Ford Hails The Boost Of Faletau Signing

Following the recent announcement of Wales' back row Toby Faletau signing for Bath Rugby on a three year deal, head coach Mike Ford has lavished praise on the 24-year-old, who he believes will add quality and depth to his side.

So far the season has not panned out as expected for Bath Rugby, after a series of defeats sees the club languish in ninth going into the Christmas period. 

But, a recent last gasp European victory over Wasps at the Ricoh Arena last weekend has threatened to be a trigger to turn the tide at the Somerset club.

One boost the club have received however, according to head coach Mike Ford, is the long awaited capture of Wales international Toby Faletau, who will link up with the Blue, Black and White next season after finally putting pen to paper.

Ford told Total Sport and local media: "We've been chasing him for a while. 

"It didn't quite come off for this year, after the World Cup unfortunately. But to be fair to Toby (Faletau) he's been consistent.

"He's had some fantastic offers from abroad and the WRU were after him as well so he was consistent in the respect that he wanted to come to Bath all along."

Ford outlined the desire of Faletau to make his move to Somerset, even when things became difficult.

"After the World Cup things weren't in his control but now, after this season he is out of contract and can make a move where ever he wants, and he's chosen Bath which is great for us," Ford added.

This manner of commitment was exactly the trait Ford was searching for, as the former scrum-half revealed.

"What really pleased me about it all was the fact that he was consistent and didn't change or wavered from the fact that he wanted to come to Bath and that's huge, because that's the type of player we want."

So his best years are probably going to be when he's a bit older actually," Ford added.

Coming to Bath, Faletau will experience a different kind of rugby, which will contribute to the development of his game, according to Ford.

"I think he'll be great coming here. No disrespect to anywhere else he's been, or the way Wales play but we play a different game here, so his rugby awareness and his roundedness of how to play the game will improve," said the Bath head coach.

"Darren Edwards, who used to coach at the Dragons, picked him (Faletau) at centre one game, so the way they used him at times was running. We'll use him on the edge.

With regards to the player's international status, Faletau will still be available for national selection when required, according to Ford.

"I don't think it changes (his international situation). I'm not too sure about the wild card issue. He'll be picked for Wales and he'll be able to play for Wales in the Six Nations.