The 30-year-old front rower left the Liberty Stadium for The Rec after helping the Ospreys to the PRO12 title last term – their third Celtic crown since he signed for them at the inception of regionalism back in 2003.
James started Bath’s Aviva Premiership opener at Worcester before coming off the bench against Wasps last weekend and he’s back in the first XV for Friday’s home tie with Northampton.
And with Bath celebrating two wins from two and boasting a new training centre at the picturesque Farleigh House, James is convinced he’s in the right place to progress.
“I’ve settled in nicely. It’s a cracking town, the facilities are great up at Farleigh and everything’s there for you as a professional athlete. We’ve got a great coaching staff here as well and that’s only going to make you better,” said James, who won the most recent of his 34 Wales caps on the summer tour of Australia.
“I just wanted to test myself as a player and as a character. I’d been playing in Wales for 10 years and I felt it was the right time to go and try something new.
“I’m not sure if the regions knew if I was available. I’d been with the Ospreys all my life so there was probably only one region in Wales for me.
“Bath seemed like a great move for me and my family and there’s no better place for you to test yourself than in the Premiership.
“I had plenty of offers but I just felt Bath was the right option for me and my family. What I was hearing from the CEO about ambition and how they wanted to drive the club forward fitted in with everything I wanted as a player.
“I’d been up to Bath before and you can see the ground from the town. The town really lights up on match day and match night. Once I went up to Farleigh and they showed me the facilities it was clear there is only one way they want this club to go.
“It’s only an hour up the road from my house back home. We’ve all moved down here but it’s close to home and my wife and kids have settled in well – everyone’s enjoying the move so far.
“The rugby’s been what I’ve expected so far as well. Both teams that we’ve come across so far have been very big and physical. That’ll be the same again this Friday. Northampton are well known for being a big, physical pack so I’m looking forward to that challenge.”
