Former Bath Rugby stars left stunned by Gary Gold"s departure

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Several former Bath Rugby stars have been left stunned by director of rugby Gary Gold’s departure from the club earlier this week.

The South African’s exit comes 18 months into a three-year contract and in the middle of Bath’s most promising season in recent memory.

Former Springboks assistant boss Gold was appointed to lead a new-look coaching staff at The Rec in summer 2012 but a year later his role was changed from head coach to director of rugby.

In the wake of Gold’s exit, England rugby league boss Steve McNamara has been linked with a role in Bath’s coaching set-up.

Ex-Bath flanker Steve Ojomoh sees little sense in breaking up what has so far proved to be a successful structure.

“When Gary was appointed and brought Mike [Ford] and Toby [Booth] with him, I was trying to figure out how it was going to work at the time,” said Ojomoh.

“It was going well and they are third in the table, so I was certainly shocked when I heard the news. I don’t really know what it’s all about.

“There were a lot of brains there with Toby, Fordy and Neal [Hatley] as well. I did look at it and think maybe it was a bit top heavy but it just seemed to work.

“Maybe that could have been a question if they hadn’t been getting results, but the timing here is strange.

“There’s probably more to it than what we know at the moment. The only thing I can think of is that maybe there is someone else they want to bring in that Gary didn’t agree with.”

Duncan Bell retired at the end of the 2011-12 season after a decade at Bath and still knows many of the current squad. The former prop says Gold’s exit has come as a big shock.

“I’ve been out of the loop at the club for about 18 months now but I was as surprised as anyone,” said Bell.

“I know Gary was moved from head coach to director of rugby over the summer and wasn’t really involved on the training pitch anymore, but it is a real shock to see him leave all together. It is a shame that coaches aren’t given longer at clubs.

“It does seem a bit odd but I am not privy to what goes on at the club anymore. I don’t know if something has happened behind closed doors. If it has I am sure will we find out in the coming weeks.”

Article source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/383917/connacht-lead-irish-provinces-in-rugby-union-european-cup-wins

Former Bath Rugby stars left stunned by Gary Gold"s departure