Bath Rugby has bolstered its coaching and backroom staff ahead of the 2025/26 season by welcoming former players Ruaridh McConnochie and GJ van Velze. Both bring invaluable experience and fresh perspectives to the club’s development efforts.
Retiring winger Ruaridh McConnochie, who made 97 appearances for Bath after transitioning from rugby sevens, has been appointed as a part-time skills coach. In this role, he will support injured players through their return-to-play programs and work closely with back-three players across the club’s pathway, marking the beginning of his coaching career.
Meanwhile, GJ van Velze, former Bath captain and backrower, takes on a newly created consultancy role known as Player Innovation and Performance Futures. Van Velze will focus on accelerating individual player growth, enhancing peak performance, and assisting with long-term career planning and strategic partnerships, thus providing Bath with a competitive advantage.
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In addition to these appointments, Bath Rugby has secured contract extensions for key staff. Andy Robinson continues as head of academy, having recently guided the club to a Premiership Rugby Cup victory. Scrum coach Stevie Scott will also remain, while JP Ferreira, Lee Blackett, and Richard Blaze have all signed long-term deals to maintain stability in the coaching team under head of rugby Johann van Graan.
Van Graan expressed enthusiasm about the additions: “Continuity is vital to our success. It’s fantastic to have Andy and Stevie staying on, and I’m excited to bring Ruaridh and GJ into the fold. Both are exceptional individuals who will help enhance our players’ development. Ruaridh is starting his coaching journey, and I’m confident he will become world-class. GJ’s unique role helps us develop not just players, but outstanding human beings.”