Bath's eyes on Henry

LONDON - English premiership club Bath is lining up former Auckland, Blues and Wales coach Graham Henry to become its director of rugby.

Henry, who resigned as Welsh coach during the Six Nations Championship last month, to be replaced by fellow New Zealander Steve Hansen, has just returned to Britain from a holiday in New Zealand.

"It's terrific to be linked with a club of Bath's stature," Henry said.

"There has been no formal contact with Bath. That is all I can say."

However, a Bath official confirmed that an appointment could be made this week. The vacancy arose when Jon Callard resigned as the club's head coach last week.

Bath was among the powerhouses of the English club game, but its senior team have had a lean time this season.

They are eighth equal in the 12-team competition, and lost last weekend, 37-9, to competition leaders Leicester.

The Bath team include two England internationals, fullback Iain Balshaw and lock Danny Grewcock, and Irish test centre Kevin Maggs.

Bath also have a new coach, former Australian and Reds hooker Michael Foley.

- INDEPENDENT