James confirms Ospreys departure

Ospreys and Wales forward Paul James has completed a move to Aviva Premiership side Bath to 'develop his career'.

The 29-year-old, who can play either at loose head or tight head, has been with the Welsh region since the start in 2003 and made over 170 appearances for the club, scoring seven tries. James, who has won 34 caps for Wales, was out of contract this summer and has sought pastures new, and is now relishing the prospect of plying his trade in the Premiership. "I feel I need a new challenge to keep developing my career," James said. "Bath is a very ambitious club and I'm excited by the prospect of being a part of that. The Premiership is one of the toughest leagues and I can't wait to get started." James is not the only star leaving the regio,n with hooker Huw Bennett off to France and Sonny Parker heading to London Welsh, while Shane Williams calls time on his career. Tommy Bowe, Tom Smith and Nikki Walker will also leave the region at the end of the season.