No rush to replace Bath head coach

Editor

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder is in no rush to find a replacement for the Premiership club's outgoing head coach, Tabai Matson.

Matson's last game is expected to be against Northampton Saints on Friday before he and his family return to New Zealand to be with his ill mother and mother-in-law.

"We haven't quite decided yet," Blackadder told the Bath Chronicle. "I've known for a little while that there was a possibility of Tabs leaving, and the coaching staff have known internally too.

"We've just been cracking on and we've all taken on other roles and responsibilities within our team.

"I think we're in a really good place. I think we'll probably consolidate then make a decision at some stage."

Matson has been Bath's head coach, in charge of attack and also took mental training sessions.

Blackadder serves as the club's defence coach, Toby Booth coaches the forwards and Darren Edwards oversees the backs and skills.

Bath's performance and player development director Stuart Hooper was in the coaching box on Saturday.

"Hoops is helping out with the lineouts a little bit and assisting me with defence," added Blackadder.

"He's also coaching the A League team. That's his current role.

"Modern-day coaching teams are all integrated. While I do defence, I do attack as well.

"There's not just one person doing one single thing within the coaching team.

"I'm really sad to see Tabs go. He'll leave a big gap here but it's our job and responsibility to crack on when he leaves so he's not missed."