Bath cunning plan for Todd

BATH are set to announce Kiwi Todd Blackadder as their new director of rugby this week.

Blackadder, who stepped down after eight years at the Crusaders at the weekend, is expected to fill the vacancy created by Mike Ford’s departure.

The former All Blacks flanker, who has prior experience of European rugby with Edinburgh, bowed out from the Crusaders on a low. having failed to reach the Super Rugby semi-finals for only the second time in his reign following a 42-25 defeat by the Lions.

His most pressing job will be to restock Bath’s dwindling midfield options with Ollie Devoto having left for Exeter and Kyle Eastmond for Wasps. Bath will face holders Saracens in their Anglo-Welsh Cup pool when the tournament resumes after a year’s break next season. The final will be staged on March 18. Pool 1: BLACKADDER Dragons, Northampton, Saracens, Bath. Pool 2: Ospreys, Exeter, Sale, Worcester. Pool 3: Cardiff Blues, Bristol, Harlequins, Wasps. Pool 4: Scarlets, Leicester, Newcastle, Gloucester. CHRIS FROOME could target more Grand Tour glory in the Vuelta a Espana, according to Team Sky chief Sir Dave Brailsford.

Froome, 31, won a third Tour title on Sunday and is a gold medal contender in both Olympic Games road race and time-trial.

Brailsford said: “The season-long plan was the Tour, on to the Olympics and on after that the Vuelta, and that’s still the outline. But we will review it as we go along.”