Stuart Hooper to leave Bath Rugby after 15 years at the club
The former captain and director of rugby first came on to the scene back in 2008 - playing nearly 200 times for the club during his career
Last updated 15th Jun 2024
After 15 years, nearly 200 games and his time as the Director of Rugby, Bath's Stuart Hooper is leaving the premiership club this summer.
He says he's 'immensely proud' of his time which has left him with a heart full of wonderful memories and a head full of determination.
He started all the way back in 2008 - and spent five seasons as captain, which makes him the second-longest serving Bath skipper of all time.
During the 2014/15 Premiership final, he led the side out at Twickenham - who were eventually beaten by the Saracens by a respectable 16-28 scoreline.
'Hoops' - as he's known - later moved to become the Performance and Player Development Director when he retired, and later moved into his role as the Director of Rugby, guiding the side into a top four finish in the 2019/20 Premiership season.
He later moved on to become the General Manager of Bath Rugby, with the side saying he has been a 'key driver' in the club's ambitions for women and girls' rugby, as well as in the recruitment of players.
Speaking on the Bath Rugby website, he said: “After 15 years in the blue, black and white, it is almost impossible to pick certain people or moments to mention.
“I will always be immensely proud to have stood beside and led many incredible women and men during my time at the club. Every player, member of staff and supporter has been a part of my journey, and I thank you all. I will miss you.
“Bath Rugby has taught me so much, and I leave this great club with a heart full of wonderful memories and a head full of experiences and determination for the future.”
Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald added: “Stuart is deeply rooted to this club, deeply connected to our city and his contribution over 15 years has been immense; 192 appearances as a player, five seasons as captain, Stuart earned the respect of every Head Coach that he worked with.
“A passionate advocate for developing our staff and players, Stuart transformed our player pathway – establishing key partnerships with Beechen Cliff and the University of Bath – and gave debuts to many homegrown players.
“He led us through the challenges of Covid, including a top four finish in 2019/20. More recently he has focused on shaping the club’s future through his work on our senior squad recruitment, and through our Women & Girls project, building towards a professional Bath Rugby Women’s team competing at The Rec.
“Stuart deserves huge respect for everything he has given the club. First and foremost, everything that he does puts squad and staff first, he is a genuine club man.”