BATH coach Toby Booth sees the departure of Wales prop Paul James at the end of the season as an opportunity for the club’s other looseheads to step up.

James, 32, will return to Welsh region the Ospreys, from whom he joined Bath in 2012.

The 55-times capped man has been a key member of Bath’s pack, having made 59 appearances for the club.

Booth admitted James’ departure would be a loss, but added that it throws down the gauntlet to the likes of Nathan Catt and Nick Auterac to step into the breach.

“Paul will be a miss because of what he’s brought as a player and individual, both leadership-wise and experience-wise,’’ said Booth.

“He’s decided to go back to Wales and, from a personal point of view at this stage of his career, that’s the right decision.

“It provides an opportunity for these other guys to step up into the shirt and show what they can do.’’

James, who will feature in Warren Gatland’s Wales squad for the Autumn Series, where they will face Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa, said: “From a family perspective, it’s been a wonderful experience for us living here too, but it’s the right time for us to move back home to Wales.

“However, there’s still a lot to play for here at Bath and I look forward to finishing this season on a high with the team.’’

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