Todd Blackadder to Japan

[Which Tyler]

Apparently at his request.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47964484

So presumably that's Hooper to DoR, Dempsey to HC I think (and have thought that since Dempsey was signed, - just a matter of "when"). Hatley for the forwards (post-RWC), probably 1 ex-Bath coach (Catt, Maddock or Fleck*?), and one other, probably defence coach.

The only thing that might change that, is if someone like Cotter or Noves want the role, in which case, succession planning gets thrown out of the window to allow them free reign.


*Fleck might take HC rather than Dempsey, but I suspect he came on the promise of being next HC (why else leave Leinster without a promotion?)

ETA: looks like WRU are cocking up contract negotiations with Edwards...

[Scrumhead]

What’s the consensus among Bath fans?

Blackadder came with a big reputation, but I can’t really see that he’s achieved anything of note?

Arguably his biggest achievements have been signing Underhill and Cokanasiga and blooding Mercer and I’m not sure how much individual credit he deserves for any of those.

[Which Tyler]

There's been quite a strong "Todd out" minority, pretty much from Day 1.

General consensus is that he's a good guy, and probably a decent 1 on 1 coach, but no head coach, and certainly no DoR. I think it's also widely felt that he's underperformed with the players available. Did a good job bringing the squad back together after the MFord debacle, but overstayed our need for him.

If course, a lot of those wanted rid of Todd also want rid of Hooper, and will immediately want rid of anyone who doesn't secure a place in the prem/euro final in their first season; they also tend to be incapable of realising that there's a difference between DoR and Head Coach.

Personally, I was happy enough to see Todd stay for next year, and I'm happy enough to see him go. Nice chap, promoted beyond his ability, and probably what was needed 3 years ago. I'll be very happy to see a big name DoR/HC appointed as I think it's too soon for both Hooper and Dempsey, let alone the two of them together.

[Timbo]

In retrospect it was possibly a big red flag that despite coaching in NZ for absolutely ages not one decent, even mid-level All Black, decided to come over here and play for him in 3 seasons. Compare and contrast to the likes of Boyd signing up O.Franks and Proctor and Ackermann signing up the entire Lions squad.

[fivepointer]

pretty fair assessment from locAL reporter who concludes - "Any failings as a DoR have not been for a lack of effort, or honesty, or integrity, or passion for his players, the game, his fellow coaches, the supporters or the club.

Todd is a traditional, passionate rugby man who is really hard not to like. An unlikely late play-off push aside, we are unlikely to know whether Todd was going to find that silver bullet to turn Bath from a mid-table club into title contenders.

That quest will now lie in the hands of Stuart Hooper"

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/sport/ot ... rs-2773682

[Digby]

What I still want to know is how will Bath try to play, will they continue as Blackadder intended or at least build on that or will they look to start over?

And what will their recruitment allow for? They could very easily have a season like Gloucester or Leicester next time around, which I guess in some regards makes them the most exciting team in the league

[Scrumhead]

Bath have made some good signings, but unless I’m missing someone, they’re all in the tight 5 (Boyce, Stuart, Judge, McNally & Williams).

I’d argue they need some more invention and more firepower to really be top 4 contenders.

[Tigersman]

Rugby paper saying players are pissed at Craig.

Which I get BUT Blackadder strikes me as one of those coaches who is a good manager so the players do like him, but a poor coach hence the lack of success even with the best Super rugby team. (The anti Mike Ford I guess).

But Craig really does need to stop interfering with the rugby (Like Cohen at Tigers) and stop hiring people with limited top rugby experiance to have a say in recruitment (Like Tigers)

[Banquo]

Rugby paper saying players are pissed at Craig.

Which I get BUT Blackadder strikes me as one of those coaches who is a good manager so the players do like him, but a poor coach hence the lack of success even with the best Super rugby team. (The anti Mike Ford I guess).

But Craig really does need to stop interfering with the rugby (Like Cohen at Tigers) and stop hiring people with limited top rugby experiance to have a say in recruitment (Like Tigers)

Yes, it may be coincidence but once Blackadder left the Crusaders they immediately became more successful in S Rugby.

[Digby]

Bath have made some good signings, but unless I’m missing someone, they’re all in the tight 5 (Boyce, Stuart, Judge, McNally & Williams).

I’d argue they need some more invention and more firepower to really be top 4 contenders.

What are the strengths of those players, Blackadder tried to place a similar emphasis on handling in the tight five as he had at Crusaders but quickly got a little stuck with players here having inferior decision making and skills