Blackadder to Bath, Lancaster to Reds or Force

Crusaders Super Rugby coach Todd Blackadder has been linked to the vacant Bath head coach job while former England coach Stuart Lancaster has been linked to the Reds and the Force.

Lancaster has been linked to the newly opened Western Force job and is understood to be on the Reds shortlist.

Lancaster assembled much of the current England Rugby team but stood down after they were knocked out of the Rugby World Cup.

The Englishman has made no secret that he wants to coach a Super Rugby team and the stars appear to be lining up for him as at least four Super Rugby teams will have new coaches next season.

The Reds sacked Richard Graham early in the season and on Thursday the Force released Michael Foley from his contract.

Outside of Australia the Japanese Super Rugby franchise the Sunwolves will have a new coach as current coach Mark Hammett has been appointed as a Highlanders assistant for 2017.

In New Zealand Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder announced last season that 2016 would be his last and he looks set to be named as the new Bath head coach in the coming weeks.

In Queensland Lancaster is understood to be on a short list that also includes the incumbent coaching duo of Matt O’Connor and Nick Stiles as well as Matt Taylor who helped them to a Super Rugby title in 2011 before he joined Glasgow Warriors.

Queensland born Taylor is the favourite for the Reds job which makes Lancaster a strong contender for the Western Force opening.