BATH will face former coach Jon Callard in a tricky opener to their Zurich Premiership campaign in September.

The Recreation Ground side, who avoided relegation by the skin of the ir teeth last season, learned they must travel to face Leeds Tykes on September 14 to kick off their bid after their official fixture list was published yesterday.

It is a repeat of the first game two seasons ago when, ironically, Callard took Bath up to the then-league newcomers and lost 10-9 beginning a run of four successive defeats.

That was the beginning of the end for Callard, who was through the exit door four months later but has since turned the Headingley into a challenging Premiership outfit.

And the visiting Bath side that confronts him this time is likely to be virtually unrecognisible from the squad he left behind.

Samoan Feaunati will be making an immediate return to the club he left.

Bath follow the Headingley tester with a home clash against Northampton Saints six days later on September 20.

Appointments at Sale Sharks (September 26) and London Wasps (October 5) follow.