Bath owner Bruce Craig steps aside as chairman for Ed Griffiths

Bath have announced that owner Bruce Craig will stand down as Chairman at the end of the 2021/22 season.

And following his recent involvement as a consultant who was brought to the Rec to conduct a review of the club’s operating structures former Saracens boss Ed Griffiths has been unveiled as the Blue, Black and Whites’ new chairman.

Under the headline: Bath Rugby welcomes Edward Griffiths as its new Chairman with effect from 1 January 2022 the club’s statement reads:

Shaun Edwards

Shaun Edwards

“Owner Bruce Craig has decided to relinquish his role as Chairman at the end of the year.

“Explaining, he said: ‘It is time to step aside from the role of Chairman. I will continue to support the club emotionally and financially and, do whatever I can for the club to be successful.

‘Ed has played a leadership role with Rugby World Cup and Premiership winning teams and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Bath Rugby.’

“Bath Rugby Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald said: ‘This appointment follows last week’s announcement of Johann van Graan as Head Coach from next season. We will continue to invest in the resources and capabilities required to achieve success.”

The former giants of English rugby dominated the 1980’s and 90’s and lifted the Heineken Cup in 1998 but have since found life more difficult.

And despite reaching the Premiership semi-final as recently as 2019 Bath are yet to win a match this season and as a result find themselves at the foot of the table and defeated in their opening round of Heineken Champions Cup action.

This has led to widespread criticism of both owner Craig and his coaching team headed by director of rugby Stuart Hooper and head coach Neal Hatley.

Among the first to comment on the news, former Bath back-rower Carl Fearns who made 73 appearances for the club between 2011 and 2015 tweeted: “I’ve finished my review Bruce……my findings are give me a job. Sound.”

"I’ve finished my review Bruce……my findings are give me a job" Sound https://t.co/1HZ2mjvOel

— Carl Fearns (@carl_fearns) December 21, 2021