Gareth Delve, a product of Bath’s academy system, who went on to wear the colours of bitter rivals Gloucester, re-enters the rivalry as a coach.
Delve made his senior debut away to Gloucester in May 2002 for the Blue, Black and Whites, which saw the home side win 68-12, playing in front of the iconic Shed, the back row was unphased getting himself a try despite the heavy defeat.
In the summer of 2007, Delve would make the switch and join Gloucester, in 2009, he was appointed joint captain of the club, a position he held until he left in 2010 for the sun of Melbourne, Australia.
Looking ahead at the next instalment of this rivalry between the two clubs, Delve leads his under 18’s side as they host Bath on Saturday.
“Being on both sides of the rivalry and both sides of the derby, getting pelters from the shed and then having them in behind.
“It’s a huge game, It’s one of the best rivalries in the game, and I think for the boys to experience it at this level, they understand that there’s a huge amount riding on it.
“In terms of an Academy perspective, it’s still for those boys to go out there, put their best foot forward, and hopefully get the result for the badge, but the main thing is they enjoy the game.”
Following a spell in Australia playing 54 games for Melbourne Rebels and NEC Green Rockets respectively, Delve would return to the UK where he would have a short spell with Ospreys.
He would delve into management as in 2017 he became team manager of Bristol, alongside this, he would complete an MSc in Management at Swansea University.
Delve would make his way back to Gloucestershire in 2022 as he joined the Cherry and Whites as an Academy Manager, which he has expressed his enjoyment at watching his sides develop.
“It’s brilliant, It’s the best part of the job, to see these lads come on.
“The journey they go on, whether it be through the Academy, starting at 13s, 14s, or whether it be the lads from the newer area that have come in in the summer and have bought into the ethos of the club, it’s fantastic to see that development.
“Obviously, with some of the lads getting opportunities into the Prem Cup as well last week, it was fantastic, hopefully, a couple more this week.
“So, that real journey that the Academy’s been on through this season has been great.
“It’s great to see those boys gain confidence and grow their skill set. I think we’ve used 60 lads across the under-17s games as well, so brilliant to see them play a big part with us next year, and nearly 40 of the boys across the under-18s, so it’s been a whole squad effort, and hopefully the boys take it on another level this week.”
