BREAKING: Bath headcoach to leave club just 2 weeks into season

Bath Rugby has confirmed that Tabai Matson is leaving his position as Head Coach to return to New Zealand due to family reasons. Matson has played a crucial role in the Club’s pre-season preparations, culminating in Sunday’s historic 23-27 victory over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, and will return home following the Aviva Premiership fixture against Northampton Saints on Friday 15th September.

Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder said, “Tabs has done an exceptional job preparing the team for the new season. I know this has been a tough decision for him, but it is a decision we understand and respect.

“He has made a significant contribution to this Club and as a group we will continue to reap the rewards of his efforts throughout the course of the season. Tabs will leave us in a better place and we wish him all the best for the future.”

“This has been an incredibly tough decision for me”, said Head Coach Tabai Matson. “I have enjoyed every minute at Bath Rugby and we have such a great group of players here who I believe will achieve great success. Ultimately, I have made the decision that as a family, we need to be at home in New Zealand, and I appreciate the Club’s understanding.”

Managing Director, Tarquin McDonald added: “Tabs has been a huge asset to Bath Rugby over the last 12 months and is going to be sorely missed by everyone at the Club. On behalf of everyone at the Bath Rugby, we’d like to send our best wishes to Tabs and his family at this time.”