Bath yesterday completed the signing of veteran half-back Nick Walshe from Sale on a two-year deal.

But Hentie Martens, the South African scrum-half signed from London Irish at the start of the season, is to leave the club.

Walshe, who featured for England against the Barbarians last Sunday, has been recruited as cover for first-choice No 9 Martyn Wood but can also play at outside-half.

He has made 100 appearances in the Zurich Premiership following stints with the Sharks, Harlequins and Saracens and will provide Bath with another goal-kicking option.

Director of rugby Jack Rowell said: "Nick is a very experienced, proven Premiership player. He will challenge Martyn for the No 9 jersey.

"If we want to continue our good form as a club then we need players of Nick's calibre in the squad.

"He is a very talented footballer."

Walshe's arrival has prompted Martens, whose one-year contract with Bath has now expired, to leave the Recreation Ground after finding first-team opportunities limited.

Academy star Mike Baxter, who has shone for the reserves in the Zurich A league, will provide further back-up at scrum-half after agreeing to become a full-time professional next season.

Meanwhile, hooker Jonathan Humphreys has vowed that last Saturday's Zurich Premiership Final defeat will only make Bath's resolve stronger

Bath lost 10-6 but have Heineken Cup rugby to look forward to next season.

Former Wales skipper Humphreys said: "On reflection, I think that we have had a great season.

"However, we cannot hide our disappointment and the key for us is to bounce back next season and go that one step further."

"We have had a taste of the big occasion and we are even more determined to return and leave as champions next time."

Humphreys, who has signed a new one-year contract, added: "A good measure of what we have achieved this season is the amount of players who will be linking up with international tour parties this summer."