Bath reach out to Johann Van Graan as Heyneke Meyer buzz continues

In their serious quest to find a replacement for Mike Ford, Bath Rugby seems to have approached Springboks forward coach, Johann Van Graan according to reports.

Van Graan was also the assistant coach of Springboks during the World Cup under Heyneke Meyer where South Africa managed to finish third and his contract was renewed post the mega-event under new coach Allister Coetzee.

The report further went on to add that Van Graan is in line to take up the role of forwards coach at Bath while his ex-boss Meyer is the likely candidate to be at the helm as owner Bruce Craig is looking to re-create a South African set-up.

Ford, 50, was sacked from Bath on Monday despite having three years of contract left after the side had a disappointing finish of ninth position in Aviva Premiership while also failing to make the knockout stage in the European Champions Cup.

Apart from Meyer, Connacht's Pat Lam and former England coach Stuart Lancaster are also linked with the vacant position at Bath as the club is looking to overhaul their coaching panel.