Paul James bolsters front row for Bath Rugby

Posted on May 10, 2012 in Latest Rugby News

34 times Welsh capped front row Paul James will be joining Bath Rugby next season, the Club confirmed today.

A very solid and technically sound scrummager, Paul made his debut for Wales in 2003 and most recently appeared for them during their 2012 Grand Slam, winning the RBS 6 Nations campaign.

The athletic loosehead prop, who can also play on the tighthead side of the scrum, has made 177 appearances to date for the Ospreys, a record for the region, and has scored seven tries. He also captained the side who beat Australia in 2006.

Speaking about the move, Paul said “I’ve been with the Ospreys since 2003 and feel that I need a new challenge to keep developing my career. Bath is a very ambitious Club and I’m excited by the prospect of being a part of that. The Aviva Premiership is one of the toughest leagues and I can’t wait to get started.”

Bath Rugby Chief Executive, Nick Blofeld, added “Paul is a very experienced prop with a lot to offer us, both in the scrum and around the field. He has a great attitude and is a tough customer who will add considerably to our team. We are very much looking forward to him joining us”.

Bath Rugby announce strong new coaching set-up

Posted on May 8, 2012 in Bath, Premiership

Bath Rugby have announced the new coaches who will be joining the Club for the 2012/13 season.

Gary Gold, who most recently made a significant impact by returning Newcastle Falcons to winning ways, will join as Head Coach, taking charge of the rugby department. He will be bringing Toby Booth, Mike Ford, and Neal Hatley in alongside Brad Davis as his coaching team for next season. It is a very strong team with a wealth of both international and club rugby experience.

Gold arrives with international, Super 14 and Premiership experience, having spent four years as Assistant Coach with the Springboks, following stints as Head Coach with both Western Province and London Irish. He was part of the South Africa coaching team who won both the 2009 Tri-Nations and British and Irish Lions series of the same year.

Speaking about the move, Gary said: “I’m really looking forward to coming on board at Bath. It’s a very ambitious Club, with a great array of talent within the squad that I’m excited to be working with. There is a good culture developing here, and I’m keen to help further that with my own expertise and experience.”

Toby Booth also has international and club rugby experience, having been forwards coach for the England Saxons in the Churchill Cup, coached the England Students, Universities and Under 21’s, prior to becoming Head Coach at London Irish.

“Bath is a great Club, with clear goals and targets and know where they want to be. I’m really keen to start working with the squad.”

Toby said. “I have enjoyed all my coaching roles, but do feel now is the right time to move on to another Club and challenge.”

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Biggs and McMillan extend their stay at Bath Rugby

Posted on May 1, 2012 in Bath, English Rugby, Premiership

Bath Rugby is pleased to announce that Tom Biggs and Mark McMillan have both extended their contracts with the Club, seeing them stay until 2014 and 2013 respectively.

Biggs has been a livewire for Bath, being the Club’s top try scorer this season, and scooping both the “Best Back” and “Supporters’ Player of the Year” awards at the Annual Awards Dinner recently.

He said: “It was an easy decision to extend my contract. I feel my game has really developed at Bath and I’m enjoying the style of rugby we’re looking to play. There is a lot of ambition here and a lot more to come from us, and I’m really looking forward to being part of everything.”

McMillan’s season has been hampered by a knee injury, but his determination and commitment to the Club throughout saw him chosen by the Bath coaching team for the “Spirit of Rugby” award this season.

Mark commented: “I’m delighted to have re-signed with Bath. It’s a great Club to play for and I’m excited about being part of its future. There’s a really good mix of experience and youth in the squad now and it’s a great thing to be part of it all.”

First Team Coach, Brad Davis, added: “Both Tom and Mark are exactly the kind of player we want here and we’re really pleased they’re staying. They contribute a lot both on and off the field and around the Club, and we’re looking forward to seeing them contribute even more over the coming seasons.”

Dixon leaving Bath Rugby at end of season

Posted on Apr 23, 2012 in Bath, English Rugby, Premiership

Pieter Dixon will also be leaving Bath Rugby at the end of the season, the Club confirmed today.

The Zimbabwean-born hooker joined Bath in 2005 following a long and successful career in South Africa with the Stormers, and he has gone on to spend seven seasons with the West Country club, amassing 155 appearances so far.

A mobile and consistent hooker, Pieter also knows his way to the try line, having scored six tries, including a very memorable one against Leicester in 2008 from 35 metres out.

Speaking about the decision, Pieter said: “It’s been a really hard decision to make to leave the club, but the time has come for me to return home. I’ve had a fantastic seven years at this Club, played with some great players, and worked with some very talented and knowledgeable people. I’d like to thank them all, as well as the Bath supporters who have made playing for the Club such a great experience.”

Brad Davis added: “We are sad to see Pieter go, but wish him all the best for the future. His contribution to Bath cannot be understated, and through his honesty, work ethic and desire to always improve he has represented all the values that we aspire to as individuals and as a Club. His experience and enthusiasm will be missed both on and off the field, and he has been a brilliant character and player to have in the squad for the past seven seasons.”

100 Up for Hooper

Posted on Apr 20, 2012 in Bath, English Rugby, Premiership

Stuart Hooper will make his 100th appearance when he leads Bath Rugby out to face London Wasps at the Recreation Ground tomorrow, in the sold-out Aviva Premiership fixture, kick-off 2.15pm.

The last home game of the season for Bath sees Hooper partner Ben Skirving in the second row, with Dave Attwood named on the bench. Josh Ovens comes onto the blindside, joining Carl Fearns and Simon Taylor in the back row. Lee Mears returns to the front row, where he is joined by Nathan Catt and David Wilson.

Stephen Donald renews his partnership with Michael Claassens in the halfbacks. Tom Biggs and Matt Carraro start out wide, with Olly Barkley and Matt Banahan combining in the centres. Nick Abendanon completes the starting line-up at fullback.

From the bench, Duncan Bell could make his last appearance at the Rec if called on after announcing his retirement earlier this week, and Kyle Eastmond could make his second appearance following an impressive run out with Bath United on Monday night.

Bath Rugby team to face London Wasps

15. Nick Abendanon

14. Matt Carraro

13. Matt Banahan

12. Olly Barkley

11. Tom Biggs

10. Stephen Donald

9. Michael Claassens

1. Nathan Catt

2. Lee Mears

3. David Wilson

4. Stuart Hooper (c)

5. Ben Skirving

6. Josh Ovens

7. Carl Fearns

8. Simon Taylor

Replacements

16. Pieter Dixon

17. David Flatman

18. Duncan Bell

19. Dave Attwood

20. Guy Mercer

21. Mark McMillan

22. Sam Vesty

23. Kyle Eastmond