Former Bok coach is new Bath boss
Former Springbok forwards coach Gary Gold has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of English Premiership side Bath.
Gold will head up the new coaching team for the 2012/13 seeason, taking over from Sir Ian McGeechan.
Gold, who most recently made a significant impact by returning Newcastle Falcons to winning ways, will be bringing Toby Booth, Mike Ford, and Neal Hatley in alongside Brad Davis as his coaching team for next season – a very strong team with a wealth of both international and club rugby experience.
The South African boss arrives with international, Super Rugby and Premiership experience, having spent four years as assistant coach with the Springboks under Peter de Villiers, following stints as head coach with both Western Province and London Irish.
Gold was part of the South Africa coaching team who won both the 2009 Tri-Nations and British & Irish Lions series of the same year.
Speaking about the move, the South African coach said: “I’m really looking forward to coming on board at Bath.
“It’s a very ambitious club, with a great array of talent within the squad that I’m excited to be working with. There is a good culture developing here, and I’m keen to help further that with my own expertise and experience.”
Toby Booth, who will move to Bath from London Irish – where he served as head coach, also has international and club rugby experience, having been forwards coach for the England Saxons in the Churchill Cup, coached the England Students, Universities and Under-21s, prior to becoming head coach at the Exiles.
“Bath is a great club, with clear goals and targets and know where they want to be. I’m really keen to start working with the squad,” said Booth.
“I have enjoyed all my coaching roles, but do feel now is the right time to move on to another club and challenge.”
Former Great Britain Rugby League international Mike Ford has most recently been working with Gold at Newcastle Falcons and has over nine years international coaching experience, four with Ireland and more than five with England.
Ford has coached on three Rugby World Cup campaigns, including seeing England through to the 2007 World Cup Final. Ford – whose son George plays for Leicester Tigers – was also a member of the 2005 British & Irish Lions coaching team and has Premiership experience, as head coach at Saracens, before joining the England coaching staff.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to coach one of the most recognised club sides in the world,” Ford commented.
“Bath have great support from the most knowledgeable of fans, and I’m really looking forward to working with a strong coaching group and a great bunch of players.”
South African-born Neal Hatley, a former front row forward, has been managing the academy programme and working with the First XV for three seasons at London Irish. He will complete the new-look coaching team at Bath.
Said Hatley: “I’m very excited by the challenge of moving into the forwards coach role with Bath.
“I have been impressed with the ambition and facilities at the club and am really looking forward to working with the players and coaches.”
