Bath pull plug on Mike Ford’s tenure as coach

Ford pays price for poor season as club finished in ninth place

Bath have announced head coach Mike Ford will leave the club at the end of the season. Photograph:  Adam Davy/PA Wire
Bath have announced head coach Mike Ford will leave the club at the end of the season. Photograph: Adam Davy/PA Wire

Bath have announced head coach Mike Ford will leave the club at the end of the current season.

Ford, who had three years left on his contract, will depart after a disappointing campaign saw his team finish ninth in the Aviva Premiership.

Ford joined Bath as first-team coach in 2012 and has been head coach for the last three seasons.

Tarquin McDonald, managing director of Bath Rugby, said in a statement on the club’s website: “Over the four years Mike has been with the club, both he and the team under his guidance have achieved a huge amount.

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“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.”

The statement continued: “Bath Rugby is currently reviewing the coaching set-up for the upcoming 2016-2017 season and will make a further announcement in due course.”