Butch signs new deal at Bath

Springbok fly-half Butch James has signed a new three-year deal with Bath, keeping him at The Rec until at least 2012.

Springbok fly-half Butch James has signed a new three-year deal with Bath, keeping him at The Rec until at least 2012.

There had been much speculation regarding James' future, but having admitted he is a 'one club man' James was only too happy to put pen to paper.

Since arriving in Bath, after winning the World Cup with South Africa, James has settled quickly and is enjoying the life he has.

“I have made some really good friends in Bath and am really happy playing rugby here and hope to keep playing well for Bath,” James said.

James has made twenty-two appearances for Bath thus far, notching 113 points, and clearly Head Coach Steve Meehan is happy to keep him at Bath.

“It is fantastic news,” Meehan said.

“He is a great asset to the club, on and off the pitch, and we are all very excited to be able to continue to work with him for at least another three seasons.

“I think the re-signing of Butch is bigger than the original signing of Butch. The impact that he has had on the Guinness Premiership has been outstanding and for Bath to be able to maintain and keep a player of that calibre shows the intent that this club has.”

The decision to remain in England raises questions over his international career, and even James feels his time as a Test player is drawing to an end

“It is always great to be able to play for your country,” admitted Butch.

“But I am not sure. I think my days as an international player might be numbered, although I would still really like to make the Lions tour. If I make the selection for that, we will see from there.”

For now though his thoughts are firmly focused on his duties at Bath.

“As long as we enjoy how we play as a team, like we do at the moment, the results will follow,” he said.