Home : Rugby : Planetsport Homepage Rugby : Bath : London Irish : News

Gold joined by Booth at Bath

2012-05-08 03:37:01

Bath have named Gary Gold as the head of their five-man coaching team that includes former Exiles boss Toby Booth

Gold, who has just finished a stint with the Newcastle Falcons, revealed on Monday that he would be joining the West Country outfit, but Bath have now unveiled their complete coaching line-up.

Along with Gold, Toby Booth, Mike Ford and Neal Hatley have been brought in to the club, while Brad Davis remains from the previous era.

Aside from his work with the Falcons, Gold has served as assistant coach of the Springboks and head coach of London Irish.

The Exiles boss for the recently completed season, Toby Booth, is a surprise arrival at The Rec, and he is joined by Hatley who has also worked with the London Irish first XV.

Defense guru Mike Ford has most recently been working with Gold at Newcastle but has enjoyed stints with both the Irish and English national sides.

Davis served as Bath’s backs and defensive coach for the 2011/12 season and is the only survivor from Sir Ian McGeechan’s backroom staff.

“Gary has put together a very strong team with great experience,” Bath CEO Nick Blofeld told the club’s official website.

“This also demonstrates the club’s long-term commitment to being the best we can be and getting the most out of a talented squad. They have tremendous experience and complimentary skills, especially with Brad Davis remaining as part of the coaching team.”

Gold admitted that the ambition demonstrated by Bath played a role in his decision to join the club.

“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,” said the South African.

“There is a good culture developing here, and I’m keen to help further that with my own expertise and experience.”

After four years at the helm at the Madejski Stadium, Booth reveals he felt it was time for a new challenge.

“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 the 42-year-old.

“I have enjoyed all my coaching roles, but do feel now is the right time to move on to another club and challenge.”

The exact roles which Booth, Hatley, Ford and Davis will fill will be revealed when the club reconvenes for pre-season training.