BATH Rugby have confirmed the signing of Wales international lock Luke Charteris for next season.

The 32-year-old has featured for Wales in the last two World Cups and will head to The Rec ahead of the 2016/17 season from French side Racing 92.

Charteris said: “It is such an ambitious club, and that’s a great atmosphere to be joining.

“They put a lot of emphasis on player development, making sure that everyone is improving no matter how experienced they are, and that is a very exciting environment to be part of.

“There is some incredible talent in the squad and I’m really looking forward to heading over and getting started.”

Bath head coach Mike Ford added: “Luke has been one of Wales’ standout locks in recent years, and had a very good Rugby World Cup.

“He’s a superb athlete at the set-piece and in the loose, has strong leadership qualities and a lot of experience that he can bring to the squad.

“We’re delighted to have one of the best locks in the world join us, and he will help us keep improving and move quickly on to that next level.”

Having made his international debut against South Africa in 2004, Charteris has gone on to win more 60 Welsh caps, most recently in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Renowned for his skillful lineout work and athleticism around the field, the lock made over 140 appearances for Newport Gwent Dragons before moving to France – initially with Perpignan - in 2012.