Latest news with #RuaridhMcConnochie
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
McConnochie and Van Velze join Bath coaching staff
Bath have confirmed Ruaridh McConnochie and Gerrit-Jan van Velze will join a new-look backroom staff from the beginning of next McConnochie, 33, last week announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of this season having made 97 appearances for the club so has been appointed as Bath's new skills coach, which the club describe as a part-time role that aims to "support injured players on their return-to-play programmes, as well as back-three players across the pathway".He said: "I'm delighted to be staying on at Bath Rugby in a coaching capacity. "I've always loved the game and to be able to use my experiences to hopefully improve players coming through the club is something I couldn't say no to." Van Velze, 37, has been appointed to a new consultancy role of player innovation and performance futures, which will involve him working with players on an individual level to "accelerate their personal growth."The former Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors forward retired from playing at the end of last season."I'm proud to continue the journey with Bath Rugby," he told the club website., external"It's an exciting place to be right now, and I'm looking forward to seeing how far we can push this."Bath confirmed that former England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson, the club's head of academy coaching, and scrum coach Stevie Scott have extended their deals, keeping them at the club next season.
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
McConnochie and Schreuder to leave Bath this summer
Winger Ruaridh McConnochie and scrum-half Louis Schreuder will leave Bath following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Former England wing McConnochie is to retire and move into coaching after spending the past seven seasons playing for the club. The 33-year-old former Great Britain sevens player has scored 30 tries in 96 matches for Bath so African Schreuder, who won one cap for the Springboks, signed for Bath in 2022 from Newcastle."Ruaridh is one of the best human beings I have coached," head of rugby Johann van Graan said. "As a player, he is always diligent and always gives 100% regardless of the circumstances. Ruaridh made a massive contribution in the three years I have been at the club, and he will finish his playing career as a respected and valued leader and player."I have been very fortunate to coach Louis, both at Bath and with the Springboks. He is an excellent team man and has helped rebuild this club of ours since 11 July 2022." McConnochie began his career in rugby sevens and won a silver medal as part of the Great Britain team at the 2016 Olympics and gold for England at the 2016 World Rugby Sevens joined Bath in 2018 after switching codes to union and won his two England caps in 2019, scoring a try at the World Cup that said it was the "right time" to step off the playing field. "I appreciate not every player has the ability to retire on their own terms, and so after much thought, I feel very lucky to be able to make the call myself," he said."Now into the world of coaching and education I go, with some life-changing memories and experiences to look back on." Schreuder, 35, has made 62 appearances for Bath in all competitions in his three seasons with the club and has not confirmed if he will continue playing beyond this season. "The last three years have been a privilege and pleasure at this club. I am grateful to have worked with so many special people and players along the way," he said."The club is in a very good place, and the best is yet to come."
