Bath Rugby have announced homegrown forward and Hall of Fame inductee, John Hall as Club President. 

Former Captain and Club man, Hall proudly wore the Blue, Black and White jersey 277 times over a 14-year senior career, captaining the Club from 1993 to 1995 and appearing in five winning Cup finals before being appointed Director of Rugby.

Hall continued his close connection to the Club working with its charitable arm, Bath Rugby Foundation, focused particularly on leadership development and the mentoring of teenagers and young people from challenging backgrounds. Hall is leading the Andes Challenge, which will see 10 current and former Bath Rugby Foundation participants take part in a life-changing cycling challenge in Chile in November.

Hall has also played an active role in re-shaping the Club Presidency position and will join the Club ahead of the 2019/20 season, replacing Foundation Corporate Fundraiser, David Trick, as club President.

In his role, Hall will continue to represent the Club and host visiting teams at all home games. His non-matchday responsibilities will include engagement with the local community and particularly local businesses, the education sector and public service organisations in the City. 

Hall will also join the Past Players Management Team as the Club works to enhance its connection with players and other people who have worked with Bath Rugby, drawing further on the Club’s heritage as a resource for the future. 

Commenting on his appointment and his expanded role, Hall said: “It is a privilege to join Bath Rugby as Club President, with an expanded role, at this exciting time in the Club’s journey. I have seen with my own eyes the positive impact Bath Rugby has on this incredible City and our community.  

"I am delighted to play my part to help shape the Club moving into a new era and whilst my days on the field are over, off the field I believe that with the Club, the management team and the new stadium, we have the potential to change lives in Bath.” 

Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby Chief Executive added: "John is a club man through and through and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him over recent years. He is passionate about the Club, the city, the community and the power of sport to inspire.

"John brings huge experience from both sport and business, he was an obvious choice, and he will undoubtedly bring huge value to the expanded Club President role.”

Trick’s 40-year association with Bath Rugby started in 1979. He scored 143 tries in 225 games during his 12 years as a player – second on the all-time list.

The former winger was sworn in as Club President for the first time and spent two years in the role between 2011-13 before replacing Mike Beese in 2015 for a second term.

Trick will continue to play an active role in the growth of Bath Rugby Foundation – the Club’s charity arm, whose aim is to empower vulnerable children in Bath and the surrounding areas to succeed.

Trick has been instrumental in setting up the Foundation’s ‘1^st XV Club’ in 2018, which has raised over £100,000 to help fund programmes covering the Foundation’s three target areas – education, inclusion and employment.

He will also once again lead the charity’s annual cycle challenge, with a team of fundraisers taking on Ride Mallorca this October.

Tarquin McDonald added: “Tricky has played a significant role not only during his two terms as Club President, but in his four decades associated with Bath Rugby.

“He is a hugely respected and popular figure in the City, and we’re delighted that he will continue to build on the work he has already done with the Foundation.”

Trick added: “I’ve absolutely loved my time as Club President and I’m certainly proud of what I’ve done particularly because it’s been something that I had never expected when I joined as a player back in 1979.

“My work with the Foundation has turned into a passion of mine. What the charity does is phenomenal – we had an evening a few years ago where we had someone who had been through one of the programmes talk to a corporate audience. She looked at everyone and said: ‘Bath Rugby Foundation has changed my life’ and that was the defining moment for me knowing that we are making a difference in and around Bath. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey with them.

The next few years will be very exciting on and off the pitch in terms of the rugby department we are building and the new stadium, a place which will enable the foundation to significantly increase the numbers of children and young adults whose lives we can help turn around through our education and development programmes.

“I have no doubt that John (Hall) will do a fantastic job and wish him all the very best. I just hope he doesn’t kick me out when I turn up on a Saturday at the Rec!”