Bath full-back Nick Abendanon says his desire to add to his two England caps was the key factor in deciding to sign a new two-year deal at the club.

The 27-year-old was offered a lucrative contract to join the planned Super 15 Australian franchise Melbourne Rebels.

He told BBC Bristol: "Playing for England is my main focus so I thought it was best to stick around and see if I can get into the World Cup squad.

"It was probably the main reason in the end [for staying]."

He added: "It was probably one of the toughest decisions I've had to make in my career.

"I had interest from the Melbourne team and that was something that was playing on my mind as I've always wanted to play in the Super 14s.

"Obviously with a new franchise they have to pay players to go there so financially it was a very decent package.

"But purely based on a rugby decision I thought it was best to stay here and try and win things with this team.

"I figured that if I did make a move to Australia I'd be turning my back on England and wouldn't get the opportunities that players in the Premiership get."

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