Western Force back Ben Tapuai is moving to the English Premiership, signing with Bath for the coming season.

Tapuai had one year left on his current contract, but the Force granted him a release to head to the Northern Hemisphere.

The 27-year-old had played just one season in Perth, after playing most of his 78 Super Rugby caps in Queensland with the Reds.

Under new coach Dave Wessels, the Force aren’t shying away from some radical changes on and off the field and Wessels said this latest player move would create some more options for his side.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Tapuai said the overseas move felt like the perfect fit for this point of his 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.”

The Western Force will announce its full 2017 squad in the coming weeks.

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