Captain fantastic?

ONE of the more perplexing pre-season decisions is the appointment of Guy Mercer as Bath’s club captain. Openside flanker Mercer, 26, has not been a regular starter in the Bath line up for a number of seasons, and is behind Springbok flanker François Louw in the pecking order.

More surprising was the depth of knowledge that new rugby director Todd Blackadder had acquired on local boy Mercer despite having spent only ten days at the club.“Guy is a terrific player who knows Bath rugby inside and out…he works tremendously hard both on and off the pitch and it’s that work ethic…which has earned him the respect of his team,” Blackadder said.

Impressive homework from Todd – or was he just handed the script?