Bath likely to be fined for releasing Taulupe Faletau to play for Wales against South Africa

Bath are likely to be sanctioned a fine by Premiership Rugby if Taulupe Faletau plays for Wales against South Africa on Saturday.

Wales' final game of the autumn international series falls outside the international window set by the World Rugby and the English Premiership clubs are not entitled to release their players for those games.

With the 27-year-old training with the Wales squad and is likely to start for Warren Gatland's side on Saturday, the move will be seen as a breach of the Premiership Rugby rules and the club could be sanctioned.

It is also understood that the British and Irish Lions international has a clause in his Bath contract that will give him a full release for international duty.

Earlier, in 2013, Northampton Saints were sanctioned a £60,000 fine for releasing George North outside the international window and Bath might very well face the same sanction.

In the ongoing November Tests, Wales have managed a solitary win against Georgia while losing to Australia and New Zealand and will face the Springboks on 2nd December at Millennium Stadium.

Head coach Gatland is expected to announce the team line-up on Thursday for the encounter.