Callard named Bath coach

Jon Callard: It's the biggest job in club rugby

Jon Callard has been appointed new head coach of Bath, replacing Andy Robinson who has moved on to coach England.

The 34-year-old former Bath and England full-back has been promoted from his position as assistant coach at the club.

Speaking about his new role, he said: "Coach of Bath is the biggest job in club rugby, and I am very honoured to have been asked to do it," he said.

"I wish Andy all the best in his new role with England, and it won't be easy for me here. But my philosophy is hard work, and I have to channel my emotions for this club into the players.

'Expectancy'

"The existing Bath squad is very strong, but we want to add to it.

"I've been here for 11 years, and am aware of the fans' expectancy to win trophies."

Callard joined Bath from Newport 11 years ago, winning five England caps and scoring more than 1,000 league points.

He was also named man-of-the-match when Bath were crowned England's first European Champions in 1998 after defeating Brive 19-18 in Bordeaux.

Callard will appoint an assistant in due course, but that is unlikely to happen before Bath reconvene for pre-season training in mid-July.