Cheetahs tighthead prop Tom Botha has signed for Welsh side Ospreys, the club confirmed this week.
Botha had been sought-after in Europe after some fine displays in the PRO14 with the South African side, but opted to move to Wales where he joins other new signings, Aled Davies, Scott Williams and Namibian international Lesley Klim.
"I'm really excited to join the Ospreys. I enjoy the PRO14 more than Super Rugby as it's based more on scrums, forwards mauling, stuff like that. I love all the forward related stuff, that's the strong point of my game," Botha was quoted by his new club's website.
"I've actually spoken to a few of the South Africans who have played for the Ospreys, before I decided to sign, and they all said only good things. I can't wait."
The 27-year-old has featured in 16 of the Cheetahs' 19 PRO14 games this season, including the 44-25 defeat of the Ospreys in Bloemfontein.
"Tom is somebody that we are excited about seeing in an Ospreys shirt. He has a wealth of experience playing and scrummaging against opposition from just about every major rugby nation. Working alongside Allen Clarke in an Ospreys environment he has the potential to be a great asset to the club," said Dan Griffiths, Rugby General Manager at the Ospreys.
"He is an aggressive scrummager who likes to attack the opposition and has acquitted himself very well with the Cheetahs since his arrival in the PRO14. He is a player that thrives on the challenge that comes with the set-piece in the Northern Hemisphere.
"There was considerable interest in his services so we are pleased that Tom has agreed to come to the Ospreys this summer and that he believes it is the right place for him."
It will not be the first time Botha has played for a European side, he spent two seasons with French side Montpellier earlier in his career.