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Bath owner Bruce Craig steps aside as chairman for Ed Griffiths
By Paul Smith
Bath have announced that owner Bruce Craig will stand down as Chairman at the end of the 2021/22 season.
And following his recent involvement as a consultant who was brought to the Rec to conduct a review of the club's operating structures former Saracens boss Ed Griffiths has been unveiled as the Blue, Black and Whites' new chairman.
Under the headline: Bath Rugby welcomes Edward Griffiths as its new Chairman with effect from 1 January 2022 the club's statement reads:
"Owner Bruce Craig has decided to relinquish his role as Chairman at the end of the year.
"Explaining, he said: 'It is time to step aside from the role of Chairman. I will continue to support the club emotionally and financially and, do whatever I can for the club to be successful.
'Ed has played a leadership role with Rugby World Cup and Premiership winning teams and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Bath Rugby.'
"Bath Rugby Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald said: 'This appointment follows last week's announcement of Johann van Graan as Head Coach from next season. We will continue to invest in the resources and capabilities required to achieve success."
The former giants of English rugby dominated the 1980's and 90's and lifted the Heineken Cup in 1998 but have since found life more difficult.
And despite reaching the Premiership semi-final as recently as 2019 Bath are yet to win a match this season and as a result find themselves at the foot of the table and defeated in their opening round of Heineken Champions Cup action.
This has led to widespread criticism of both owner Craig and his coaching team headed by director of rugby Stuart Hooper and head coach Neal Hatley.
Among the first to comment on the news, former Bath back-rower Carl Fearns who made 73 appearances for the club between 2011 and 2015 tweeted: "I’ve finished my review Bruce......my findings are give me a job. Sound."
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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