ONE of the integral members of Worcester Warriors' promotion side from the 2014/15 side has joined league rivals Bath ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Number eight Van Velze spent seven years with Worcester and earned his 100th cap for the club in January 2020, before departing Sixways after the 2020/21 campaign.

He has spent the last year in Israel on the books with club side Tel Aviv Heat but has now returned to England, where he will play under Bath's new Head of Rugby Johann van Graan.

"GJ has a great amount of Premiership experience which will prove influential for the squad over the season to come," said van Graan.

"His leadership ability is a part of his character that I value and his ability to play four positions across the back five is very valuable through a season."

At 34-years-old, the move is slightly left wing but given GJ's leadership and experience at this level, it could be a move with a nod more to matters more off the pitch than on it.

GJ will hook up with former Warriors teammate Niall Annett, who has already began pre-season with his new club having left Sixways before the summer.

"Getting to know the boys has been really good," said Annett.

"The first week has been really tough. It’s been concise and considered effort in what we’re doing. We’ve worked really hard and the staff and lads have been generous with getting to know me and I’m delighted to be here.

"It’s been really enjoyable to get to know the lads in the training environment and off the pitch where we’ve had the chance to grab a couple of coffees with the weather being so nice.

"I am just really excited to play for a club with the history and pedigree that Bath have. For the fanbase to sell out the season tickets so early into the off-season was amazing and it’s something that gives us the extra energy to graft."