Following the announcement that he was joining Bath Rugby as Head Coach, Gary Gold spoke to BBC Radio Bristol about why he took the job and what he thinks he'll bring to the role.
"I'm really excited about moving here. This is the heart beat of rugby in the UK – everyone talks about the West Country with so much affection and the traditions of Bath and Gloucester and Bristol, and it's well known over the years the role they've played in English rugby.
"I hope Bath are getting a person who can recognise and identify where Bath should be in the English game – we should be in the upper echelons definitely, especially with the quality of people, facilities, support and traditions of rugby in the city. We're hoping what we can bring is a return back to the core roots of rugby; good old hard work, and to be uncompromising in the way we play and train in a highly professional environment. We want to put Bath Rugby back on the map.
"Bath has been an outstanding team over the years who I think by their own admission have fallen short at last hurdles in recent years, but I think we can compete with the best in England, if not become the best in England. I certainly realise the level of responsibility and height of expectations from people around the Club and its supporters, but it's an incredibly exciting challenge and something I'm very much looking forward to.
"There is an outstanding academy programme here, and I think it's very important for us to promote from within, and to get kids from the local schools and make sure they aspire to play for Bath, and with the combination of senior players begin to build on and grow the culture.
"I'm really looking forward to the adventure and walking what will be a pretty tough road for the first couple of months, but one that will hopefully bring some rewards to Bath and the Bath supporters."
