Wales outhalf Priestland to leave Bath

Wales outhalf Rhys Priestland is looking for a new club for next season after Bath announced he’ll be leaving the West Country outfit at the end of the season.

In a statement the club said: “Bath Rugby can confirm that Rhys Priestland is set to leave the Club at the end of the season.

Priestland joined the Club in 2015 and has made over 60 appearances for the Blue, Black and White since his arrival from Welsh side Scarlets.

Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, said: “Rhys has been an influential figure not only on the field but in his leadership off the field over the last four years.

“There’s still a lot of rugby to play between now and the end of the season, and I have no doubt he’ll play a key role in the next six months.”

Priestland may be keen on a return to Wales, however the Scarlets don’t look a viable option with Rhys Patchell having a firm hold of the 10 jersey, while the Cardiff Blues have Jarrod Evans and Gareth Anscombe as options at 10.

The Ospreys may be looking for an experienced head in the position following last summer’s departure of Dan Biggar to Northampton, however they’ve invested plenty of time in Sam Davies and he appears to have filled the void, with 23-year-old Luke Price as back-up.

It could mean that the Dragons are the only viable option within Wales for Priestland should he go back to Wales.

Earlier on Tuesday the Dragons confirmed that fly half Jason Tovey had agreed a contract until the end of the season.

Tovey is the record points scorer for the region, with 981 points in all competitions, with his best return of 215 points coming for the Men of Gwent in season 2013/14.

The 29-year-old – who has made a total of 170 appearances for Dragons – re-joined the region on permit from Cross Keys earlier this season.

He has now signed a contract until the end of the campaign and been registered for the remaining European Challenge Cup games.