BATH co-coach Mike Foley has hailed departing prop forward John Mallett as an example to any up-and-coming professional rugby player.

And the Australian World Cup winner reckons his squad will pay their own tribute at Friday's Past v Present match which forms the centrepiece of the veteran front row's testimonial celebrations.

Mallett has announced he will quit at the end of the current campaign, choosing to take up a director of rugby post with Brighton College.

It will be a loss to both Bath as Foley is convinced the 32-year-old is actually improving with age.

"During my time here John has been instumental in being a shining light to young players,'' said the ex-Wallaby. "He is an example of what it is to be not only a professional rugby player, but a very good team man.

"Considering some of the setbacks he has had in his career, including back surgery and glandular fever, to come out and establish himself as the No 1 tighthead over someone like Alessio Galasso is a tribute to him.''

Foley admitted: "I spoke to John at the start of the season when the thought was he might play second fiddle.

"All John said was that he wanted a chance to compete for the position and I agreed with that. At this stage of his career, I actually think he is improving and that is testament to his perseverance and determination.''

Foley will use Friday's clash to give his squad a chance to blow away the cobwebs.

He added: "It's a great opportunity for everyone at the club to show their support for John.

"The squad, to a man, will be throwing themselves into it because it is John. You don't have to ask people they will step forward.

"It's also a good opportunity to have a hit out for some players who have not had games for a few weeks. It's important for the season but particularly the Wasps match (April 6) away.

"While our primary focus is to support John, there will be an opportunity within that to put into practice what we want to do.''

To that end, Foley and co-coach Brian Smith have selected nine full internationals to take on the famous names in the Past team.

Mallett will spearhead the 'Present side' as he has done on 212 occasions for his club.

Galasso, Andy Long, Andy Lloyd, Nathan Thomas, Elvis Seveali'i, Olly Barkley, Mike Catt and Tom Voyce are the other players with international experience in the side.

Ticket prices for the match start at £8 for adults and £5 for children, and are available at the Bath ticket office (01225 460588).

There are still tickets available for the match through the Bath Rugby ticket office on 01225 460588.

BATH captain Danny Grewcock faces a possible suspension when he comes before an RFU disciplinary panel at Gatwick Airport's Holiday Inn Hotel tonight.

Grewcock faces three charges two of striking an opponent and one of unsporting behaviour arising from relegation strugglers Bath's 27-10 home defeat by Northampton the previous weekend.

A ban could rule him out of England's Grand Slam decider with Ireland on Sunday.