STALWART Bath prop John Mallett has announced his shock departure from the Zurich Premiership side at the end of this season.

The 32-year-old confirmed yesterday he would end his 12-year association with the Rec after the current campaign to take up a job as director of rugby at Brighton College.

Sports science graduate Mallett (above) will take charge of coaching at the college, but admitted it was a tough decision to call time on a glittering Bath career.

"I'll be very sad leaving Bath and very disappointed in one sense,'' he told the Advertiser.

"It's a huge wrench, but the other side of it is that it's a chance for me to start out on the coaching ladder and try something a bit different.

"My contract was up at the end of the season and although I was discussing a new one, this opportunity looked very good.''

Bath fans were also hit by the news last night that their England forward Danny Grewcock has been cited on two counts of striking another player during last Saturday's clash against Northampton.

The Bath skipper, capped 38 times by England, also faces a charge that he committed an act 'contrary to good sportsmanship', which is thought to relate to a first-half spat when he tore up opposite number Mark Connors' scrum cap following a wrestling match between the players.

Grewcock, who successfully appealed against a five-week ban imposed for foul play earlier this season, must appear before a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel at Gatwick next Tuesday.

Mallett's announcement came a day after the launch of his testimonial match, which takes place at the Rec next Friday (7.15pm).

The Past v Present contest will feature some of Bath's legendary names.

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