Gold rush for Bath
South African handed reins at Recreation Ground as expected
Last Updated: May 8, 2012 3:02pm
Gary Gold: The South African has been appointed as director of rugby at Bath
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Bath have confirmed that Gary Gold is to take over as the club's new director of rugby with Toby Booth amongst his new-look coaching staff.
Gold, a former assistant coach for South Africa, moves to the Recreation Ground after an impressive recent spell at Newcastle Falcons where he returned the club to winning ways despite ultimately being unable to save them from relegation.
"I'm really looking forward to coming on board at Bath," Golf told the club's official website. "It's a very ambitious club, with a great array of talent within the squad that I'm excited to be working with.
"There is a good culture developing here, and I'm keen to help further that with my own expertise and experience."
One of Gold's first moves has been to secure the services former London Irish supremo Toby Booth who forms part of an experienced coaching set-up.
Booth has been recruited along with Neal Hatley, who was in charge of the Academy at London Irish, and also Mike Ford, who worked alongside Gold at Newcastle.
New challenge for Booth
Booth had been head coach at London Irish for nearly four years and insisted the time was now right for a new challenge.
"Bath is a great Club, with clear goals and targets and know where they want to be," he stated." I'm really keen to start working with the squad.
"I have enjoyed all my coaching roles, but do feel now is the right time to move on to another Club and challenge."
Bath's chief executive, Nick Blofeld, praised Gold for assembling what he believes will prove an excellent group to replace the departing Ian McGeechan.
"Gary has put together a very strong team with great experience," Blofeld said. "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."
