Stuart Hooper becomes Performance and Player Development Director at Bath Rugby

Former Bath Rugby captain Stuart Hooper has been appointed Head of Performance and Player Development at Bath Rugby.

As part of Hooper's role, the recently-retired 34-year-old will work closesly with new Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder with running the Performance functions and oversee the club's academy as well as developing the club's leadership programme.

"This is an incredibly exciting role for me," Hooper said.

"Whilst it is very different from the weekly role of a professional rugby player, I am absolutely relishing it.

"This role will enable me to help shape the culture and performance of the club over the long term so that is great."

Also, ex-Leeds Tykes centre Andy Rock will be the new Academy Manager at the Recreation Ground.

Rock said: "I am really looking forward to getting started at Bath, and continuing to build on the fantastic work that Danny Grewcock, Barry Maddocks and George Tavner have done."