BATH have confirmed the signing of prop Jacques van Rooyen from Super Rugby outfit Lions.

South African van Rooyen, who has played more than 60 times for the Johannesburg side since making his debut in 2014, will arrive at the club ahead of the 2018/19 season, having started the Super Rugby final in Christchurch two days ago, when the Lions suffered a 37-18 defeat to the Crusaders.

The 31 year old said: “I’m really looking forward to testing myself in the northern hemisphere and playing for a club with a great deal of ambition going into the new season.

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder said: “We are really pleased to bring someone in of Jacques’ calibre in time for the new season.

"He’s proven himself in Super Rugby and will bring a great deal to the squad both at the set piece and with ball in hand.

“We have great strength in depth at loosehead with Jacques, Lucas (Noguera) and Nathan (Catt) all competing for the number one shirt after losing Beno (Obano) to injury in May.

"Jacques can also play at tighthead, which adds another option over the course of a busy season of domestic and European rugby.”