Bath confirm their South African imports

NEWS: Bath has confirmed the arrival of two more South Africans at The Recreation Ground.

It is not a secret, but the Premiership club on Tuesday made the formal announcement that former Springbok assistant coach and current Munster mentor Johann van Graan will be the new head coach at The Rec.

He will be joined by the highly-rated defence coach and fellow South African JP Ferreira, who also makes the move from Munster.

Munster confirmed the departure of Ferreira, who joined the Irish province in December 2017 - with Van Graan.

"This has not been an easy decision to make as my family and I have thoroughly enjoyed our life in Limerick and are part of a very close-knit community," Ferreira said.

"I have been in this role for five seasons and during this time I have enjoyed every minute of coaching at this incredible club.

"The experience I have gained and the friendships that I have made along the way will forever stay with me.

"The way Munster opened their arms to my family and I throughout my tenure has been outstanding and we are forever grateful to everyone that has made this journey memorable and possible.

"On a personal note, as a family with young children we have an opportunity to experience a different environment and new challenges and we feel this move is the right next step for us.

"I'm very proud of what this group has achieved, and I'm excited for the months ahead as we remain focused on the task at hand, committed to delivering success with this group of players and staff."

Former Wales lock Luke Charteris will continue as the Bath line-out coach, as will Neal Hatley in his role as forwards coach.

The club is yet to appoint a new attack coach, but is expected to fill the position before the end of the season.

"We are pleased to confirm these appointments," Bath CEO Tarquin McDonald said.

"The current coaching unit will continue in their posts until the end of the 2021/22 season, and the club is grateful for the continuing contributions of David Williams, Mark Lilley and Ryan Davis.

"Stuart Hooper will continue in his role as Director of Rugby."