Bath head coach Steve Meehan enjoys a joke with performance director Ian McGeechan © Getty Images

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Matches: Saracens 20 - 9 Bath Rugby

Players/Officials: Steve Meehan | Ian McGeechan

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: Bath Rugby

Steve Meehan will step down as Bath head coach at the end of the season, with the club's current performance director, Ian McGeechan, poised to assume full control of team affairs.

The Australia arrived at the Recreation Ground in 2006 as backs coach but after being installed as head coach on a caretaker basis, his temporary position was made permanent later that year. Meehan guided the club to European Challenge Cup glory in 2008 and his existing deal with the club still has a year to run. However, it has now been decided by mutual consent that the former Stade Francais coach will walk away from Bath at the end of the current campaign.

"Over the past five years we've developed our style of play, played some terrific rugby, won the respect of all the clubs in the Premiership and challenged some of the biggest teams in Europe," Meehan said. "It's been a challenging yet enjoyable period, but the timing is right for me to move on at the end of this season and I wish the team every success in years to come.

"However, the key part of this season is now upon us and before I leave I will be doing everything I can to ensure we are in the play-offs and going for the title."

Bath Rugby CEO Nick Blofeld commented, "We wish Steve all the best for his future after Bath Rugby and thank him for his contribution and commitment over the past few seasons. With significant changes at the Club and a new strategy and direction in place, we have mutually agreed that it is a good point for Steve to seek a new challenge and we wish him luck wherever he goes."

Meehan will not be replaced, with McGeechan, Martin Haag and Brad Davis in charge next season. A Bath spokesperson said, "We'll be looking to manage team affairs with the resources we've got at the club."