Bath's contract talks with Shontayne Hape stall

Hape joined Bath in 2008 from rugby league side Bradford Bulls

Bath chief executive Nick Blofeld has admitted the future of England international Shontayne Hape at the Rec remains in doubt.

Amid rumours of interest from London Irish the club have been trying to get the 30-year-old to sign a new deal as his current one expires in the summer.

"Talks are ongoing but have stalled a bit," Blofeld told BBC Radio Bristol.

"We'd love to keep Shontayne but we'll have to see where we are in the next couple of weeks."

Bath signed Hape from rugby league side Bradford Bulls in 2008 and his form for the club saw him make his England debut against the Barbarians last year.

Since then the former New Zealand rugby league international has been a regular in Martin Johnson's side forming a midfield partnership with Gloucester's Mike Tindall.

Coach Steve Meehan has already strengthened his back division with the signing of Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss.

The 28-year-old will be the third Tigers player to join Bath in the last 12 months when he arrives in the summer.