Sports News: Bath Rugby undergoes a major shake-up

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To describe last season as anything other than a disaster for Bath Rugby would be too kind on the team that put their fans through the wringer from start to finish. One of the most famous clubs currently competing in the Premiership, they have claimed many respected titles over the years, including winning the league title on six occasions and ended as runners-up twice. But the glory days seem like a lifetime ago now.

A generation of fans has never seen their beloved team land major silverware of any description, with the most recent Premiership title landing way back in 1996. Their best effort in recent memory was a second-place finish in 201,5, but the 2021/22 campaign was most certainly one to forget for everyone connected to the club.

Despite starting the year with high hopes, supported by many reliable sources, from supporters to the local media and sportsbook giants who are experts in everything from Rugby Union to tennis bets, the players just weren’t good enough. What went wrong last season and is required to help fire Stuart Hooper’s team up the rankings next term?

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What went wrong

A major overhaul is required to get Bath Rugby back firing. The board is already working on cutting off the deadwood, boosting their backroom staff and promoting young, hungry, ambitious players from their famed academy. Everyone with an interest and passion for the team playing out of The Recreation Ground is desperate to learn the lessons taught by the previous year.

What went wrong, and what can they do to ensure it never happens again? What is required to return to the glory days? There seem more questions than answers for Bath Rugby fans at this stage, but finding the answers is essential. Anything less than a total turnaround in the team’s fortunes from last season’s embarrassment and heads will roll at every level, from the playing staff through to the coaches and even at the boardroom level.

CEO Tarquin McDonald knows this, and that’s the reason why Bath has been one of the most active teams off the park over the last few weeks. They have already promoted five players to the first team, names that come with high expectations and are expected to make a mark in the league next season.

Stars of the future

Most will likely be squad players, but the aim is to get them playing first IX rugby as soon as possible. These young men are the future of Bath Rugby, but if reports coming out of the club are to be believed, they will be knocking on the manager’s door for a start this year. That’s great news for the fans, but it will also put pressure on the top team players, who will know they must up their game if they are to remain in the team.

Abdul-Khalik Akenzua Al Kareem, Arthur Green, Sam Harris, Will Jeanes and Will Parry have all made a name for themselves in the Academy, and the coaches have seen enough to convince them that these young men are ready for an assault on the Premiership.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the move, Academy chief Craig Lilley told fans the team is excited by the new additions, and all players will bring something different to the squad. He believes they have the skill and passion for playing rugby at the highest level and the character to cope with the demands of a gruelling campaign which promises to be one of the most important in Bath Rugby’s history. The work done in the summer will decide the future of this team.

There have also been additions to the coaching staff, with four new names added to the roster. Alex Martin comes in as the head of the Athletic Performance Department. Rory Murray is the new head of medical services, Sarah Jenner is the lead performance nutritionist, and Don Macpherson will be working as the mind coach. These changes won’t be seen to impact the team overnight, but when the new season begins, followers of Bath Rugby should see a new, focused, stronger and fitter outfit.