Connolly to stay longer at Bath

Connolly took over at Bath in 2003

Bath coach John Connolly has confirmed he will stay with the club for at least the first half of next season.

Connolly had been set to return to Australia but has delayed that because Bath have failed to find a replacement.

"I will certainly be back for the first half of next season and we will see what happens after that," the Australian told The Guardian.

Bath had been linked with ex-Munster coach Alan Gaffney and former SRU director of rugby Ian McGeechan.

But Gaffney is joining the Australian management team while McGeechan has been installed as director of rugby at Wasps.

"The club has another few months to look for someone else but I am happy to come back," added Connolly.

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

But their form has been inconsistent this season and in mid-January Connolly announced his intention to take a year out of the game at the end of the current campaign.