Leinster backs coach Girvan Dempsey is set to leave the province at the end of the season to join Aviva Premiership club Bath.

Dempsey will join the English side as attack coach ahead of the 2018/19 season.

The departure is as a blow to Leinster, the announcement coming just days after Dempsey, along with head coaches Leo Cullen and Stuart Lancaster, led the province to their fourth European title with victory over Racing 92 in Bilbao.

The former Ireland international was capped 82-times by his country as player, retiring from rugby at the end of the 2009/10 season.

Immediately following his retirement Dempsey was appointed Elite Player Development Officer at the province, and in 2012 he took up a role as Leinster's Academy manager, with a number of the current generation of Leinster stars coming through the academy system under his watch.

The former Leinster full-back was then appointed backs coach by Leo Cullen ahead of the 2015/16 season, a role he held at the time of his departure.

Bath Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder praised the appointment, describing Dempsey as a "fantastic addition" to the English side's coaching ticket.

“Girvan is a fantastic addition to our team and I believe together we can go on to great things, not only next season but for years to come.”

Dempsey himself said he was looking forward to the challenge ahead of him at the Premiership club.

“I’m really looking forward to starting a new chapter in my coaching career. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Leinster, but I’m excited about what lies ahead with Bath," Dempsey said.

“They have a world-class setup and playing squad. I will be looking to bring my experiences and knowledge to support Todd and the coaching team in delivering success to this great Club.”

Online Editors