Butch James today announced he would be leaving Bath Rugby a year early to join South African side the Golden Lions - despite admitting his years at The Rec had been the most enjoyable of his career.

The fly-half, who was initially contracted to Bath until 2012, was unveilled as the big-spending Johannesburg team's new signing at an extravagant press conference at Lanseria International Airport this morning.

The Chronicle exclusively revealed in December that a delegation from the Lions had flown to Bath and held talks with the 32-year-old, who has been keen for some months to return to his homeland to boost his World Cup chances.

Bath Rugby rebuffed the Lions' initial request to buy James out of his contract, but hinted he would be allowed to leave his contract 12 months early and move to South Africa at the end of the season.

James, who is getting married in South Africa this weekend, is now scheduled to join the Super 15 franchise in May, once Bath's season is over.

A statement from Bath Rugby said it had been agreed "in principle" that James would leave the club at the end of the season to join the Lions.

James joined Bath in November 2007 after lifting the World Cup with the Springboks and has made 58 appearances. He has scored 327 points for the club, although his appearances have been restricted by serious knee and shoulder injuries, the second of which was picked up with the Springboks during last summer's TriNations.

Bath head coach Steve Meehan said: “Butch is a very talented rugby player, and so we will obviously be disappointed to see him leave at the end of the season.

"He has been a great squad member, both on and off the pitch, and an inspirational player in many ways.

"I have absolutely no doubt, however, that he will still play a very important part for us in the remainder of this season, and will be aiming to leave the club with a fantastic season completed.”

James said: “My time at Bath has been the most enjoyable of my rugby career.

"I have made great friends, enjoyed the rugby we have played and have been amazed by the Bath supporters – by far the best set of supporters I have played for.

"I want to give myself the best possible shot at playing for South Africa in the World Cup, and I feel that is best achieved by returning home and being in the country.

"I would like to thank everyone at the club for their support, and also the great fans of Bath Rugby who have been so fantastic in my time here.”

Speaking to the media at today's press conference - which James arrived for on a private jet owned by Lions co-owner Ivan Ichikowitz - he added: "Making the team is going to be tough. It was a big decision and a huge challenge which I am looking forward to."

Of the involvement of the Lions' new owners, Ichikowitz and Robert Gumede, James said: "I think the vision they have for this team is unbelievable and hopefully I can be a small part of it and one day will be able tell my children about my involvement with this great team."