Lee Blackett and Richard Blaze join coaching group of Bath Rugby

Bath Rugby have confirmed that former Wasps coach Lee Blackett and Richard Blaze will be joining their coaching panel ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Blackett, who had a playing career with Fylde, Leeds Tykes and Rotherham Titans started his coaching career in 2013 with Titans becoming the youngest ever head coach in the two tiers of English rugby.

He joined Wasps as Attack coach in 2015 and helped them reach the play-offs for the first time in eight years on his debut season. The 40-year-old was appointed the head coach of Wasps in the 2019/20 season during which they went on to reach the Premiership final.

Since his contract with Wasps became redundant after the club entered into administration, he has been a consultant Forwards and Defence Coach at Loughborough," he told the club's official website.

“To have the opportunity to work with Johann, the rest of the coaching team and a talented playing group, as well as return to the Premiership, is very exciting for me.

“Bath is a club with rich history, fantastic support and has the infrastructure in place to be successful.

“I look forward to working with a team that has the potential to compete and challenge at the top end of the league.”

Meanwhile, Blaze, who has coaching experience for over a decade was part of Leicester's back room staff that guided the club to a Premiership title in the 2012/13 season and also held the position of Academy Development Coach and Co-ordinator during the 2017/18 season.

He was also the forward coach of England Under 20 side that reached the 2018 World Rugby U20 Championship final. Also having the experience of being the forwards coach for England Women's side, the 38-year-old joined Wasps helping them reach the 2019/20 final.

“After a pretty turmoil year for myself, I’m proud to be joining such a historical club and I’m excited by the journey ahead,” Blaze said.

“There is a great group of young players at the club, some who I have worked with before, and I’m looking forward to seeing them grow their game.

“I want to add to the momentum the team has experienced over the past couple of months, and I’m relishing the opportunity to work with Johann and the other coaches to help drive the team towards the top end of the Premiership.”