Stuart Hooper to continue as Bath’s Director of Rugby
BRISTOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Stuart Hooper, Bath's Director of Rugby looks on prior to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on October 01, 2021 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Stuart Hooper will continue his role as Bath‘s Director of Rugby when Johann Van Graan becomes Head Coach next season. Van Graan will join ahead of the 2022/23 season in a bid to change Bath’s fortunes.
The club confirmed that current Head Coach Neal Hatley will be a Bath’s Forwards coach with defence specialist JP Ferreira. Existing lineout coach Luke Charteris will also remain.
The staff will be completed by an attack coach. However, no appointment has been made.
Bath Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald told the club website: “We are pleased to confirm these appointments. Under Johann van Graan, Neal Hatley will continue as Forwards Coach and JP Ferreira will become Defence Coach after successful stints at the Lions in Johannesburg and Munster in Ireland. Luke Charteris will continue as Lineout Coach and a new Attack Coach will be confirmed imminently.
“The current coaching unit will continue in their posts until the end of the 2021/22 season, and the club is grateful for the continuing contributions of David Williams, Mark Lilley and Ryan Davis.
“Stuart Hooper will continue in his role as Director of Rugby.”
Bath have won just one game this term, with a narrow victory against 14-man Worcester Warriors last week. They sit rock bottom of the Gallagher Premiership in a season where there is no relegation.
A trio of Bath players have been called up to the England Six Nations. Charlie Ewels and Will Stuart will be joined by the uncapped fly-half Orlando Bailey.
