Meehan (left) joined Bath in the summer from Stade Francais

Meehan joined the club in the summer as backs coach and took on the role of acting head coach in August after Bath lost Brian Ashton to England.

The news ends speculation that former England coach Andy Robsinon would return to the club.

"Steve has made a very positive impression on everyone at the club," said Bath chief executive Bob Calleja.

"We are very pleased with the way that he has settled in.

"He has worked extremely hard and has won the full support of the management and players.

That the club has seen fit to give me this opportunity fills me with confidence Steve Meehan

"The decision to have a trial period was a great opportunity for Steve, a relatively young coach, to take on the responsibilities associated with the head coach role and see what the job involved."

Meehan, who spent four years as backs and skills coach at Stade Francais, added: "I am very happy to take on the full responsibility of this role, and that the club has seen fit to give me this opportunity fills me with confidence.

"I am looking forward to getting on with the job of helping the players at Bath develop to their full potential, which will lead towards the team becoming one of the top teams in England."

Meehan started his coaching career in Queensland in 1999 and has worked as Queensland under-19 selector and Brisbane head coach.

He joined Stade Francais in 2002 and during his time at the club, they reached the French championship final three years running, winning it twice.

Bath are ninth in the Guinness Premiership with three wins from nine games, but are on course to reach this season's European Challenge Cup quarter-finals.