Bath's director of rugby Jack Rowell has voiced his concern about mounting speculation that the club could be set to merge with Bristol Shoguns.

According to reports, negotiations are at an advanced stage between the two struggling west country sides.

Both clubs are just one point above London Irish at the bottom of the Zurich Premiership and meet at Ashton Gate on Sunday in what could be a relegation decider.

Any merger would stave off the threat of one of the two dropping down to Division One, but is bound to prove unpopular with both sets of fans.

Rowell said: "To have relegation hanging over us is one thing, but to have this is another thing entirely.

"Bath Rugby Club is a substantial piece of the Bath ethos and way of life. I wouldn't like to think that was about to be abrogated.''

Chippenham won the Bath Combination Cup with a 19-0 victory over Walcot at Bath's Recreation Ground last night.