BATH's coaching triumverate of Mike Ford, Neal Hatley and Toby Booth have agreed extensions to their contracts at the Rec - with former Newport Gwent Dragons head coach Darren Edwards joining the club as a first-team coach.

Edwards, who will focus on the club's individual skills programme, enjoyed a 12-year playing career, predominantly with London Welsh and London Irish and was also appointed Wales U20 coach while at the Dragons, before taking the head coach's role there in 2011.

“I can’t wait to get started at Bath,” said Edwards. “They have a fantastic and dynamic young squad, who have masses of potential to build on. It’s a really exciting time to be joining the club, and I’m looking forward to helping them reach the ambitions they have over the coming seasons.”

Ford, Booth and Hatley, who led the team to the Amlin Challenge Cup Final and fifth place in the Aviva Premiership last season, have all signed a year’s extension on their current contracts, seeing them stay at the club until at least the end of the 2015/16 season.

Head coach Ford said: “We’re thrilled Darren has agreed to join us. He’s got a wealth of experience on both the playing and coaching side, and will add another dimension to our coaching team.

“We made huge progress as a squad last season, but only really scratched the surface of what this group of players can do. Toby, Neal and I are all very excited to continue shaping the future of this great club.

“We want to build a team culture on and off the field that will create success, and we have definitely made great inroads into that.

"I know I speak on behalf of all four of us when I say we are dedicated to the club and can’t wait for the new season to start so we can pick up on the momentum gained and carry on our improvement as a squad.”

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