Fantastic four all set to combine top-class rugby with first-class education at University of Bath after joining Bath Rugby Academy

06 July 2026

Four more emerging talents are set to develop their rugby careers while studying and playing at the University of Bath after signing their first Senior Academy contracts with Bath Rugby.

Bailey Cutts, Max Hooper, Declan Treacey and Alex Yeabsley will join the University this September, subject to receiving their conditional offers, and be eligible to play for the men’s 1st XV in BUCS Super Rugby, a competition that has provided so many Academy players with invaluable playing and development opportunities as they transition from the junior ranks.

Among the players the quartet will be hoping to emulate is 2024 Academy intake and Declan’s older brother Connor Treacey, who was co-captain when the University won a historic BUCS league and cup double during the 2025-26 season.

Declan, who plays centre, has captained England U18s and is joined in the Class of 2026 by fellow Beechen Cliff School pupil Hooper, who plays fly-half. Back-row Yeabsley played rugby at Millfield School and centre Cutts has already represented Wales in the U20 Six Nations, scoring on his debut against Scotland.

Previous Senior Academy graduates who have also studied at and played for the University include England international Max Ojomoh, Tom Carr-Smith and current Sports Performance student Kepu Tuipulotu.

Click here to read more about the University of Bath’s thriving partnership with Bath Rugby.

Pictured top (from left) Bailey Cutts, Max Hooper, Johann van Graan (Head of Rugby, Bath Rugby), Declan Treacey and Alex Yeabsley. Picture credit: Patrick Khachfe/Onside Images.

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