Rowell, who was unveiled at a lunchtime press conference on Thursday, confirmed his return to the Recreation Ground eight years after he left to lead the England team in 1994.

The 65-year-old won five league titles and eight cup finals from eight attempts, doing the double three times in his first stint at the helm in Bath.

Rowell has spent the past 18 months as managing director at neighbours Bristol.

But his contract came to an end following their defeat in the final of the Zurich Championship to Gloucester on Saturday.

He will head a new coaching infrastructure at Bath, which includes Australian Michael Foley who took over the coaching duties from Jon Callard midway through last season.

The club narrowly avoided relegation from the Zurich Premiership and are looking to make major changes during the summer.

And Rowell is under no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting him at the Recreation Ground.

Rowell said: "I am one of those people who cannot resist a fresh challenge, and the opportunity to help Bath has come at a good time.

"Others can continue the work I have begun at Bristol, while I can apply myself to the daunting task of improving the fortunes of Bath."

Rowell's first job is likely to be to try and persuade England international Mike Catt to stay with the club.

Catt has a year left on his contract at the Rec, but is said to be thinking over a move to Leeds Tykes - the only side to finish below Bath last season.

Catt call

French club Begles-Bordeaux are also thought to be interested in the 30-year-old, who missed much of last season through injury.

Foley has admitted he is keen to keep hold of the popular player, who is in line for a lucrative testimonial at the end of his current deal.

"I would want him to at least see out the remaining year of his current contract but if money is an issue I would be prepared to talk to him about a longer term deal," said Foley.

"His impact on the team is massive. You only have to look at our record and the percentage of games we win when he is in the side."