Bath are now resigned to being without Butch James until days before their first match of the season, after the fly-half was given permission by the club to extend his stay with the South Africa national side.
James will stay with the Springboks camp to play in the much anticipated Nelson Mandela Tribute Test as well as the remainder of the Tri-Nations.
This will be James’ second season with Bath and the club have high hopes that the World Cup winner will continue to make a big impact.