Goodbyes are part and parcel of rugby at this time of year.
In the professional era, the merry-go-round spins and spins, and players and coaches come and go.
Changes were always going to be made during the first year of Gary Gold's tenure as head coach. He made it clear when he arrived at The Rec that he would take stock of what was currently at his disposal before making any significant changes.
And so it has proved, with Gold recruiting on an ad hoc basis throughout the season but without embarking on a major splurge.
Horacio Agulla, Semesa Rokoduguni and Mat Gilbert are among the mid-season arrivals who have made an undoubted impact.
All will be playing a major part in Gold's plans for next season, with Gilbert's contract extension already announced and Agulla looking increasingly settled with the passing of every week in his two-season deal.
Army tank driver Rokoduguni – the least known of the trio – has seized his chances whenever they have come and the exciting outside back will surely be given the opportunity to further grow in a professional environment next season.
In terms of finance, Gold's recruitment options are broadened by Stephen Donald's announcement this week that he will be leaving Bath at the end of the season rather than seeing out the third year on his contract, as was his option.
Donald's arrival in 2011 represented a weighty addition to the Bath Rugby payroll, so his decision to leave the Premiership and ply his trade in Japan gives Gold the chance to consider a number of avenues.
The All Black's departure is not a great surprise for a variety of reasons. Injury has prevented Donald from securing a significant, extended run of games, and under those circumstances the Bath backline has appeared disjointed at times.
No more so than towards the end of last season, when the New Zealander was demoted to the Bath United team following frank talks with the club's management.
But Donald's cause has not always been helped by some of those who should have been on his side – and I refer to sections of Bath's fan base.
Indeed, Bath Rugby Supporters' Club chairman Glyn Edwards wrote on these pages in February about his disbelief at hearing him jeered at The Rec.
What an embarrassing and disgraceful episode that was. If Donald hasn't shown Bath his best yet, then Bath hasn't shown its best to Donald, either.
Lest the jeerers forget, Donald has played decisive roles in a number of games. His debut against Montpellier showed off his ability to open up defences with his passing game and against Irish on New Year's Day in 2012, he gave a half-back master-class alongside Michael Claassens.
His victorious kicking duel with Harlequin and fellow All Black Nick Evans at The Rec earlier this season gave Bath a famous win.
There are a few weeks left yet for a reconciliation. Let's hope Donald has the chance to produce the fiery-eyed swansong that his predecessor, Butch James, delivered.
And that he's given a warm farewell.
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