Twitter reaction to Bath included deleted tweet by England player

Wednesday afternoon’s confirmation that Bath have undergone yet another restructure involving Stuart Hooper and Ed Griffiths generated much reaction on Twitter, including a deleted tweet from England international Joe Cokanasiga. It was December when Munster’s Johann van Grann was confirmed as head coach for the 2022/23 season with Hooper remaining as director of rugby, while the following month ex-Saracens guru Griffiths was appointed as chairman following an initial consultancy at The Rec.

That plan has now been shredded, though, following what was described as a power struggle at the club and it has resulted in the incoming van Grann being handed full control of first-team rugby matters, with Hooper demoted to a newly-created general manager position under him and Griffiths exiting the club altogether.

Naturally, the latest swings and roundabouts at a club that was anchored to the foot of the Gallagher Premiership table until last weekend’s win against London Irish was subject to much commentary on social media and perhaps the most intriguing comment was a deleted tweet by Cokanasiga, who was part of the England training squad in London at the start of this week.

Dave Attwood on bust ups with Owen Farrell, Sam Burgess & new Bath era | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 35

Bristol and England’s Dave Attwood joins the guys this week to reveal some loose stories from a well-traveled career. We hear about his run-in with Owen Farell, why his modern man approach didn’t go down well with a certain head coach, and skiing in France with the Galacticos of Toulon. We also get Dave’s first-hand account of Carl Fearns and Gavin Henson’s bust-up and the fallout from Sam Burgess’ move to Bath.

Dave Attwood on bust ups with Owen Farrell, Sam Burgess & new Bath era | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 35

Bristol and England’s Dave Attwood joins the guys this week to reveal some loose stories from a well-traveled career. We hear about his run-in with Owen Farell, why his modern man approach didn’t go down well with a certain head coach, and skiing in France with the Galacticos of Toulon. We also get Dave’s first-hand account of Carl Fearns and Gavin Henson’s bust-up and the fallout from Sam Burgess’ move to Bath.

Bath fan Lucas Ward managed to screenshot the “Weird lol” deleted response that the winger posted to the official club Twitter story, Bath Rugby confirms new rugby structure for the 2022/23 season after in-season reset. “Deleted tweet from Big Joe in regards to the departure of Ed Griffiths,” wrote Ward.

Dragons-bound Max Clark, who is soon leaving Bath for the URC after more than a decade’s service, tweeted: “I want to say a personal thank you to Ed Griffiths. He brought some needed light in a very dark season!”

Deleted tweet from Big Joe in regards to the departure of Ed Griffiths ? @BathBytes @bathrugbyplug pic.twitter.com/oDB2zq3i6d

— Lucas Ward (@LucasWard_) May 25, 2022

Ex-England international Andy Goode didn’t agree, though, writing: “The best thing Bath announced today is that Ed Griffiths has left the building. All the better for the club and Premiership rugby in general!” This prompted a reply from Craig Chalmers, the ex-Scotland player. “Couldn’t agree more Goody! Good riddance! Total fraud!”

With regard to the new role for Hooper, Bath fan David Burgess quipped: “On today of all days it makes you wonder who is better at dodging responsibility Stuart Hooper or Boris Johnson!?!”

Great to hear Ed has been a positive influence for the club and hopefully as the players you know and understand more than what supporters hear through the rumour mill…it’s just a shame and concern a chap with his wealth of experience has left after such a short time?

— Peter Chapman (@peterchapman27) May 25, 2022

https://twitter.com/Chick_Chalmers/status/1529577792685342730

On today of all days it makes you wonder who is better at dodging responsibility Stuart Hooper or Boris Johnson!?!

— David Burgess (@daveburgess1968) May 25, 2022

One of least surprising announcements to come out of the Club in a while and yet one of the most positive.

— Bruce Pollendine (@oddshapedman) May 25, 2022

Stuart Hooper stays in a new role of general manager. Ed Griffiths goes after leading the review. A wretched season on the pitch, with talk of much discontent off it, nears its conclusion. Pleased Hooper, who loves the place more than most, will be part of the fixing process. https://t.co/1cWt4VbY1l

— Nick Mullins (@andNickMullins) May 25, 2022

I thought with Ed Griffiths onboard we would see a major improvement next season but now wondering if it could be more of the same as this season.

— Garrie T (@fromeboy2905) May 25, 2022

https://twitter.com/BathBytes/status/1529749266830336001

But his job wasn’t done.
Conversely it was just starting – leadership, vision,values and culture all needed addressing.
If he’s gone because Stuart Hooper wanted more involvement then IMO the wrong person left the building!

— Ken Trowbridge (@KenTrowbridge3) May 25, 2022

The man with a proven track record of success leaves. The other doesn’t. As an outside observer it doesn’t seem to make sense.

— Chris Haywood (@Chris61172903) May 25, 2022