With a number of Bath Rugby's three-quarters expected to be away on World Cup duty this autumn including Iain Balshaw and Mike Tindall (England), Simon Danielli (Scotland) and Kevin Maggs (Ireland), Lee will have an important role to play during this period.

Former England A player Lee Best made 63 appearances in four seasons for the Shoguns, scoring seven tries.

John Connolly is delighted to be able to bring in an experienced Zurich Premiership player to the Bath Rugby squad.

"Lee is a player that has considerable Zurich Premiership experience and has also represented England at A level. He joins us initially as World Cup cover, but there is also a view to extend that stay. I am sure that he will make a positive impact when the Club is without the established international players."

Lee said that he was looking forward to the opportunity to be able to establish himself in the side when the season kicks-off in six weeks time.

"I am really happy to be making the move to Bath Rugby", said former England A full back Lee Best. "Bath is a big club with a big tradition and everyone here is in a determined about the forthcoming season. I know a couple of the lads already, obviously, and had a chat with them before I signed. They told me the Rec was a pretty good place to be right now and I have to say there's a pretty good atmosphere down here. I'm really looking forward to next season."

Although he has initially signed as World Cup cover, there is a view to extend his stay at the club beyond the World Cup period. The signing of Lee takes the total summer signings up to twelve, adding to Duncan Bell, David Flatman, Martyn Wood, Andrew Higgins, Rob Fidler, Christian Balshen, Jonathan Pettemerides, Brendon Daniel, Issac Feaunati, Michael Lipman and Hentie Martens.