Stuart Hooper confirmed as Bath's director of rugby while Neal Hatley returns
Tuesday 7 May 2019 12:05, UK
Bath have confirmed former captain Stuart Hooper as their new director of rugby while Neal Hatley and Luke Charteris will join the club's coaching staff.
Hooper, who was Bath's general manager this season, will succeed Todd Blackadder after the New Zealander was granted an early release from his contract to take charge of Japanese side Toshiba.
England scrum coach Hatley will rejoin the Premiership side after the Rugby World Cup to take charge of their forwards and defence while Wales lock Charteris will retire from playing to become Bath's lineout coach.
Former Ireland international Girvan Dempsey continues in his role of attack and backs coach and Andy Rock has been appointed in the role of performance director.
Bath chief executive Tarquin McDonald said: "Stuart, Neal, Girvan and Andy will lead our rugby department strategically and build on the strong foundations already in place as we look to create a world-leading environment here at Bath.
"We are building a system based on who we are, how we play, how we train, and how we develop. These four pillars are underpinned by a clear focus on our standards and developing a deep level of trust within the organisation and its people.
"We have an exceptional playing group and staff and we want to equip them, develop them individually and collectively to deliver winning performances.
"We will always be judged on the 80 minutes each weekend, but the level of rigour that surrounds the design of our rugby department and training programme is what we believe will deliver consistent performances and successful results."
