles rupture typically means a long rehabilitation for a player, especially for a prop who endures substantial stress on the legs. While every injury is different, the physical demands on his position amplify the recovery challenge.
At 29, the tighthead has been a fixture for the national team, having earned 53 caps and previously earning a call-up to the British and Irish Lions this summer, where he played in all three Tests during the Australia tour. He also contributed significantly to Bath’s championship-winning campaign last season and has appeared five times across all competitions this term.
Van Graan described the injury as gutting, noting that injuries are an inevitable part of the sport, but ruptures to the Achilles, ACLs, or neck injuries that threaten long absences are particularly painful to witness. He added that the club will support Stuart through every step of the recovery, highlighting the strength of his medical and support staff, teammates, and family around him.
There are further hiccups for Bath. Flanker Guy Pepper, who also left the field against Munster, is expected to miss several weeks with an ankle issue. Winger Will Muir’s comeback has been delayed again due to a calf problem, leaving him unavailable for selection for the time being.
Bath’s Champions Cup campaign continues with a trip to Toulon on Sunday, as they look to bounce back from the setback. In the meantime, there is a glimmer of good news from the England camp: centre Ollie Lawrence, who also spent much of 2025 sidelined by a ruptured Achilles, is back in full training along with number eight Alfie Barbeary, signaling positive progress for the national squad.
