Brian Ashton - Head Coach
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Brian Ashton returned to Bath Rugby in January 2006 having gained a considerable reputation at the highest level with the England and Ireland national sides as well as more recently masterminding the development of England’s brightest young stars in his role as National Academy Manager.
Brian originally came to Bath in 1989 as backs coach under then manager Jack Rowell and immediately gained a reputation as being a creative and attacking coach. A golden period of success followed when Bath were widely recognised as one of if not the best club rugby sides in the world. Bath won the league and cup in 1990/91, 1991/92, 1993/94 and in 1995/96 when the Lancastrian was the club’s head coach following Jack Rowell’s elevation to the position of England Manager.
Success with Bath led to international recognition, and after leaving his position at Bath, Brian was quickly appointed as the Ireland head coach. However, his country called and Brian was appointed England assistant coach in 1998 for what was the second time in his coaching career (he was assistant on England’s tour to New Zealand in 1985).
Working alongside Clive Woodward, a period of resurgence followed and 2001 is widely regarded as a golden period of English rugby with the National side playing some outstanding rugby in a championship that was sadly eventually decided by the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the UK. Brian stepped down as assistant coach in 2002 to take up the exciting position as National Academy Manager.
Based at the University of Bath, Brian presided over England’s brightest talents, grooming young players to become future England stars. During his time as National Academy Manager, Brian has overseen the development of a number of current England internationals.
Brian rejoins the club at an exciting time in the club’s playing development working alongside coaches Mike Foley and Richard Graham.
Brian Ashton left Bath Rugby at the end of the 2005/06 season to take up the position of Attack Coach with England.
Mike Foley – Forwards Coach
A highly-respected coach, Mike has been with the club since November 2001 when he joined the ranks straight after winning his 50th cap for the wallabies. During his time as forwards coach, the Bath Rugby pack has gone from being viewed as somewhat of a soft touch to being one of the most formidable and consistent in the Guinness Premiership and Mike’s input has been well documented.
Innovative and ambitious, Mike is increasingly viewed as one of the most talented coaches around.
Mike Foley left Bath Rugby at the end of the 2005/06 season to take up the position of Forwards Coach with the Australia team.
Richard Graham – Backs Coach
Now an established presence at the club, Richard Graham is beginning his fourth season as coach at Bath Rugby after forging a successful playing career as a full back for the Queensland Reds.
Graham is a talented coach and after a season where injuries crippled back line selection last season, the Australian will be looking forward to beginning a season with almost all of Bath Rugby’s backs restored to full fitness.
The former Australia Sevens captain, who has won a Commonwealth Gold Medal, is viewed as an up and coming and talented coach.
Richard Graham left Bath Rugby at the end of the 2005/06 season to join the coaching staff at Saracens.
John Palmer – United team Coach and Head Academy Coach
After over thirty years of sterling service, John Palmer is very much a part of the furniture at Bath Rugby.
As a player he was involved in countless league and cup triumphs racking up some 1300 points in over 300 appearances along the way and is now passing on his wealth of experience in a coaching capacity both with the first team and with the Academy as Head Coach. John is responsible for Bath Rugby’s United side which competes in the Guinness A league and Powergen National Trophy competitions.
Geoff Clark – Head of Sports Medicine
New to Bath Rugby this season, Australian Geoff Clark takes over from Chris Mallac as the club’s Head of Sports Medicine. Clark, who comes extremely highly regarded in his field, joined Bath Rugby after forging a successful career at the renowned Jonathan Webb clinic in Bristol.
Clark has accumulated plenty of experience in sports medicine having worked with Australian international rugby players and the Brisbane Broncos Rugby league side. He previously worked with Bath Rugby on a part time basis.
Dan Vickers – Rehabilitation Expert
Dan Vickers joined Bath Rugby over the summer of 2005 and arrived at the club with a considerable experience in the sports medicine field having worked with the Manly rugby union side and has the specific remit of overseeing and implementing key rehabilitation programmes for injured players.
Dan Vickers left Bath Rugby at the end of the 2005/06 season to join the staff at Saracens.
Scott Murphy – Head of Strength and Conditioning
Former Queensland Schoolboys captain Scott Murphy joined Bath Rugby in 2004 after forging a successful career as a Strength and Conditioning expert in his native Australia.
Scott was responsible for the physical conditioning and development of the Brisbane Lions side that won the championship three seasons on the trot. He also coaches Australian Olympian shot putter Jason Anzerlark.
Working alongside Chris Gaviglio, Scott is charged with the responsibility of maximizing the physical condition of each individual player for each specific position. Since his arrival the Bath Rugby squad has witnessed great improvements in the physical conditioning area.
Chris Gaviglio – Strength and Conditioning
Strength and Conditioning coach Chris Gaviglio has made a significant impact alongside Scott Murphy since his arrival at the Rec in 2004. The former Australian Discus champion, Chris’ experience traverses a wide range of the sporting genre having coached a number of athletes from the Triathlon, Water Polo, Volleyball and Skating fields.
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