Rob Burgess, Bath Rugby’s head of recruitment, will leave the club this month to take up the role of general manager – rugby at Gloucester Rugby.
Rob Burgess will be leaving his role of head of recruitment here at Bath Rugby for a new job as general manager – rugby at Gloucester Rugby | Photo © Richard Briggs
And he says he is incredibly proud to be given the job by the Cherry & Whites.
A statement from the Blue, Black & White on Monday 2nd March said: “The club can confirm its head of recruitment, Rob Burgess, will leave his role later this month.
“Burgess joined Bath Rugby at the start of the 2023-24 season and has gone on to have profound impact across the club’s pathway, academy and senior talent.
“A former player agent, Burgess has worked for Dragons, Gloucester Rugby and the RFU in various operational roles.
“He heads back to Gloucester Rugby to take up a role within its rugby structure.”
Burgess’ new job at Kingsholm Stadium will start on Wednesday 1st April.
A statement from the Cherry & Whites on 2nd March said: “Gloucester Rugby is pleased to confirm Rob Burgess’ role as the club’s new general manager – rugby, effective from 1st April.
“In this role, Burgess’ remit will include direct line management of the heads of medical, performance, analysis, team operations and the academy, ensuring all departments operate in full alignment.
“He will take responsibility for player retention and recruitment, helping to create the long-term framework that underpins the club’s ambitions to be competing for titles.
“Burgess’ role will also serve as a key link between the club’s performance and commercial functions.
“Burgess joins Gloucester Rugby with a wealth of experience across elite rugby environments. He will move to Kingsholm from Bath Rugby, where he has been head of recruitment for the last three seasons.
“Prior to that, Burgess held positions with Dragons RFC and the England senior men’s team, as well as founding a rugby agency representing a number of leading players and coaches.
“Rob also served as Gloucester Rugby’s head of rugby operations back in 2009.”
Burgess said: “I’m incredibly proud to be coming back to Gloucester Rugby in this role.
“I’m looking forward to working with Chris [Boyd, technical director] and Alex [Brown, chief executive] and the performance staff to help build the structures and standards that will support long-term success at this club.
“I’m really enthused by the scope of this role and the impact it can have, and I’m excited to be coming back to Kingsholm in April.
“The last three seasons [at Bath] have been incredible. Special memories made with special people.
“To be a part of what Johann [van Graan, head of rugby] has created is something I’ll be forever grateful for, and I wish the club every success in the future.”
Brown said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rob back to Kingsholm.
“He brings exceptional leadership, operational expertise and a deep understanding of elite-level rugby environments.
“The general manager – rugby role is fundamental to developing and maintaining a high-performance culture, and Rob is exactly the right person to drive that area forward.”
Van Graan said: “Rob has been a brilliant part of our group over the past three seasons.
“His commitment on and off the field has embodied everything we value at the club.
“We wish him the very best for the next chapter in his career — and there’s no doubt that his best is still to come.”
