Jon Callard spent the first six months of last season trying to keep Bath ahead of Leeds in the Zurich Premiership relegation battle. Sacked for his pains, he was yesterday appointed the Yorkshire club's first-team coach.

It is a subordinate role for Callard, who was director of rugby at Bath and turned down the offer of demotion last February, and he will answer to the Leeds rugby director Phil Davies. "I have a huge respect for Phil," said Callard.

"Leeds have impressed me with their honesty and integrity and they have a realistic vision. I relish the opportunity to help take the club to the next level after a good first season in the Premiership."

Davies recruited Callard as a replacement for Stephen Bachop but with greater responsibilities. "I am delighted to have attracted a coach of Jon's calibre," said Davies. "His is a new role which I have wanted to create for some time and he is perfect for it."

Bath, who yesterday signed the Bristol flanker Adam Vander, did not markedly improve after Callard's departure and only the decision of England Rugby Ltd not to grant promotion to the first division champions Rotherham saved them a relegation showdown with Leeds and Saracens.

Wasps are favourites to sign the scrum-half Robert Howley who looks to be on his way out of Cardiff after being refused an extension on his contract.