Foley, Graham And Mallac Sign New Contracts

With Head Coach John Connolly having already put pen to paper on a new deal with the club, Foley and Graham's commitment finalises the on-field coaching staff for the new season.

Mike Foley, a World cup Winner with the Wallabies in 1999-has been with the club for three seasons and has already established a reputation within the Zurich Premiership as one of the best young coaches around having turned Bath Rugby's pack into one of the most powerful units in the competition. Foley will continue to coach the forward pack.

Richard Graham joined Bath Rugby at the beginning of the 2002-03 season and is a talented young coach who is growing in stature. Richard, who was the backs coach last season, will also look after the defence (a role he has fulfilled in the past) with Brian Smith moving on to take a head coach role in Japan.

Chris Mallac is incredibly well respected by the players and was an instrumental factor behind the resurrection of Matt Perry's career and the rapid rehabilitation of Mike Tindall, Robbie Fleck and Lee Best after serious injury. He is one of the leading experts in his field.

"Both Mike Foley and Richard Graham work extremely hard," said Director of Rugby Jack Rowell. "They are both committed young coaches who are learning all the time whilst drawing off the vast experience of John Connolly. They lived through the threat of relegation together two seasons ago and along with Connolly helped to evolve the squad into a side that pushed hard for honours last season. The challenge now is to build on the momentum of last season and push further forward into what will be a tough season of Zurich Premiership and Heineken Cup rugby."

"Chris Mallac has proven invaluable to Bath Rugby," said Rowell. "The club has suffered a plethora of injuries over the past couple of seasons and Chris has had several big challenges since his arrival two seasons ago-not least getting Matt Perry back on his feet once again. Importantly the players have great belief in his ability and he has taken the role of the physio department on to another level."

Last season the club rose from 11th in the Zurich Premiership table to the top and narrowly missed out on the Zurich Premiership title in the final at Twickenham nearly a fortnight ago. The club's ascendancy back to a 'box office' side was Director of Rugby Jack Rowell's aim when he rejoined the club two seasons ago, and with a return to the top and a place in next season's Heineken Cup booked, the aim was met.

"The Heineken Cup is what it is all about," said Head Coach Connolly. "It is the ultimate prize as a club side and we are all really looking forward to what will be a massive challenge next season. Our goal at the beginning of last season was to qualify for the competition and we are glad to have achieved that goal."

The Bath Rugby squad, including new signings Nick Walshe and Joe Maddock will report for pre-season training in early July.