Bath reveal Gary Gold’s shock exit followed dispute over his role

Gary Gold claimed he left Bath this week on good terms (Getty Images)

Bath have sought to clarify the circumstances of Gary Gold’s departure as director of rugby by stating his removal followed a disagreement over his role.

It was announced on Monday that Gold had left the Recreation Ground even though the club sit third in the Premiership and top of their Amlin Challenge Cup pool.

The South African had already been moved upstairs after being marginalised on the training ground following the summer arrival of head coach Mike Ford.

Bath explained on Monday that his exit was because of a restructuring, fuelling speculation of a power struggle, but yesterday announced the reason was due to a dispute over his position.

“After the last few months it became clear the club and Gary were not able to agree on how to define the role of director of rugby,” read a statement released by the club.

It has been suggested Gold’s departure was acrimonious, but both he and Bath owner Bruce Craig insisted they parted company on good terms. “It’s with deep regret that my time at Bath has come to an end after amicable and respectful discussions,” Gold said. “I’ve no doubt Bath will go from strength to strength in years to come and I sincerely wish them all the very best of fortune.”

Craig added: “Gary will always be welcome at the Rec and I’ve no doubt he’ll prove a tremendous asset wherever he goes from here.”

Gold, a former Springbok assistant coach, arrived at Bath in May 2012, initially as head coach, before becoming director of rugby on Ford’s summer appointment as head coach.

Gold had overseen a gradual upturn in Bath’s fortunes – they finished seventh last season and were on a nine-match unbeaten run at the time of Gold’s departure.