England flanker Lewis Moody confirmed Friday he will leave Leicester to join Bath on a three-year contract at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old, who made his professional debut with the Tigers in 1996, will arrive at the Recreation Ground in the summer.
"I have always known that if I was ever going to leave Leicester, the only club I would consider in the UK would be Bath," said Moody, who made his England debut against Canada in 2001 and has won 59 caps.
"They play an exciting brand of rugby and having spent time with both (coach) Steve Meehan and (chief executive) Nick Blofeld, I am sure that there are exciting years ahead.
"I am really looking forward to an exciting new challenge at this stage of my career. Bath's values perfectly suit my own - it is a great city and club, with a real family feel and a close knit and impressive squad."
Bath head coach Meehan paid tribute to their new signing.
"Lewis is a proven winner and he brings vast experience, a fierce determination and great attitude with him," said Meehan.
"Adapting to our style of play shouldn't be a problem and we expect him to help create more opportunities and momentum up front."
Moody played more than 200 times for Leicester, scoring 34 tries, and picking up six Premiership titles and three European Cups.
He becomes Bath's third signing for next season, following the capture of Newcastle winger Tom Biggs and Glasgow scrum-half Mark McMillan.
Copyright 2010 AFP Global Edition
