Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland to join Bath from Scarlets

Rhys Priestland has confirmed that he will join Bath when his Scarlets contract expires at the end of the season.

The Welshman will end his 10-year association with the Llanelli outfit to move to the Aviva Premiership after the World Cup and compete with England's George Ford for the fly-half spot at the Recreation Ground.

"My entire rugby career has been spent in Wales and, although I've enjoyed that time enormously, I need a new challenge," Priestland said in a statement.

The 27-year-old, capped 32 times by his country, has scored 1,059 points in 147 appearances for Scarlets.

His switch to Bath may jeopardise his international career when a new selection policy means that players outside of Wales could be excluded from Warren Gatland's plans unless they are signed to national dual contracts.