Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper today confirmed the appointment of Neal Hatley as Bath Rugby Head Coach.
Hatley returned to Bath Rugby as Forwards and Defence Coach after helping guide England to the Rugby World Cup Final in Japan.
He re-joined Bath Rugby after three and half successful years in the international setup, bringing with him a wealth of experience at all levels of the professional game.
Hatley said: “When I rejoined Bath, Stuart was very clear about what we are trying to do at the Club. Now as Head Coach at Bath, I’m responsible for field performance.
"With my focus on delivering great performances on the pitch, it allows Stuart to focus on how we want to play and perform, making sure we are doing what we discussed in training and optimising everything we do.
“As Head Coach, I want to make sure I get the best out of our players and that’s a lot about building relationships, knowing they trust your leadership. I’ve set out very clearly how I expect our players to behave, how I expect them to train and how we expect to treat each other.
“Not only is Bath an incredible city to live in but it’s a rugby city through and through. I feel incredibly proud to be Head Coach at this Club and believe me, we want to win silverware.”
JOIN THE RUCK:
Five fly-halves Bath could try to sign
1. Handre Pollard
The black, blue and whites are weighing up a huge move for the World Cup-winning fly-half, according to reports in England, France, South Africa. Pollard is currently at the centre of a salary cap scandal in the Top 14 with Montpellier, and could soon be on the move once again. Th 25-year-old has 48 caps, scoring 457 points and has established himself as the Boks’ first-choice ten.
2. Johan Goosen
If Pollard doesn't come, they've also been linked with his Racing 92 teammate Goosen, who can play fly-half, centre or fullback.
3. Bernard Foley
The NSW Waratahs fly-half, who was due to join Kubota Spears in Japan, has been rumoured to be looking for a short-term deal in the Gallagher Premiership following drastic pay-cuts in Australia. The 30-year-old playmaker, who has won 70 caps for the Wallabies, broke the Australian record for most individual points in a Test against England, with 28 of Australia’s 33 as they thrashed England by 20 points in the pool stages of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Nicknamed the ‘iceman’ for his coolness under pressure, Foley would be the perfect replacement.
4. Matt Toomua
The Wallaby could make a quick return to the Gallagher Premiership after, like Foley, receiving a considerable pay-cut from the Australian Rugby Union. Toomua, who can also operate at inside-centre, won the last of his 52 Australia caps against England at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
He’d be a superb signing due to his Premiership experience, versatility, and intelligent game management.
5. Dan Carter
The west country side should be interested in recruiting All Blacks legend Dan Carter on a short-term contract. Harlequins are already reportedly keen to land the fly-half on a short-term contract following his stint with the Blues, thought to be three months, for the start of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership.
They want the legendary fly-half to work with exciting young fly-half Tom de Glanville as the England youngster continues his rapid development at the Rec.
