Ashton takes on new role

Ashton: New coaching role

I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the University of Bath in the role of a consultant director of coaching.

Brian Ashton.
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Former England coach Brian Ashton has agreed a deal to become the new director of coaching at the University of Bath.

Ashton, who took England to the final of the World Cup, declined the offer to coach the national academy after Martin Johnson's appointment as team manager.

The 62-year-old has strong links with the area after two stints at Bath Rugby, and will now work with athletes - including the likes of Jason Gardener, Craig Pickering, Katy Livingston and Georgina Harland - and coaches at the university.

Opportunity

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the University of Bath in the role of a consultant director of coaching," said Ashton.

"There are many talented, high-level performance coaches and athletes who operate in the university's sports training village and I am looking forward to working alongside them to ensure that all set standards that are testing and provide competition success."

Director of sports development and recreation Ged Roddy believes that the capture of Ashton was a significant coup for the university.

"Our university sports family at Bath fielded medal winners at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games and Brian's appointment will strengthen our elite performance line-up," he said.