Ed Griffiths leaves role as Bath chairman as club confirm structural reset

Bath chairman Edward Griffiths has left his role after less than six months in post as the club confirms a new rugby structure for the 2022/23 season.

The former Saracens chief executive joined the club initially on a consultancy basis back in November to conduct a wide-ranging review and was given a full-time role in January, where he replaced owner Burce Craig as chairman.

On the departure of chairman Ed Griffiths, owner Bruce Craig said: “We thank Edward for all he has done in helping our club to refocus. He has brought expertise, knowledge, and experience, and he leaves the club in a significantly stronger position.”

The incoming Johann van Graan will lead the club’s rugby programme and take on the role of Head of Rugby from next season.

Within this role, Van Graan will take complete responsibility for rugby matters, focusing on the coaching and performance of the team.

Stuart Hooper will assume the role of General Manager, moving from his current role of Director of Rugby. A change in role will mean that Hooper will report to van Graan.

Bath currently sit second bottom of the Gallagher Premiership with one game remaining.

In Sunday’s The Rugby Paper, Bath legend Jeremy Guscott said that the only was up for Bath, but that the club’s culture must change if they are to be successful in the future.

Bath’s restructure

Bath have outlined a shift in focus towards producing home-grown players, aiming for 50% of the squad to be made up of players coming through its own pathway from next season.

Last month, centre Max Ojomoh told The Rugby Paper Podcast that the club would reap the rewards of home-grown policy.

Within Hooper’s new role, he will look to further enhance the player pathway, as well as the development of competitive advantage in areas of data, psychology, nutrition, training and performance facilities.

Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby Chief Executive, said: “These roles are confirmed ahead of our final game of the season against Worcester Warriors, and as we ready ourselves for the 2022/23 season. This reset will provide the foundations for a revival for the club over the coming seasons.”

Written by BENJAMIN REDWOOD