Bath and Blackadder a ‘perfect fit’

TODD BLACKADDER says Bath’s attacking style attracted him to the role of director of rugby at the Rec.

Blackadder, right, replaces former head coach Mike Ford, who was sacked in May after a ninth-placed league finish last term.

The former All Blacks captain, 44, had been in charge of Super Rugby franchise Crusaders since 2009.

He brings his assistant from New Zealand, Tabai Matson, who joins as head coach.

“Bath are an ambitious club, with very talented players, and a clear vision of where they want to be,” Blackadder said.“Tabai and I are really excited to be part of that and to develop it further over the coming seasons.”

Previously director of rugby at New Zealand club Tasman, Blackadder led Crusaders to two Super Rugby finals, having captained Crusaders to three Super Rugby titles as a player before leaving in 2001. Blackadder – a lock or flanker in his playing days – captained New Zealand in ten of his 25 Tests. He also played for Edinburgh and was an assistant coach both there and with the Scottish national team.

Bath managing director Tarquin McDonald said: “Todd and Tabai bring a wealth of experience and provide a great fit for the club in terms of what we want to achieve. They will work very well alongside our current first-team coaches, Toby Booth and Darren Edwards.”

Ford led Bath to the Premiership final in 2014-15 but they won just nine of their 22 league matches in 2015-16, finishing 17 points below the play-off places. Neal Hatley also left Bath to become England scrum coach.