St Austell Brewery revamps Bath Rugby’s Tribute Stand bars

Anyone heading to The Rec for a home game before the end of the season will find the Tribute Stand looking different. Two of its bars have had a full redesign, the signage pointing fans to them has been refreshed, and there’s a new stout on the taps alongside the usual pale ale and lager.

The next phase of a long partnership

Bath Rugby and St Austell Brewery have moved into what both sides are calling the next phase of their partnership, with major bar refurbishments across the Tribute Stand timed to land as the club heads into the final quarter of the 2025/26 season.

St Austell Brewery has been Bath Rugby’s official beer partner since 2022, and has worked with the club to refresh key fan areas at the stadium, known to everyone locally as The Rec. Two fully branded bars have been redesigned, and wayfinding through the stand has been updated so fans can find them more easily.

What’s on tap

The changes give greater prominence to St Austell Brewery’s line-up: Tribute Pale Ale, korev lager, and Bath Rugby Stout, a new addition that has been poured at the stadium since late 2025.

The commercial partnership stretches back further than the 2022 deal suggests. The connection between Bath Rugby and the St Austell Brewery family began through Bath Ales’ sponsorship of the club in 2014. Bath Ales joined St Austell Brewery in 2016, and the shared commitment to the South West and its rugby community has grown from there.

Screens, signage and staying exclusive

The bar upgrades are part of a wider investment from St Austell Brewery across The Rec, which also includes new digital screens in the Swift Half area. The screens boost brand visibility and allow for more dynamic content on matchdays. St Austell Brewery remains the exclusive supplier of draught and bottled beer, lager and cider throughout the stadium.

Dan Crabb, Sales and Distribution Director at St Austell Brewery, said the Tribute Stand was an important space for both the club and supporters. “The revamped bars give us a brilliant platform to showcase our beer brands whilst also backing local sport,” he said. “With the season heading into its final stages, we’re excited to bring even more energy and great experiences to The Rec.”

James Bibby, Commercial Director at Bath Rugby, called St Austell Brewery a committed partner over many years. “Their investment in the Tribute Stand and the Swift Half will make a noticeable difference to fans on matchdays,” James said. “We’re delighted to take this next step together and further our shared ambition to keep improving the supporter experience at Bath Rugby.”