BATH forward Andy Lloyd has been ruled out for the rest of the season after tests confirmed he requires an operation on his troublesome back.

The 20-year-old Welshman (pictured right), who has featured in both the second and back rows for his club, will go under the knife for surgery on a bulging disc.

Bath hope the player will be operated on quickly but the blow is still likely to end his particpation in this season's campaign.

Coach Jon Callard admitted: "He definitely needs an operation and we're hoping it can happen as soon as possible.''

Lloyd's problems have restricted him to just one substitute appearance so far this season.

The Swansea-born ace recovered from previous surgery to make appearances in all Bath's Zurich Championship games last season, going on to earn a first cap for Wales on their summer tour to Japan.

And Callard added: "He played superbly well for us at the end of last season. We've got a real gem and unfortunately we've been robbed of him.''

Meanwhile. Callard's new assistant Michael Foley has poured more scorn on reports suggesting Stade Francais chief John Connolly could be heading for a coaching role the Rec.

Callard had rubbished the rumours which circulated following confirmation that former Springbok coach Nick Mallett would be taking over from Connolly at the French club at the end of the season.

And Foley, formerly coached by Connolly at Queensland, added: "I am very good friends with John Connolly and I can give my 100 per cent assurance that the club are not talking to him.

"Bath know nothing about this and I understand he might have an offer from someone else.''

Connolly, who guided Stade to the Heineken Cup final last season, also insisted no such move was on the cards.