Vander Adam

Adam J Vander

Position: Flanker

Born: 27th January 1974 in Turners Hill, Sussex

Height: 6ft 2ins

Weight: 16st 3lbs

Education:

Achievements:

Honours:

Debut game: 9th December 1995 v London Scottish

Final game: 2nd February 1996 v Swansea

Number of Appearances: 18

Career details:

Former Bath Rugby player Adam Vander made a welcome return to the Recreation Ground from Bristol Shoguns in 2002, after an initial spell in the Blue, Black and White prior to the professional era. After making his original Bath Rugby debut in 1995 in a 33pts-24pts away victory over London Scottish, where he impressed enough to warrant the following coverage in the Bristol Evening Post, courtesy of Kevin Coughlan. “Flanker Adam Vander made an impressive senior debut as Bath’s youngsters ran the Scots ragged at Richmond Athletic Ground. The former Bath University student cut a dashing figure, both in attack and defence, displaying that rare knack of being in the right place at the right time. “He was absolutely everywhere, quite outstanding,” said assistant coach John Palmer. “He’s the best prospect I’ve seen for a long time.” Vander finished University that year but is now back in Bath after a spell with Rosslyn Park. He was given his first team chance after making a good impression in the victory by a Bath Development XV against a New Zealand junior side recently.” Despite such lavish praise early in his career, Adam found opportunities hard to come by and signed for Richmond after only playing in four matches for Bath. After his debut against London Scottish, he appeared against Exeter, Northampton and Swansea, scoring a try in the latter match. He spent two years at the sadly now defunct side playing over forty Allied Dunbar matches and registering twelve league tries, including one against Bath Rugby. With the demise of Richmond, Adam was forced to look elsewhere and the Shoguns snapped up the combative flanker at the start of the 1998/1999 season. He has since repaid the Bristol club in full with a series of exceptional performances, especially during a stand out 2001/2002 campaign, when he was in superb form whenever called upon. Born in Turners Hill, Sussex, Adam has represented his country, England, at Colts, Sevens and ‘A’ level. He made a return to Bath Rugby for the start of the 2002/2003 season, playing in the pre-season matches at Bridgend and Cardiff, going on to make 14 competitive appearances, his last being in March in the 27-10 defeat against Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens. Shortly after that fixture Adam received a major injury setback that was to rule him out completely from the 2003/2004 season and threaten his rugby career. Whilst playing for England ‘A’ against Ireland ‘A’ in March 2003 he suffered what is known as ‘lisfrancs injury’, where the bone-arch in his foot collapsed. This required two major operations and a severe re-pinning job and at one stage Adam had to re-learn how to walk. His commendable spirit, driver and determination hopefully will ensure that this likeable flanker gets the chance to play for Bath once again.

Bath Rugby Appearances: 1995/1996 & 2002/2003 – 2003/2004: 17(1)

Bath Rugby Points: 5 –1t

Bath Rugby Friendly Appearances 2000/2001 – to date: 1(1)

Signed From: Bristol Shoguns and subsequently ended his professional playing career at Richmond. Head Coach at Hayward’s Heath RFC.