BATH have emerged as shock contenders to win the race to sign Wales back-rower Gareth Delve from Gloucester, writes Steve Cotton.

Delve, who will start for Wales against Ireland in the RBS Six Nations on Saturday, was initially thought to be torn between moves to Cardiff Blues and Melbourne Rebels.

But the Gloucestershire Echo understands he has also held talks with Bath over a potential return to the Recreation Ground when his Gloucester deal expires this summer.

The 27-year-old No 8 left Bath at the end of the 2006-07 season, having joined the club straight from school. And he admitted before Gloucester travelled to the Rec last December that he still had emotional ties to his former club.

Delve is understood to have met with Bath officials to discuss a move that would see him become the second player in successive summers to make the return journey from Kingsholm.

Olly Barkley made the switch last summer following an unhappy year at Gloucester – and Bath are understood to be confident of persuading Delve to do the same.

Despite playing his rugby in England, Delve will be handed the Wales No 8 shirt in Dublin this weekend, almost two years after he won his previous cap.

Wales boss Warren Gatland labelled Gareth Delve’s return to Test match rugby as “a great opportunity” for the in-form Gloucester captain.

He said: “He’s very accurate in the way that he plays – he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes – and he has led Gloucester well, being a big part of their turnaround in form.”

“He is a big physical player who will give us some go-forward. It is a great opportunity for him to come in as a genuine number eight and hopefully take his chance.

“He has been unlucky in recent seasons with long-term injuries, and it is good to see him back playing.”

Delve will replace injured Wales captain and number eight Ryan Jones at Croke Park, with flanker Martyn Williams taking over as skipper.

Gatland, meanwhile, has recalled hooker Matthew Rees and lock Luke Charteris.