Tapuai's clean start at Bath

Tapuai had a year left to run on his contract but the parties have come to an amicable.

The 27-year-old departs Australia with 78 Super Rugby caps to his name including 12 for the Force in his single season with the Western Australian franchise, scoring 22 points including four tries and a conversion.

Western Force head coach Dave Wessels says the centre's departure frees up some exciting options for the club moving forward.

"Bath made a fantastic offer to Ben and that provided an opportunity to free up some money in the salary cap for us to explore a few other options, so it was of mutual benefit for both parties.

"Taps [Tapuai] is a great character and has been a big influence on and off the field. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours," Wessels said.

Tapuai thanked the Force for the past year and says he is looking forward to his next chapter.

"I've been presented with a great opportunity at Bath and I think it's the right move for me at this stage in my career. The support I have received from the Sea of Blue over the last year has been incredible and I've loved my time in Western Australia and at the club," Tapuai said.

Primarily an inside centre, Tapuai, who can also play at 13, is a dynamic back who has an excellent all-round game, including strong distribution and kicking skills

"We're really excited to have Ben join us. He's a really good all-rounder, which will be a great boost for us, and the experience he has of international and Super Rugby will bring a new way of looking at things, and will really help develop our young midfield players," Bath Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder.

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