Callard confirmed that he will leave the Recreation Ground with immediate effect after effectively being passed over in a restructuring of the club.

Former Australian international Michael Foley, who only moved to Bath in December as assistant coach, has been appointed team director.

"My time at Bath has been fantastic and I would like to thank the players, supporters and the club and wish them well for the future."

Callard's departure means that half of the 12 Premiership coaches who started the campaign in August have now left their posts.

His position had been the subject of intense speculation for some time.

Bath failed to match pre-season expectations and have never recovered from a shock opening-day defeat at newly-promoted Leeds.

After dominating the domestic scene in the late 1980s and early 90s, they have seen arch-rivals Leicester win three successive league titles - with a fourth almost certain this season - as well as the Heineken Cup.

The last straw for Callard may have been the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat by Llanelli in January, and it is unlikely the West country side will qualify for next season's competition.

Callard was offered the chance to work under Foley in the capacity of head coach but, with a director of rugby also set to be installed as part of the restructuring process, he decided not to stay.

Andrew Brownsword, Bath's millionaire backer, added: "Jon Callard has made a major contribution to Bath as a player and a coach. We wish him the very best of luck in the future."