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Bath Rugby
Ladies

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ABOUT Us

We are a vibrant and inclusive community rugby club, proudly home to two senior women’s teams competing in Championship 1 (South) and NC1 South West (West). In addition, we have our inspiring mixed-ability team, the Bath Ladies Trojans (BLTs), offering a unique and supportive rugby experience for all.

Whether you're an experienced player or completely new to the game, we welcome everyone to join our rugby family. With six skilled coaches dedicated to developing players at all levels, you'll receive top-quality guidance. Behind the scenes, our expert team provides analysis, strength & conditioning, and physiotherapy support, ensuring you can reach your full potential.

meet the Coaching team

Maria crowfoot-riggs

Head coach 1xv

My career in coaching has included roles at Loughborough Lightning, Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield. I am now Women’s Performance Lead at Bath Rugby, which includes this Head Coach role, Head Coach at the University of Bath and Head Coach of Bath 7s. I also deliver courses for the RFU and Lead Coach for the PDG U18s at Centre 8. I am currently finishing my England Rugby Performance Coaching Award (Level 4) and am also part of Elev8 - an elite women's coaching programme.

James Millard

United head coach

With over 20 years in rugby, I’ve played from ages 11 to 33 and joined Bath Ladies RFC in 2019. Since then, I've led the second team and coached the backs, focusing on skill-building, teamwork, and strategic play to support player growth and team success. Passionate about fostering resilience and love for the game.

Pete Reakes

assistant coach 1xv

Experienced Level 3 coach with a diverse sports background, specializing as the lead forwards coach. My playing career includes extensive positions in rugby—from 1 through 10 and 15—demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of the game. Additionally, I represented England U18s in ultimate frisbee and have competitive experience in American football.

Alex Chown

United Assistant coach

After retiring from professional rugby in New Zealand, I began coaching at East Grinstead RFC, where I helped the men’s first XV to an unbeaten season and completed my RFU Level 2. Moving to Bath for a degree in Sports Management and Coaching, I joined Bath Ladies, now coaching the forwards and defence in my third season.

harry Jones

assistant coach 1xv

My experience consists of 10 years within Premiership Academy rugby, including 5 years at Bath Rugby. I have previously worked with Dorset & Wilts and Somerset developing the women and girls game, and was a Forwards coach at Cardiff Met Women’s RFC. I am a Level 3 coach, and am a Doctoral Researcher (PhD) exploring coach decision-making in talent ID environments.

Chris Coombe

United Assistant coach

I began my rugby journey with Ashley Down Old Boys in Bristol before joining Avon RFC in 1986, where I played and launched my coaching career with the Mini/Junior section. After coaching Avon’s 2nd XV, I helped establish Avon Ladies in 1994, leading them until 2009 when the team joined Bath Ladies. I've since coached Bath University Ladies (2002–2004), Bath Spa University (2017–2019), and joined Bath Rugby Ladies in 2020.

Off-field Team

Coaches

I'm a student at the University of Bath, and I'm supporting the coaching staff as the team's analyst. I've been around rugby for about 15 years, and also coach at the University Women's Rugby Club. I'll be helping with team reviews, supporting individual player feedback and speeding up the learning of our playing system.

Analyst

Sam wilson

I am a Chartered Physiotherapist and graduated with a BSc in Physiotherapy from Keele University. I work with Southern Academy alongside my role with the Ministry of Defence, where my experience has included rehabilitating injured soldiers at Headley Court. I run a private clinic from the Academy's headquarters, as well as leading medical provision for Bath Rugby Women.

1xv match day physio and training session physio

tom easen

S&C provision

Joe alford

head strength and conditioning coach

I graduated from the University of Exeter in 2006, where I gained a BSc in Exercise Science (2:1). During my career, I have accumulated over 20,000 hours of hands-on coaching and have been responsible for the development of athletes from over twenty sports, at levels ranging from youth athletes to Olympians and professional athletes in sports including athletics, equestrian and the UFC. I am the Academy's Managing Director and Athletic Development lead for Bath Rugby Ladies.

George Jenkins

Assistant strength and conditioning coach

I graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University with a BSc in Sport, Rehabilitation & Massage and an MSc in Strength & Conditioning. I am a former Team GB Bobsleigh athlete and a keen rugby player. I provide Strength & Conditioning support to Bath Rugby Ladies.