James joined Bath from Natal Sharks in 2007

Bath Rugby are insisting fly-half Butch James will remain with them, despite an approach for the former Springbok from his old club Natal Sharks.

The 31-year-old has made no secret of his desire to represent his country again and newspaper reports have linked him with a return to South Africa.

Bath chief executive Nick Blofeld said: "Butch is still very much a key member of Bath Rugby's squad.

"[He] will inevitably continue to attract interest from other clubs."

Press reports have also linked the player with a move to Cape Town club Stormers.

And Blofeld added: "Butch still has two more seasons of his contract left to run.

"He has said to us that he would like to play for South Africa again and we would, of course, love to see him do that, but believe he can do so from Bath having done so in the past."

James is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained at Worcester on 20 February.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version