Todd Blackadder "attracted to the culture of Bath Rugby"

New Bath coach Todd Blackadder says that the culture of Bath Rugby attracted him to the job.

"There were a lot of things on the table," Blackadder revealed, when asked about what it is that made him take the Bath role.

"What really attracted me to Bath is they want to build their culture. These are beautiful surroundings, it is fantastic, but the team has got to feel good about itself, it has got to come to work passionately about playing for Bath.

"But ultimately they need to want to play for each other because that is what the best teams do."

Blackadder replaced Mike Ford in the summer from New Zealand-based outfit Crusaders, who he led to two Super Rugby finals.

His first major task was to appoint Guy Mercer as captain and, again, culture played a part in the decision.

"I really like the culture of the guy. He is a good young guy who really understands the league and this organisation."