BATH'S director of rugby Gary Gold has left the club, it was announced this afternoon.

Gold, who arrived at the club in the summer of 2012 from Newastle Falcons to head up a new coaching team, adopted the director of rugby role after a reshuffle during the summer, with Mike Ford becoming the club's head coach.

Referring to his departure, a club statement said today: "The decision was taken following a re-structure in the rugby department and with the best interests of both Gary and the club in mind.

"No further comment will be made until it is appropriate.''

The news will come as a surprise to many Bath supporters, coming as it does with the club on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Bath are third in the Aviva Premiership table after an impressive start to the season and sit top of their Amlin Challenge Cup and LV = Cup pools.

The former Springbok assistant coach, 46, had overseen a gradual turnaround in Bath's fortunes. They finished seventh last term but extensive summer recruitment has helped them start this campaign strongly.

South African Gold's changed brief last summer saw him contine to oversee the club's rugby department, with responsibility for recruitment, wage cap management, overseeing the medical and strength and conditioning departments and the Academy.

Ford became head coach, assuming responsibility for the day to day preparation of the first team, with Neal Hatley and Toby Booth continuing as first team coaches.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON GOLD'S DEPARTURE BELOW AND READ MORE ON THIS STORY IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES