Hape set for Bath switch

Bradford Bulls star Shontayne Hape is set to join Guinness Premiership club Bath on a three-year deal.

Hape has secured an early release from his contract with the Bulls and will leave on June 30 after a six-year stint.

The Bulls say they have received an undisclosed fee for granting that request.

Hape, 26, is the obvious replacement for Bath's England centre Olly Barkley, who played his final game for the west country club in yesterday's European Challenge Cup final victory over Worcester before joining Gloucester later this summer.

New Zealand international Hape, who qualifies for England on residency grounds, is out of contract with the Bulls later this year.

Hape said: "It was a very difficult decision to make because the Bulls have done so much for me.

"They took me in as a kid - I was only 21 - and I only planned on staying a couple of years, but I loved the club's family-orientated feel, the atmosphere, the coaches, players and the fans.

"They made me want to stay and now it's my second home. I will never forget Bradford.

"The main reason was the opportunities rugby union can offer me, but also I feel I needed a change and a new challenge.

"I have been at Bradford for six years and believe the best thing for me and my family is to move on."