Yorkshire Carnegie: Rock leaves Carnegie to take on role with Bath

Rock arrives at Bath with an excellent reputation for spotting and bringing on young players.

He was appointed to Academy director at Carnegie in 2014, having previously run the AASE scheme at Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley.

Under his leadership, the school reached the AASE League final in the same year.

Rock will run the Bath Rugby Academy including the development of its long-term plan.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started at Bath, and continuing to build on the fantastic work that Danny Grewcock, Barry and George have already done,” he said.

“The Academy is full of promising young players.

“I’m excited about helping to build the pipeline of homegrown talent for the long term development of our senior team, as well as helping youngsters across all age groups to unlock their talent.”

Meanwhile, ex-Leeds Tykes and Bath captain Stuart Hooper will also play a significant role at the West Country club.

The second-row, who won the Powergen Cup with Leeds against Bath in 2005, retired from playing at the end of last season.

Hooper, 34, will work closely with director of rugby, Todd Blackadder, in running the performance functions of the rugby department, including overseeing the academy and developing the club’s leadership programme.

He will also support head coach Tabai Matson with elements of coaching focussed on the players’ skills development.

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

“Whilst it’s 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 which is great.”

Carnegie, meanwhile, start their latest Championship campaign at Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday as Bryan Redpath’s side look to make this the season where they win their way back to the Premiership.