Todd Blackadder signs one-year contract extension with Bath Rugby
Todd Blackadder has been with Bath since 2016
©PA
Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him with the Gallagher Premiership until June 2020.
The Recreation Ground outfit has also confirmed that former club captain Stuart Hooper will succeed Blackadder when the latter decides to leave the club at the end of his contract or 2021.
Meanwhile, forwards coach Toby Booth and backs coach Darren Edwards will not have their contracts renewed and will make an exit from the club at the end of the ongoing season.
Blackadder joined Bath in 2016 after spending seven years with Crusaders and has played for New Zealand 12 times between 1995 and 2000.
In an open letter to the supporters, chief executive Tarquin McDonald revealed the club's long term plans and also added that Blackadder will be given an option to extend his contract beyond 2020 if he decides to.
“It is a mark of Todd’s unique character – rare among coaches – that we are able to hold such discussions openly and to make decisions together for the best of Todd, his family and the club," said McDonald.
“Todd has committed that he will move on when the club is ready. That readiness will be predicated on our next step, which will be when Stuart Hooper proves his readiness to take on the leadership of our Rugby Department.
“Why Stuart Hooper? Stuart has outstanding leadership qualities, tremendous integrity, yet also the willingness to be challenged, an unbelievable work ethic, a strategic mindset and the ability to get the best out of people.
“He also cares very deeply about the club, the players and staff, and the wider community.
“Does Stuart have more to learn? Definitely. Can he lead the department in two years? Absolutely.
“In terms of the here and now, we can confirm Stuart’s role of general manager for the 2018/19 season - a role he commenced ahead of pre-season and which builds on the work he has been doing within the coaching group, the rugby performance departments and overseeing the player development pathway since he retired from playing in April, 2016.”
