BATH prop Paul James will return to Welsh region the Ospreys at the end of the season, the club announced this morning.

The 32-year-old loosehead, who has been capped 55 times by Wales, joined Bath from the Swansea-based region in 2012 and has made 59 appearances, becoming a key member of the club's powerful pack.

"I can't speak highly enough of the people here at Bath, in terms of both the club and its supporters," said James.

"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."

Bath head coach Mike Ford said: "Paul has been an outstanding competitor for the club since his arrival.

"He's a great leader, a guy who turns up to training with the right attitude every day and gives you everything he's got on matchday. We wish him the best of luck with his move."

James was last week named in Warren Gatland's Wales squad for the Autumn Series, where they will face Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium.

In his first nine-year stint with the Opreys, James made 180 appearances and scoring seven tries and was the first to reach 150 caps for the region, winning four Celtic League titles.

Andrew Millward, Ospreys’ general manager, added: “Re-signing Paul is a massive coup for the Ospreys as he’s an outstanding loosehead and a renowned scrummager who was very much in demand.

"He played a massive part in establishing the Ospreys and in our successes in the early years of the region and it’s fantastic that we are able to bring him back into our environment.

“He’s a tough guy, a warrior who will add real steel to our pack. He’s a no nonsense, honest guy, a real character, and for many years he was something of an unsung hero who went under the radar outside of our environment. 

“I played with him in the front row and know exactly what he brings to any team he is involved with, on and off the field. He understands where we want to be as a group and thrives on facing up to tough challenges and playing in tough environments. 

“He’s vastly experienced and not only will he be adding to our strength at loose head but he is the type who will enjoy working with the younger players to pass on his depth of knowledge.

"I know he speaks really highly of his time in Bath and playing in the Premiership, and with that added experience he will bring something extra to our environment next season.”