Taulupe Faletau to leave Bath Rugby
The number eight is set to join an unnamed Welsh side
Bath Rugby forward Taulupe Faletau will leave the club at the end of the current season.
The news has been confirmed by Bath today, saying the number eight will join an "unnamed Welsh side".
Over five years Faletau has played 64 times for the blue, black and whites and become a well known international player for Wales.
Bath say he has set his sights on playing in the 2023 World Cup and wants to return to Wales to "put himself in the best possible position to perform for his country".
“It continues to be a privilege to work with Taulupe; he is a world-class No.8 who makes a significant impact on the field," Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said.
“When all are fit and well, we have a robust back row and fierce competition across all three positions.
"As we develop our squad for 2022 a crucial factor is the availability of our players throughout the season.
"Having a squad that can compete during the international calendar is becoming fundamental as the quality of competition in the Premiership increases.
"Taulupe leaves with our blessing, and we all wish him well for his future.
"We will, of course, give him a brilliant send-off when the time comes; until then, our focus remains resolute on delivering a campaign we can all be proud of.”
Faletau, a three time British and Irish Lion, has been capped 86 times by Wales and says he will leave Bath with "fond memories".
"Bath has been a brilliant club for me over the years and I owe it a lot," he says in a statement.
“I feel lucky to have played with such a great group of boys and I know that Bath’s success is coming.
“I will miss the team and everyone at the club, but my heart is set on returning to Wales and hopefully continuing my international playing ambitions.
"It feels like the right time for me, and my family, to return home.
“To date, I’m disappointed to not have been able to personally contribute more but I am looking forward to giving it my all for the rest of the season in Blue, Black and White.
“To the fans who continue to support through the highs and lows - thank you.”