Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder is looking to end his tenure on a high, as Bath Rugby travel to the East Midlands to face Leicester Tigers tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 16:00).
Blackadder will depart for Japanese outfit Toshiba Dynaboars at the end of the season and will be looking for a repeat of last year's triumph at Welford Road.
“It’s really easy to focus on the people leaving and it being the last game of the season, but it hasn’t felt like that internally," Blackadder said. "It is about getting our processes right. We have had a really good look at Leicester Tigers and we want to finish the year playing some great rugby.
“It’s about everyone getting their systems in place and everyone being at their very best. We have to turn up mentally and be strong and win those collisions.
“Leicester have had a pretty tough season so they will be battle hardened. If we can win the game, we can put ourselves in a good position to try and get the bonus-point, but the immediate focus is on performing tomorrow afternoon.”
Having claimed a first win at Welford Road in 14 years, Blackadder is excited by the challenge that lies in front of the Blue, Black and White in the final game of the Gallagher Premiership season.
He said: “As a Club we really enjoy these challenges - I remember that we hadn’t beaten Northampton (Saints) for a while and we went on to beat them in my second game. I think for this it is a great challenge for us to go to Welford Road.
“Leicester Tigers are a really good team and they will be fighting and scrapping for everything. We respect them - it will be a fitting occasion and hopefully we can show our teeth, our fight and show that the future is bright at Bath Rugby."
After three seasons with Bath Rugby, Blackadder cannot speak highly enough of everyone associated with the Club from players to supporters and sponsors.
“It has gone really quickly - it has been full of noise and I have had a great time to be honest. I have enjoyed myself so much and have met so many amazing people.
“There have been the highs and lows, coming so close and the sense of frustration, but one thing I have always enjoyed is coming to work, representing Bath Rugby.
“The supporters, the Season Ticket Holders the sponsors, the atmosphere and the environment at the Rec is second to none. I have really enjoyed the company of the boys, the players have been fantastic here and I am sure that there is future success ahead at this Club. I will be a Bath supporter for the rest of my life.”
