Lilley will join the Club in August ahead of the 2019/20 campaign to lead the strategic direction and operational management of its regional player pathway. His appointment forms a critical strand of the Club’s strategy to realise its stated ambition of delivering a 50% homegrown squad by 2023.

Lilley will be tasked with continuing to develop the regional pathway in order to optimise the identification and development of both players and coaches from within Bath Rugby’s designated Academy area.

The knowledge, skills and experience Lilley has developed whilst working in the independent school sector as both a teacher and Head of Rugby are recognised as strong attributes by the Club as it continues to invest in its Academy system - which already has elements of its programme recognised as world-leading - to become the very best.

Andy Rock commented: “We believe that Craig is perfectly positioned to lead the Academy department into a sustained period of high achievement. He emerged as the stand out candidate in our recruitment process and he moves into this role at what is an important time for the Club”.

Rock concluded: “We know that Craig will continue to build relationships and develop the partnerships within our pathway, working alongside what is an outstanding group of staff here in the Academy. I’m incredibly proud of where we have come from and proud of the staff that have contributed to our recent outcomes, but more than that, I’m excited about the journey that we are on together and where the future is heading.”

Craig Lilley appointed to drive further Academy success for Bath Rugby

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