B AT H L I V E S
Q&A
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ormer All Black Todd Blackadder’s recent arrival at Bath Rugby as the new director of rugby heralds an exciting time for the club. We take a few minutes out of his busy schedule to hear more about his visions and plans... What does your new role at Bath Rugby entail? I have overall responsibility for the rugby side of the club, including coaching the squad and getting them prepared as best they possibly can be for the games they play, and also the responsibility of developing the players into great young men. What were you doing before you got the job? I joined Bath Rugby from the Super 15 side the Crusaders, which is based in Canterbury, New Zealand. I’d coached them for eight years, so knew it was time for a change. Before that, I coached in Tasman Union, Scotland and Edinburgh, and played for the Crusaders, Edinburgh and the All Blacks (25 caps, four as captain). What’s the best bit about your new job? The challenge – it’s a new set of players, new country, new league. There are all these things for me to learn and adapt to, and that’s really exciting for me – it means that I can keep learning as a coach, and that will only make me a better coach for Bath Rugby. And the most difficult part? There’s no script. Also, we’re in a ‘people’ business, and whilst we are a team, there are 50 or so individuals who each have a different way of working, and whilst it’s not a burden, that is a challenging side of the job. Will you be changing the style of play at the club? No – we’re looking to enhance on the foundations that are already in place. We want to play a way the players enjoying playing, and that our supporters, partners and everyone associated with the club enjoys watching. What were your first impressions when you arrived at Farleigh House? It’s a spectacular place, but for me it was about the people here. Farleigh is full of great people, who are really passionate about Bath Rugby, and that was fantastic to walk into and become part of. And how was your welcome meal, made by the academy players? It was OK – not as good as the lunches the chefs cook for us, though! Every day feels like Christmas for me at the moment with all the fantastic food they provide. The academy boys have a long way to go before they’ll be cooking the team lunches. However it was a lovely way to be introduced to the club.
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TODD BLACKADDER Bath Rugby’s new director of rugby talks Farleigh House, milking cows and jet boating How long have you been in Bath? I don’t actually live in Bath yet; I’ve been here a couple of weeks, so the house hunting will begin when my wife, Priscilla, joins me over here – she’ll want a say in where we live. I’m currently living in a house on the Farleigh estate with our head coach, Tabai, who also joined in the summer. Will your children be joining you here? My two children – Shinae, who is 25, and Ethan, who is 21 – both live and work back in New Zealand. What do you consider your biggest achievement professionally? Captaining the All Blacks was an incredibly proud moment, and it was a huge honour to lead the Crusaders to three consecutive Super Rugby titles back in the early 2000s. However, I love being in an environment in which people develop and improve in every day – helping players reach their potential is something I really enjoy. How do you like to spend your free time? Jet boating with my son is definitely up there; we went halves on the boat, and it’s great fun. I also really enjoy mountain biking with some good friends. Your most treasured possession? I have a green stone silver fern that I wear around my neck. It came from a river on the west coast of New Zealand where my family are from, so it’s a little bit of home.
Share a favourite spot in Bath so far? The countryside is amazing here. Your favourite shop, pub and restaurant in the city? I’ve got a few on the list to try out that people have recommended to me, so I’ll be making my way round those. And of course, anywhere that does a good Sunday lunch. Your favourite Bath vista? The view from the Rec is pretty special to be honest – it’s so rare to find a rugby ground right in the heart of the city, and it makes you really feel you are part of the community. What would you change about Bath if you owned it for a day? I’d build either underground or high-rise parking areas to make it easier for people to get in and out of the city. Surprise us… Before rugby, I used to milk cows for a living. Do you have a message for Bath Rugby supporters? I’d just like to say to the supporters that this is their team – I’m coaching their team to be the best it can be, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in the world whilst I do that. www.bathrugby.com