Gary Gold has left his post as Bath director of rugby with immediate effect.

The South African joined the Aviva Premiership club in May 2012 before guiding the team to a seventh-placed finish last season.

Bath have enjoyed a strong start to the current campaign as they sit in third place in the table after nine games.

However, Gold has now parted company with the West-Country outfit due to a "re-structure in the rugby department" at the Recreation Ground.

"Bath Rugby can today confirm that Gary Gold has left the club with immediate effect," read an official statement.

"The decision was taken following a re-structure in the rugby department and with the best interests of both Gary and the club in mind."

Bath return to action on Saturday when they play host to Mogliano in the European Challenge Cup.