Butch James has admitted he was all set to leave Bath Rugby for a second stint at Natal Sharks.

But the World Cup-winning playmaker says his dream of returning to South Africa in the build up to next year's World Cup were dashed by the "disgraceful" way in which the Durban-based club handled the negotiations.

In a frank interview with the

Chronicle

, the fly-half says he was left embarrassed and unhappy at how his hopes were built up by the Sharks, only for them to suddenly call off the deal.

Money is understood to have been the stumbling block for the Sharks, with Bath wanting substantial compensation for losing James a third of the way into a three-year contract.

But the 31-year-old, who is nearing the end of his third season at The Rec, insists the recent disappointment will not detract from his commitment to Bath.

He now intends to see out the two remaining years on his Bath contract – barring another serious injury.

James is still in the running to play for the Springboks when they come to Wales next month, but remains frustrated at how the move back to Durban collapsed.

"I'm not too sure where it broke down but it was pretty embarrassing for me. I think the Sharks were pretty disgraceful in how they handled the whole thing," he said.

"I can't have any moans with Bath – they were open to an offer. But the Sharks were pretty embarrassing in how they handled it.

"They made the initial chase and in the end it fell through, so it made me look like a bit of an idiot over here with my club and my team-mates. All of a sudden the Sharks closed the door."

For the full story and more from James on the Sharks and life at Bath Rugby, see today's Bath Chronicle, out now