Monday 8 September 2014 13:41, UK
Former Currie Cup winner De Kock Steenkamp has signed a three-year contract with the Ospreys after securing an early release from his deal with Super Rugby side the Stormers.
The 27-year-old has been brought in to add experience to the Welsh region, having made 49 Super Rugby appearances since his Stormers debut in 2010.
He also helped Western Province reach consecutive Currie Cup finals in 2012 and 2013, winning the first of the two against Natal Sharks.
The combatative second row, who is 1.97m tall and weighs 112kg, came on as a replacement in the Stormers' 26-23 defeat to the British & Irish Lions in 2009 and said: "Joining the Ospreys is a great opportunity for me and a challenge that I can't wait to get stuck into.
"The Ospreys are a team with a short, but proud, history having won the PRO12 four times and talking to the coaches there is an exciting transition going on at the moment that will see them come through the next few seasons stronger than ever.
"I want to be a part of that. Looking around the place, and talking to people there, really made me excited about signing. Hopefully, I'll be able to link up with the squad soon and play a part in helping to make sure the Ospreys remain the best side in Wales as well as one of the best in Europe."
Steenkamp is the ninth summer signing for the Ospreys, who beat Treviso 44-13 at the Liberty Stadium in their Guinness PRO12 opener on Saturday.
Ospreys Rugby general manager Andrew Millward said: "He's a natural leader, a combative character, and will be a real asset to the Ospreys. He is a typical South African second row - physical, tough and a natural competitor.
"He will add to the options available to us in his position and, as well as competing for a starting spot, he will provide cover for Alun Wyn Jones when he is unavailable."
