Jack Rowell was today unveiled as Bath's new director of rugby and immediately admitted that "daunting task" awaits him.

Rowell returns to the Recreation Ground eight years after he left the Premiership club to take charge of England.

During the 65-year-old's first stint with Bath, he masterminded five league title triumphs and eight Twickenham cup final successes from eight attempts, a sequence which included three league and cup doubles.

But he is under no illusions as to what awaits him, given Bath's spectacular demise last season when only Leeds finished below them in the Premiership.

"I am one of those people who cannot resist a fresh challenge, and the opportunity to help Bath has come at a good time," said Rowell, who has relinquished his post as managing director at Bristol.

He admits he has no magic wand to wave following his appointment.

However, he believes it is an offer he couldn't turn down. "In business I have made my name by turning round companies which were in a parlous situation.

"To an extent I did that at Bristol and now I am trying to do it again with Bath.

"I am not a messiah, and I have no magic wand to wave. It is not going to be easy because once you slip down the pecking order, someone jumps into your place and seals the gap.

"But I have an inner drive and desire for this club to succeed. This is a challenge I could not resist."

Bristol chairman Malcolm Pearce said: "Jack was good enough to come on board when I first came to Bristol four years ago.

"He found the time to help out and give us the benefit of his enormous experience of the game, and we were delighted when he agreed to take on the job of managing director for two years pending his retirement.

"During this period, the club has come a long way, and it is now time to change gear and take another positive step forward."