Lee Blackett excited for the new season

As Bath Rugby continue their preparations for the start of the upcoming season, assistant coach Lee Blackett took time out to offer his insights into the journey the club has been on since he took up his role just over 12 months ago.

Reflecting on the 2023/24 campaign, analysing the team’s attacking play during his tenure so far, discussing the latest additions to the Blue. Black and White, and sharing his thoughts on the club’s opening Premiership fixtures, Blackett discusses where he believes the team sits currently and where it aims to go.

Reflections on last season: A solid foundation with room for growth

Reflecting on last season which saw the club reach its first Premiership final since 2015, Blackett sees it as a positive step forward, especially in the context of more recent campaigns. "Overall, if you were looking back, you would say it was a good year, especially off the back of an improved year the year before [where the team finished eighth]," he said.

However, Blackett is careful to stress that last season's success is no guarantee for the future.

"What I would say is last year was last year, and I’ve seen too many times now with teams that you just cannot get caught up with what happened last season," he said. While the club came close to silverware, Blackett emphasises that replicating and improving upon last season's performance will require even harder work. "We were close last season, but it took a lot of hard work and we need to remember that and work even harder this year if we want to go one step further," he added, setting the tone for the upcoming campaign.

Assessing Bath's attacking play: Potential yet

Blackett is particularly impressed by the experience and qualities that van Wyk and Molony bring from their previous clubs. "As you would expect coming in from Leinster, there is a lot of stuff around his \[Ross’s\] carry height, his catch pass, his breakdown—you can see he’s been at a top club like Leinster and has really good traits around him," Blackett explains. Similarly, he’s seen in training how van Wyk’s background at Leicester Tigers means he is already demonstrating his set piece and breakdown qualities, attributes which Blackett values highly. "It’s great for me as a coach to have these guys coming in from different environments," he adds, highlighting the fresh perspectives they bring to the team.

To be fully unlocked

When it comes to Bath's attacking play, the former head coach at Wasps sees both strengths and areas for improvement. "I think there was a load of really good performances in attack last year, I still think there is loads to come. We’ve got a lot of very dangerous individuals that if we can give them space and give them room, they’ve got the opportunity to flourish.”

One of the key areas the former player at Fylde, Leeds Tykes and Rotherham Titans identifies for improvement is the team's ball retention. "I just felt like we didn’t hold the ball for long enough," he observes. Despite ranking highly in metrics like carry metres per carry, post-contact metres, and tries per carry, Blackett highlighted that consistency is going to be key for the club to elevate its attacking game this season.

"Last season, I’d say we were a seven out of 10. I think there is plenty left in us. I think we have had a great start to pre-season, and there has been some very positive signs to us improving from last year.”

New signings: Integration and influence

The arrival of new players is always a critical aspect of pre-season, and Bath has been selective in its recruitment. Blackett is pleased with how the new signings – Guy Pepper, Francois van Wyk, and Ross Molony – have integrated into the squad. "They’ve all fitted in. Guy’s obviously not been on the training field as much [following shoulder surgery during the off-season], but we expect him back in full training in the next couple of weeks.”

Blackett is particularly impressed by the experience and qualities that van Wyk and Molony bring from their previous clubs. "As you would expect coming in from Leinster, there is a lot of stuff around his [Ross’s] carry height, his catch pass, his breakdown—you can see he’s been at a top club like Leinster and has really good traits around him," Blackett explains. Similarly, he’s seen in training how van Wyk’s background at Leicester Tigers means he is already demonstrating his set piece and breakdown qualities, attributes which Blackett values highly. "It’s great for me as a coach to have these guys coming in from different environments," he adds, highlighting the fresh perspectives they bring to the team.

Continuous learning: Staying ahead in a fast-moving game

For Blackett, staying relevant as a coach means constantly evolving and learning from different sources. "The game is moving so fast. It’s things I have seen in this pre-season when reflecting on the whole of last season that was completely different to last year," he notes. Blackett referenced how he’s looking beyond rugby for inspiration. "You can also learn from other sports. I have watched rugby league all my life, so I’ve enjoyed going into a few set-ups, I’ve gone into a few cricket set-ups, you see loads of little things," he says, revealing a broad approach to coaching that helps keep him at the forefront of the game.

A tough start: Bath's opening Premiership fixtures

The Premiership season kicks off on Friday 20 September with Bath facing Northampton Saints (home), Leicester Tigers (away), and Bristol Bears (home) in Rounds 1-3, respectively. Blackett acknowledges the difficulty of the start but remains unfazed. "It’s welcome back to the Premiership, isn’t it," he joked, recognising that there are no easy games in such a competitive league. “[Northampton Saints] at home will be a great game, great to open the Premiership."

The following match against Leicester, particularly as it marks Michael Cheika’s first home game in charge, will also be a significant test. The third fixture, a derby against Bristol Bears, promises to be a highlight. "It’s a game I am sure everyone will be excited for," he added.

For Blackett, starting the season strongly is crucial. "Momentum is such a big thing in sport, there’s not many teams that struggle early on and then manage to find a way," he explains. As Bath Rugby prepares to embark on another challenging Premiership campaign, Blackett's focus is clear: hard work, continuous improvement, and a strong start will be key to achieving their ambitions.

Bath Rugby are set to kick-off their 2024/25 Premiership Rugby campaign on Friday 20 September against the current Premiership Champions, Northampton Saints. Secure your seats at The Rec and watch the action live at the home of the Blue, Black and White.