Head coach Mike Ford is to leave Bath at the end of the season, the club have confirmed today.

Ford joined Bath in 2012, initially as first-team coach before stepping up to the position of head coach for the past three seasons.

Under Ford's guidance, Bath reached the Aviva Premiership final in 2014-15, losing to Saracens at Twickenham, but struggled this season and finished ninth in the table.

Bath managing director Tarquin McDonald said: “Over the four years Mike has been with the club, both he and the team under his guidance have achieved a huge amount.

"He has developed an exciting, attacking style of rugby, helped to develop exciting talent and in 2014-15 he brought the team to the final against Saracens at Twickenham.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike for all his hard work, passion and commitment to the club and wish him all the best for the future."

A statement from the club added: "Bath Rugby is currently reviewing the coaching set-up for the upcoming 2016-17 season and will make a further announcement in due course."