South African forward Jacques du Plessis has left Bath for “personal family reasons” the club has said.

The 31-year-old signed in March after initially joining to train as he recovered from a long-term injury.

Du Plessis, who is returning to South Africa, made made five appearances in total and came on as a replacement during this season’s opening night win against Northampton, in what was his final game for Bath.

“I and the club wish Jacques the very best for the future and we wish him and his family very well,” head of rugby Johann van Graan said.

Bath have also seen their back line hit with another injury, with full-back Sam Harris – who scored an impressive try in the defeat by Bristol – out “for a few weeks” with an ankle injury, Van Graan said.

Harris started at 15 last weekend with Will Muir and Joe Cokanasiga also unavailable, but went off in the 52nd minute.