BATH have moved closer to receiving a fine from Premiership Rugby for allowing Taulupe Faletau to play for Wales in Saturday's 24-22 win over South Africa in Cardiff.

Premiership Rugby has confirmed it has charged Bath with allegedly breaching the English domestic league governing body's approved policies.

Bath released Faletau for Wales' clash with South Africa in a move that fell outside of World Rugby's official window for releasing players for Test duty.

And now Bath could be hit with monetary sanctions for allowing the British and Irish Lions back-rower to feature for Wales.

"Premiership Rugby confirms that Bath Rugby have today been charged with allegedly breaching Premiership Rugby approved policies," read a Premiership Rugby statement.

"The allegation relates to the Premiership Rugby Board policy around international duty and specifically Taulupe Faletau being released outside the periods specified in World Rugby Regulation 9.

"Bath Rugby have seven days to respond to the allegation and once that time has passed Premiership Rugby will issue a further update. Premiership Rugby will make no further comment until that time."

Meanwhile, Josh Bayliss, Tom Ellis, and Elliott Stooke have all extended their contracts with Bath.

Academy star Bayliss, 20, will step up into the senior squad for the 2018/19 season, the England U20 Grand Slam winner impressing this season in the victories in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and in his Aviva Premiership debut against London Irish in November.

“I’ve learnt a huge amount in my time with Bath so far, and I know this is absolutely the best place for me to grow as a player,” said Bayliss.

“I’ve got some world-class players to look up to and learn from in the likes of Francois Louw, Matt Garvey and Taulupe Faletau, and the coaches really put faith in you as a young player to go out and perform. We have the coaches full backing, and that belief really helps you focus on learning and performing to the best of your ability.”

Academy graduate Ellis, was promoted to the senior squad at the start of this season, but suffered a knee injury training with England in the summer and has yet to make a club appearance this season.

He made 28 appearances last season, earning himself a call-up into Eddie Jones’s summer squad.

Ellis added: “It’s been a frustrating season for me so far being injured, but I’ve been working hard in rehab and the physios and strength and conditioning coaches have been great.

"I didn’t really think twice about renewing my contract here – I love the environment at Bath. Like most players, I have ambitions to play for my country, and I know being here will help me achieve those.”

Second row Stooke is closing in on 50 appearances after under two seasons with the club.

“I’m really happy to be staying at Bath,” Stooke added.

“There’s a lot of emphasis placed on developing us as individual players as well as a team, and you know that you’ll be given the opportunity if you get your head down and work hard. I’m still relatively young, and definitely have more to give, and I’m in the right place to make sure that I can do that.”

Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder said: “We’re obviously delighted that Josh, Tom and Elliott have agreed to stay at the club. All three of them are very talented young players who, importantly, have a fantastic attitude to taking us forward in the coming seasons.

“Building and evolving the squad is a real focus for us – we want to have a really strong combination of talented youngsters and world-class experienced guys, and these re-signings are all evidence of that and fit into the club’s ethos.

"We’re looking forward to working with them all and helping them continue to develop over the coming seasons.”