Bath legend leaves with ‘heavy heart’ as Johann van Graan hails ‘incredible club man’
Bath-bid-farewell-to-club-legend-Jon-Callard-Alamy
Bath legend Jon Callard has left his role as kicking coach with immediate effect as the former Rec favourite departs the Premiership side with a “heavy heart”.
Callard took on the position ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and was of course part of the backroom team that oversaw the club’s run to the domestic final in June.
He worked with the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer among others during his coaching tenure but after returning to Bath in a coaching position he now leaves.
Former Bath star
58-year-old Callard made over 200 appearances for Bath in his playing days and was a reliable goal-kicker who also represented England on the international stage.
“I am very proud that I had 20 more months at the club that I never thought I would have, and to have played a very small part in its evolution,” said Callard.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I leave Bath because of what we had done and where we had come from to where they are today, is truly fabulous.
“I have been fortunate to be part of this fantastic club. It is not just a club; it teaches you the value of pride, the value of worth and the important of your value to the community.
“You are living the dreams and aspirations of thousands and thousands of people. I have been truly blessed. Thank you, Bath!”
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Director of rugby Johann van Graan wished Callard well in the future as he bid farewell to the coach on a day that saw two announcements from his backroom team.
“JC has been an incredible club man for Bath both as a player and a coach. It was great to have him as part of our journey and we wish him the very best,” he said.
The other news from the coaching team confirmed on Thursday sees scrum coach and ex-Scotland international Stevie Scott remain at the club for a further year.
Scott has worked at the likes of fellow Premiership outfit Sale Sharks and United Rugby Championship side Edinburgh and is delighted to have inked a new deal.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first season at Bath and I’m delighted to extend my contract,” he said.
“It was an easy decision for me. Bath is a great club with good people – both players and staff led excellently by Johann – and we have fantastic fans, the Rec is a special place!
“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can deliver next season.”
Van Graan added on Scott: “Stevie has done an excellent job in his first season as scrum coach, improving our scrum and our players. I am excited about the future of our scrum.”