FULL-BACK Matt Perry admits the bulging disc in his back may keep him out of Bath's battle against Zurich Premiership relegation.

The England and British Lions ace has been out of action for several weeks because of the problem, which flared up during a national squad training session before the international with France earlier this month.

A scan has revealed that Perry does not require surgery but it's still unclear whether the 36-cap man will make it back for Bath's crucial league run-in, having initially expected to return after a month.

Perry said: "It's frustrating but if I'm out for the rest of the season, it would be better for me in the long run.''

Elsewhere on the injury front, scrum-half Andy Williams is recovering from a knee reconstruction operation performed in Swindon.

The Wales A star is not expected back in action until Christmas.

n Confusion surrounds attempts by Welsh First Division side Pontypool to sign former Bath chief Jon Callard to their coaching team.

Callard was rumoured to be in line for a link-up with another former Bath man, Richard Hill, with both set to operate as a backs coaches at Pontypool Park.

But Callard described the speculation as "totally bizarre'' and insisted he has had no contact with the Welsh club.

However, Pooler benefactor Bob Jude still insists Callard and Hill are top of his wanted list and is expected to try and initiate a meeting through Hill.