Bulls star Shontayne Hape has signed for Bath on a three-year deal.

The Kiwi centre's current contract is up at the end of the season but he will switch to the Guinness Premiership club on June 30.

Hape has been a revelation since joining from New Zealand Warriors in 2002, lifting every trophy available and being voted into Bradford's Team of the Century.

But he turned down their offer to re-sign, believing it is the right time to carve out a new career in the 15-man game.

"The Bulls have done so much for me," Hape admitted. "They took me in as a kid - I was only 21 - and I only planned on staying a couple of years.

"But I loved the club's family-orientated feel, the atmosphere, the coaches, players and the fans. They made me want to stay and now it's my second home. I'll never forget Bradford.

"That was probably the hardest thing making this decision; I always knew the Bulls gave me the opportunity to fulfil my dreams and helped me play for the Kiwis too.

"When you leave you wonder, Do I owe them anything?' but when I think about what we've done together on the field we've been good for each other."

It is the third time in as many years the Bulls have lost a big name midway through the season.

Prop Stuart Fielden joined Wigan for a world-record £450,000 in 2006 and legendary Lesley Vainikolo moved to Gloucester last June.

Hape, 26, now follows his old wing partner into union and will play for Gloucester's arch-rivals.

He said: "The main reason was the opportunities rugby union can offer me but also I feel I needed a change and a new challenge.

"I've been at Bradford six years and believe the best thing for me and my family is to move on."

Bradford have received compensation for allowing the New Zealander to leave early for Bath's pre-season.

Boss Steve McNamara will get funds to strengthen his squad and said: "Shonny is a fantastic player who's been a great servant to the Bulls.

"He'll be a big loss but everyone has a big decision to make at a certain stage of their career and Shonny is at a crossroads.

"He's decided to follow a certain path and goes with our blessings. He's put his heart and soul into Bradford Bulls."

Hape has plundered 83 tries in 131 games and will play his final Bulls fixture against Hull KR at Odsal on June 29.

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