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Ben Tapuai and Nick Auterac will both leave Bath Rugby for Harlequins at the end of the season.

The Chronicle understands Australian centre Tapuai has signed a three-year deal on an improved salary from what he has been on since joining from Western Force in the autumn of 2016. Wales international Jamie Roberts is leaving the West London club at the end of the season.

Loosehead Auterac, who originally hails from London, will leave after four seasons at the Rec. Director of rugby Todd Blackadder confirmed the club is close to securing a winger and a centre.

Worcester Warriors Jackson Willison appears to be the centre but with Tapuai leaving, James Wilson unlikely to be offered another deal for next season and versatile Matt Banahan on his way to Gloucester, Bath are likely to need one or two midfielders as well as the 29-year-old Kiwi.

They are unlikely to sign another loosehead, as Argentine international Lucas Noguera Paz has already arrived on a two-and-half year deal.

(Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)

The Chronicle understands that with Semesa Rokoduguni injured a wide player could arrive until the end of this season and, as reported in last week's Rugby Paper, Joe Cokanasiga is a target if London Irish get relegated.

The 20-year-old potential England player signed a new four-year deal with the Exiles but is understood to have a release clause if the club return to the Championship. As it stands, Jeff Williams is unlikely to be offered a new deal when his current one expires in the summer.

When asked whether Bath would need to bring in two players to replace Banahan, who has played in five positions this season, Blackadder said: “We’re definitely looking to bring in another winger and a midfielder.

“We’re not too far away. We’re working in the background. Even if we had done a deal we probably wouldn’t announce until it’s the right time.”