Changes at Bath Continue with Ed Griffiths Replacing Bruce Craig

As Bath prepare for their Boxing Day clash in the Gallagher Premiership against Gloucester at the Rec, the bottom club, yet to win in the league this season in nine games, it’s been announced that owner and chairman Bruce Craig is to leave the role at the end of the year, writes Guy Williams.

Craig will be succeeded by Ed Griffiths, the former chief executive at Saracens and one of rugby’s most experienced administrators.

Griffiths played a major part in organising the 1995 World Cup which was held in South Africa and eventually won by them.

The announcement of the new chairman continues the recent important changes that are taking place at Bath and are intended to revive the fortunes of what was once the best club side in England in terms of trophies.

As Bath train to confront Gloucester in the West Country derby, it’s clear that the club are planning for a decent long term future, one which will appeal to private investors and those rugby fans who like a bet.

Griffiths, a skilful media operator, has excellent contacts which will be of great use as he puts his plans into place to deliver match winning results on the field.

Bath have already announced a new head coach for next season, Johann van Graan, and a new defence coach, another South African, Brent Janse van Rensburg, who’s already started working with the first team squad.

Meanwhile, as Sale Sharks prepare for their league game at Newcastle Falcons on Boxing Day, they’ve revealed a big signing for next season, Exeter and England forward Jonny Hill has agreed to join the North West club.