Now that he is back in the fold for South Africa he stands a chance of playing in the Rugby world cup next year.

The Golden Lions Rugby Unions tried to buy James out of his Bath contract earlier this month but they failed in their bid as Bath and James wanted him to finish the season at The Rec.

The 31-year-old Springbok still has one year left on his current deal but a move to South Africa - most likely Johannesburg - looks set to happen in or around June.

"There's a couple of reasons (for wanting to leave Bath) and the World Cup is one of them," said James.

"I'm not too sure how much longer these legs have in them and I want at least one season at home (before retiring)."

James says that the move is yet to be confirmed but if he does move he will almost the entire Super 15 Rugby season.

If he returns to play for the Lions and they make the play-offs he could feature but it is unlikely.

James said that he wants to play at least one season more in South Africa before retiring and after the injuries he has had he does not know how many seasons he has left in him.

"You never know when that day might come and so I want to get back there and not regret not having gone home," he told BBC Points West.

"These have probably been my most enjoyable years playing rugby (at Bath), it's been fun.

"I will miss this place but I will definitely return and watch Bath play rugby again."