Wales lock Luke Charteris set to join Bath from Racing 92

Luke Charteris made his Wales debut against South Africa in 2004

Wales second-row Luke Charteris is set to join Bath from Racing 92 on a three-year contract.

Charteris left Newport Gwent Dragons for Perpignan in 2012 and then signed for Racing 92 in 2014.

The 62-cap, 6ft 9in player is out of contract at the end of the 2015-16 season and would then join the Premiership club.

Gloucester had also held discussions with the 32-year-old, while the Dragons had hoped to re-sign him.

Racing and Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips believes Charteris' departure would be a blow for the French club.

"If we do lose his talents then obviously it is a massive loss. He is one of Wales' best players at the moment," he said.

"There are not many 6ft 9in guys who can make as many tackles as he makes - 18 or 20 tackles [a game].

"He carries balls, he scrummages well, he can do everything on the rugby field and is such an athlete."

Newport Gwent Dragons coach Kingsley Jones said they would like to re-sign Charteris, but feared they would be outbid by English and French clubs.

Bath already have a Wales lock in their squad. Dominic Day joined the club in 2012 and signed a contract extension with them in January 2015.

In October, last season's Premiership runners-up missed out on the signing of Dragons back-row forward Taulupe Faletau after Wales coach Warren Gatland blocked the move.

Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland is also at Bath and concentrating on his club career during a sabbatical from Test rugby.