ENGLAND Coach Neal Hatley is Quitting Intentional Rugby after the World Cup to return to Bath.
It is another blow to boss Eddie Jones, who last summer lost defence specialist Paul Gustard to Harlequins.
And it is also another strong hint that Jones' time at Twickenham will come to an end this year – despite signing a contract extension until 2021 just last year.
The Premiership club confirmed that Red Rose scrum coach Hatley will join up after Japan 2019 as he joins The Rec's new set-up, which will be led by Stuart Hooper.
Hatley will be in charge of both the pack and defence and work alongside ex Ireland international Girvan Dempsey who leads the attack and backs.
Bath said: "Hatley brings a wealth of coaching experience and knowledge of high performing environments during his time with England.
"The development of Bath Rugby’s players and its game will be significantly benefited by the strength and quality of Hatley’s skills and track record of developing world class players, and driving the performance of a forward pack, to win games at the very highest level.
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"Hatley’s work to build the club’s defensive game will be aligned with the attributes and expertise of Dempsey.
"A true scholar of the game with an exceptional attacking mind, Dempsey will continue to drive the growth of Bath’s attacking game in order to achieve the type of success that Dempsey and Hatley have both enjoyed with Leinster and England."
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