Bath head coach Johann van Graan confirmed playmaker Russell remains sidelined for the Premiership semi‑final against Exeter. Argentine full‑back Carreras earns his fourth start at fly‑half as Bath retain an unchanged back line again, while hooker Tom Dunn returns after serving a suspension. The defending champions also shuffle the second row, dropping Kepu Tuipulotu and Ted Hill for Quinn Roux.

Exeter cope without England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, ruled out after facial surgery, leaving Paul Brown‑Bampoe and Campbell Ridl on the wings and former Bath stalwart Olly Woodburn at full‑back. Len Ikitau partners Henry Slade in the centre, but a loss would send the Australian back to his home country before the World Cup. Exeter aim to break their home‑semi‑final streak.

Van Graan praised his squad’s relentless attitude, saying they “never stopped trying to improve”, a mantra he set when arriving four years ago. Bath, sitting second after beating Leicester, chase a third consecutive final, while Exeter target their first away playoff after six straight Twickenham showpieces. The Rec will host a decisive today clash with both sides hungry for glory.