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Priestland in action against Ireland last year. Morgan Treacy/INPHO
Transfer

Peter Stringer's Bath confirm signing of Wales out-half Priestland

The 27-year-old has opted to leave the Scarlets next season.

PREMIERSHIP SIDE BATH have confirmed the signing of Wales international out-half Rhys Priestland.

The 27-year-old playmaker will move to England from the Scarlets next season, having been ignored for a national dual contract in his homeland.

Confirmation of Preistland’s transfer comes after Bath last month secured Fiji international scrum-half/wing Niko Matawalu from Glasgow Warriors, meaning Mike Ford’s side will potentially have an all-new half-back pairing in 2015/16.

37-year-old Peter Stringer is currently on the books at Bath, although his contract expires at the end of the season, while England international George Ford is well established as the club’s first-choice out-half.

It will be interesting to note how this move affects Priestland’s Wales career, if at all. The Carmarthen native has won 32 caps, and started last November’s Test match against Fiji in Cardiff.

My entire rugby career has been spent in Wales and, although I’ve enjoyed that time enormously, I need a new challenge,” said Priestland of his decision to leave Wales.

“I’ve been really impressed watching Bath develop over the past couple of years into one of the most exciting teams in the country. It’s a world-class organisation in every sense, including the players, coaching staff and facilities.”

Bath currently sit second in the Premiership, and remain alive in the Champions Cup despite two Pool 4 defeats.

Recent reports in England have suggested that the club, along with Saracens, is being investigated for alleged breaches of the current £5 million Premiership salary cap.

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