Neal Hatley, born on December 23, 1969, is a former rugby union player and current coach. He has had a successful career both on and off the field, making significant contributions to the sport.
As a player, Hatley played as a prop for various teams, including London Irish, Bedford, and the University of Natal. He amassed 193 Premiership matches during his playing career. In 2007, Hatley was selected to captain the England Saxons squad in the Churchill Cup, which they won, showcasing his leadership abilities.
Following his playing career, Hatley transitioned into coaching. He initially worked with the London Irish youth academy before joining Bath Rugby in 2012 as the forwards coach. He played a vital role in developing and shaping the team during his tenure.
Born in Chorley, Lancashire, Hatley grew up in South Africa and received his education at Dale College Boys High School in King William's Town. He had a successful playing career in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby, representing the University of Natal.
In April 2016, Hatley was appointed as the scrum coach for the England national men's team. He was an integral part of the coaching setup for 35 Test matches, contributing to England's success with 26 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw. Under Hatley's guidance, England achieved notable victories, including away Test series wins in Australia and Argentina, as well as a Six Nations title.
One of Hatley's strengths as a coach has been his expertise in developing front-row players. Several players, such as Alec Hepburn, Ben Moon, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, and Harry Williams, made their national team debuts and became regular Test match players under his guidance.
After England's 2019 World Cup campaign, Hatley returned to Bath Rugby as the Forwards and Defence Coach. In August 2020, he was appointed as the head coach of Bath, taking on a more prominent role within the club.
Neal Hatley's experience as both a player and coach has allowed him to make significant contributions to the teams he has been associated with. His knowledge, leadership, and ability to develop players have been instrumental in their success.
KG(09/07/2023)
Career
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England Assistant Coach |
2016 - 2019 |
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Bath Rugby Assistant Coach |
2012 - 2023 |
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Australia Coach |
2023 - 2024 |
