BRAD Davis' future as part of the Bath coaching staff remained unclear today.

The Australian, who joined Bath from rugby league club Castleford in September 2006, has not been involved during Aviva Premiership games either side of Christmas.

The situation has intensified speculation he could depart the Recreation Ground ahead of his contract expiring later this year.

Davis, 44, has been part of a five-strong frontline coaching team at the Recreation Ground this season alongside head coach Gary Gold, Toby Booth, Mike Ford and Neal Hatley.

He previously worked with Gold's immediate Bath predecessors Steve Meehan and Sir Ian McGeechan. His role this term has concentrated on skills and kicking.

Bath today issued a statement regarding Davis.

"We would like to explain our relative silence on the issue surrounding Brad Davis' position at Bath Rugby," it read.

"We are not, for legal reasons, permitted to offer any comment whatsoever on the details of this situation.

"However, what we can certainly say is that Brad is indeed very popular here at Bath Rugby and extremely well respected as both a man and a coach.

"Overall, we want the best outcomes for both Brad and for the club, and hope to have everything settled as soon as possible.

"No further comment will be made until it is deemed appropriate to do so."

Davis is highly-regarded by Bath supporters, but it is believed he could leave the west country club sooner rather than later.

Davis played rugby league as a half-back for Castleford, Wakefield, Huddersfield and York before moving into coaching and then switching codes just over six years ago.

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