Bath have pulled out of the race to sign Wales and British Lions prop Gethin Jenkins.

The club has been evaluating whether to table a bid for the experienced forward, a move which would have made Jenkins their most expensive new signing ahead of the 2012-12 season.

However, after a face-to-face meeting with the 31-year-old – and following a reassessment of Bath’s existing resources at loosehead, the club have pulled out of the market to sign the Cardiff Blues star.

Bath’s withdrawal means Jenkins is almost certain to leave the Welsh province for a big-money move to France.

French clubs do not have to contend with the same financial restrictions as those imposed on English clubs – and Bath would have struggled to accommodate Jenkins within the salary cap.

The board of Premiership Rugby has agreed that the cap will rise from £4 million to £4.5 million for the 2012-13 season, an increase which includes extra credits of £30,000 for up to eight players named in the squad who have come through each club’s academy.

But with world-class props commanding large salaries – and with many French club presidents prepared to throw huge sums at recruiting large squads – Bath always faced a tough task in competing with the likes of Toulon and Perpignan, who have also been linked to Jenkins.

Bath will not pursue another loosehead to supplement their squad for next season – and will instead stick with David Flatman, Nathan Catt and Charlie Beech.

A source close to the negotiations said: “Bath did explore a move for Gethin, but came to the decision that it wasn’t the right move for them.

“With Charlie Beech and Nathan Catt coming through, they believe they have the future fairly well covered.

“They didn’t think a move for Gethin was necessary and couldn’t justify it within the cap.”

Jenkins is not the only Welshman Bath have been in discussions with as they seek to strengthen their pack.

Talks have been held via one of the principality’s leading agents, who has a record of taking Welsh players to English and French clubs.

Elsewhere in the squad, a further round of re-signings are expected to be announced soon following the new deals agreed last week with hooker Ross Batty and Chris Cook.

It is understood that a fresh deal with centre Ben Williams is set to be announced shortly.

It is understood that the club and Williams have agreed terms and that the only thing delaying the announcement is minor paperwork.

Bath also remain confident of keeping flanker Josh Ovens at the Rec despite his successful year on loan at Championship-topping Bristol.

Ovens has been seeking reassurances that he will get sufficient game time at Bath next season.

Bath chief executive Nick Blofeld said: “I don’t think Josh is too torn. We are, hopefully, in the process of re-signing him.

“His time at Bristol has been great and he has loved it. He wants to be at Bath, but playing rugby regularly.”

Blofeld also revealed that Bath were ‘not actively’ looking for an additional outside back for next season.

“It would be a nice thing to add to the wish-list, but because of the cap, we can’t afford it,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Bath director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan has spoken of his delight at seeing Cook and Batty sign new deals.

“They are both talented players, who have developed well over the past two years and have a lot to offer,” said McGeechan.

“I see them both as a very important part of the continued development of the first-team squad. Ross is a very athletic, mobile forward, which is important to our style of play – and Chris has all the skills necessary for a top class scrum-half.

“They are both great members of the squad on and off field, so we are really pleased that they have committed themselves to Bath.”