Rugby

Cardiff to sign Wales backrow Taulupe Faletau from Bath

The Lions number eight returns to Wales after signing for Bath back in 2016

Faletau, who toured with the Lions this summer, is set to a return to Welsh domestic rugby. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

Tue Nov 2 2021 - 09:35

Cardiff are expected to announce the signing of Wales international Taulupe Faletau from Bath later this week.

It is understood that Faletau’s five-year spell in the Gallagher Premiership will conclude at the end of this season, and that Bath are preparing to confirm his departure.

Back-row forward Faletau, 30, joined Bath from the Dragons in 2016. He has won 86 caps and played in five British and Irish Lions Tests.

He is currently with the Wales squad preparing for remaining Autumn Nations Series Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Australia.

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Faletau has not played so far this season due to an ankle injury, but he would have been unavailable for Wales’ 54-16 defeat against New Zealand on Saturday.

That game fell outside World Rugby’s autumn international window, with English clubs not releasing Welsh players for such fixtures.

Faletau will become the latest high-profile capture for Cardiff after they signed fly-half Rhys Priestland from Bath earlier this year, while Wasps flanker Thomas Young is also on his way to the Arms Park at the end of this term.