Heyneke front runner for Bath job

Mike Ford's departure has come just nine months after he singed a four year extension with Bath. Ford failed to emulate last season's success. This season he only manage to finish ninth in the Premiership and they crashed out at the group stage in the European Champions Cup.

Eventually, Bath owner Bruce Craig has lost his patience with Ford and had no choice but to let him go.

Tarquin McDonald, Managing Director of Bath Rugby, said in a statement: "Over the four years Mike has been with [us], 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."

Craig is now on the pursuit of Ford's suitable successor. The list of candidates include the likes of Heyneke Meyer, Crusaders' boss Todd Blackadder, Stuart Lancaster, Pat Lam and Jake White.

One source has indicated that Meyer had been identified by the club as a potential successor although it is understood that he is also in strong demand in Japan.

The 48-year-old Meyer is no stranger to the Premiership. He had a brief spell as director of rugby at Leicester Tigers in 2008 before he resigned after a period of compassionate leave to return to South Africa to help care for his wife’s parents.

In a statement Bath said: "[We are] currently reviewing the coaching set-up for the upcoming 2016-2017 season and will make a further announcement in due course,"

Source: The Telegraph