Blackadder signs new deal with Bath - reports

Bath Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder has signed a new contract with Bath according to reports.

The Daily Mail said he’d agreed a “long-term” deal with the club, despite recent suggestions of unrest at the club and that he may be sacked.

Bath picked up their first home win of the season with a narrow 17-15 success against Northampton, thanks to Dan Biggar’s last-minute missed conversion for the Saints. It moved them up to 4th in the Gallagher Premiership ahead of Sunday’s games.

Rumours over Blackadder’s future ramped up after they slumped to a 17-10 defeat on the opening day to bitter rivals Bristol. Since then Bath drew 31-31 at home against Gloucester and were 37-32 winners at Harlequins.

Blackadder joined Bath from the Crusaders in 2016 on a 3-year contract and following the win over Quins Blackadder was asked about the rumours that he was on the verge of being given the boot.

“I don’t know where they’re coming from and it’s absolute lies.” the former All Black said.

“It would be really interesting if someone actually stumped up the facts. If they believe it’s true, then prove it. Someone must know better than me.”

Local publication Somerset Live suggest that Blackadder’s new deal is actually a one-year contract extension, which would take him up to the end of the 2019/20 season.

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