Bath Rugby has announced that Rob Burgess, the club’s head of recruitment, will be leaving later this month to take up a new position at Gallagher Premiership rivals Gloucester Rugby. Burgess will assume the role of general manager of the rugby department, a newly created position aimed at strengthening Gloucester’s rugby operations.
Since joining Bath Rugby at the start of the 2023/24 season, Burgess has played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s pathway, academy, and senior player recruitment. Working closely with head of rugby Johann van Graan, Burgess facilitated the acquisition of key players like Santi Carreras and Henry Arundell, significantly boosting Bath’s squad strength.
At Gloucester, Burgess will work alongside George Skivington, who has been reassigned from director of rugby to head coach. Burgess’s responsibilities will encompass the direct management of departments including Medical, Performance, Analysis, Team Operations, and the Academy, ensuring all areas are fully aligned. He will also oversee player recruitment and retention strategies.
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In addition, Gloucester has brought in Chris Boyd, former Northampton Saints director of rugby, as a technical director on a consultancy basis, further reinforcing their coaching leadership structure.
Burgess brings extensive rugby experience from top-tier environments. Before his three seasons at Bath, he held influential roles with Dragons RFC and the England senior men’s team, and founded a rugby agency representing notable players and coaches. He also previously served as Gloucester Rugby’s Head of Rugby Operations in 2009.
Reflecting on his time at Bath, Burgess said, “The last three seasons have been incredible. Special memories made with special people. To be a part of what Johann has created is something I’ll be forever grateful for, and I wish the club every success in the future.”
Bath Rugby has yet to announce a successor to Burgess, though much of the recruitment and retention groundwork for the 2026/27 season is already in place, as evidenced by recent contract renewals.
Johann van Graan praised Burgess, stating: “Rob has been a brilliant part of our group over the past three seasons. His commitment on and off the field has embodied everything we value at the club. We wish him the very best for the next chapter in his career — and there’s no doubt that his best is still to come.”