BATH'S final Zurich Premiership match on Sunday their final chance to escape the threat of relegation could be rendered virtually meaningless by an edict from English rugby's governing body today.

English Rugby Limited were expected to announce some time today whether South Yorkshire outfit Rotherham are to take their place in the top flight following their runaway National League victory this season.

Rumours have been circulating for days that Rotherham will be excluded despite switching their home from Clifton Lane to the town football club's home of Millmoor to fulfill stadium requirements.

That would hand Bath, who along with Saracens and rock-bottom Leeds Tykes are still in peril, an 11th-hour reprieve ahead of their 'must-win' televised clash at home to Wasps, leaving them in the bizarre position of having just pride to play for.

The decision has already been delayed twice, leading cynics to conclude that the leading clubs are waiting to find out who finishes bottom.

But it's believed to be Rotherham, rather than one of the other three, that will pocket the £750,000 parachute payment on offer to the 'relegated' team.

Bath general manager Bob Calleja said: "I have heard the rumours that are circulating but I can't confirm our view of it until we see what is going to unfold.

"I want to see confirmation of these rumours and I want to see what criteria has been applied.

He added: "No-one associated with Bath Rugby wants to be in this position again, it has been a difficult season.''

BATH legend Jeremy Guscott will join players from arch-rivals Gloucester in Swindon tomorrow to help launch the eight-team end-of-season Zurich Championship.

Meanwhile, Gloucester have two players up for the Zurich England Rugby Awards on May 20 flanker James Forrester for young player of the season and fly-half Ludovic Mercier among the overseas player choices.