Taulupe Faletau has dashed hopes of a return to Welsh regional rugby by committing to a fresh contract at Bath.
The 76-times Wales cap has another year to run on his current deal with the Gallagher Premiership giants.
But WalesOnline understands the 29-year-old No.8 has agreed to put pen to paper on a two-year extension to stay at The Recreation Ground.
The Ospreys were interested in securing the services of Faletau when his existing contract expired, while previously the Dragons wanted him back.
Faletau had most recently been linked with a sensational move to French club Beziers but the proposed multi-million pound takeover of the famous south of France outfit by a Middle East money man collapsed last week.
The 11-time French champions, who are currently in the country’s Second Division, had been linked with Faletau, his Wales team-mate Dan Biggar, New Zealand superstars Ma’a Nonu and Beauden Barrett, and England aces Courtney Lawes and Manu Tuilagi.
Biggar and Lawes signed extended deals to remain with Northampton, Barrett is joining Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath, Tuilagi has joined Sale Sharks and it appears Faletau has committed again to Bath.
Faletau has been wracked by variety of injuries since shining for the Lions against New Zealand three years ago.
Nevertheless, the modest Faletau has remained a firm favourite with supporters and colleagues at Bath and, barring any last-minute snags, will remain the other side of the Bristol Channel.
Faletau failed to nail down the Wales No.8 jersey in this season’s truncated Six Nations.
He needs to find his top form and re-establish his credentials with Wales to convince Lions coach Warren Gatland to pick him in his squad for next year’s tour of South Africa.
Despite remaining in exile, Faletau will continue to be available to Wales boss Wayne Pivac as he exceeds the 60 cap ruling put in place by the WRU.
