Bath's South African fly-half Butch James has indicated he will return to his homeland in the summer after four seasons at the Rec.

The 31-year-old Springbok international still has one year left on his current deal but is likely to exit sooner.

"There's a couple of reasons [for wanting to leave Bath] and the World Cup is one of them," said James.

"I'm not too sure how much longer these legs have in them and I want at least one season at home [before retiring]."

James moved to end speculation back in April this year that he might return to South Africa by stating he would see out the remaining two years of his contract.

But the lure of finishing his career where he started it and a final World Cup appearance is proving to be too strong.

James told BBC Points West: "You never know when that day might come and so I want to get back there and not regret not having gone home."

"These have probably been my most enjoyable years playing rugby [at Bath], it's been fun.

"I will miss this place but I will definitely return and watch Bath play rugby again."

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