Coach Connolly to quit Bath post

Connolly took over the role at Bath in 2003

Bath head coach John Connolly has confirmed he will quit the club at the end of the season and take a year out of the game.

Connolly took over at Bath in 2003 and led the side to the top of the Premiership table.

"Bath is a wonderful place and I've enjoyed it immensely but it was two-year deal and that time is almost up," Connolly told BBC Radio Bristol.

"I'm now going to take 12 months out from the game."

Bath's form has been inconsistent this season. They are fifth in the Premiership and have managed two wins in five Heineken Cup games to date.

Ideally, we'd love the person coming in to be here before the end of the season John Connolly on a replacement

And Connolly said: "A rugby coach is more than a job, it becomes a passion and you become involved with the players and their lives.

"There just comes a time when you have to pull back and take a break, because there's no point doing it if you're not full of enthusiasm.

"But I'll be picking up the paper to find out how Bath are doing."

Connolly is hoping he can play a part in helping his successor settle in at the Recreation Ground.

"I think it's important that we have a succession plan in order as we do with players," he said.

"Ideally, we'd love the person coming in to be here before the end of the season so they can see what's being done and who they'd like to keep.

"That's not always possible because they may be coaching elsewhere, but I think the club is in the process of having a look at things."