Bath head coach John Connolly has ended speculation about his Rec future by agreeing to lead Bath's assault on the Heineken Cup next season.

Connolly has guided Bath to the top of the Premiership and into the semi-finals of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup, as well as securing a Heineken place for the 2004-05 campaign.

But with his current deal due to expire in the summer, there were fears he could be snapped up by rivals.

General manager Bob Calleja said: "We are very pleased that John is committing himself, particularly with the challenging prospect of Heineken Cup rugby next season.''

Connolly, who could hand Springbok international centre Robbie Fleck a start in Sunday's Premiership clash at Northampton, said: "Now we've secured Heineken Cup rugby for next season we want to go on and do as well as we can in the remainder of the Zurich Premiership and the Parker Pen Challenge Cup.

"Next year we will be looking to step up a level and keep on progressing and I'm glad to be a part of that."

Meanwhile, skipper Danny Grewcock is likely to return from injury to lead Bath at Northampton.