Bath sign Van Rooyen from Super finalists Lions

The 31-year-old made more than 60 appearances for the Lions since starting his career at the Johannesburg-based team in 2014. He started in last weekend's Super Rugby final in Christchurch, where the Lions lost 37-18 to the Crusaders.

"I'm really looking forward to testing myself in the Northern Hemisphere and playing for a club with a great deal of ambition going into the new season," Van Rooyen said.

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder said Van Rooyen, who can also play at tighthead, was a great addition.

"He's proven himself in Super Rugby and will bring a great deal to the squad both at the set piece and with ball in hand," Blackadder said.

Bath take on Bristol in their season opener on Aug. 31.

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)