“Butch still has two more seasons of his contract left to run,” said Bath Rugby’s Chief Executive Nick Blofeld. “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.

“Butch is still very much a key member of Bath Rugby’s squad and will inevitably continue to attract interest from other clubs, as he is a world class talent.”

Butch James is due to return to match action in the next few weeks, following a shoulder injury sustained against Worcester Warriors on 20th February.