PARKER PEN CHALLENGE CUP semi-finalists Bath Rugby have announced that Elvis Seveali has joined the club from New Zealand NPC side Wellington.
The 24-year-old Samoan international centre/winger was an integral member of the Wellington side that finished fifth in New Zealand's NPC Championship last season.
He is an experienced international, having won 12 caps for Samoa since making his debut in 2000 against Japan.
A prolific try scorer, Seveali has crossed nine times at Test level.
His last appearance for the South Sea Islanders came in June against South Africa.
Seveali will be eligible to play in the semi-final double header against Saracens in April as he has not competed in European competition this season.
Seveali has joined his new team-mates for training, and said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing in Europe.
"Bath Rugby is a special club full of quality players and I am really looking forward to training and playing."
Bath coach Brian Smith said: "Elvis will be joining us on a trial basis. He will add strength to our squad with Iain Balshaw sidelined through injury and the current international demands.
'We are excited about him being here and look forward to seeing some good things from him."
And Bath Director of rugby Jack Rowell added: "Elvis is a Samoan international with plenty of NPC experience with Wellington in New Zealand. He joins Bath Rugby for the remainder of the season to strengthen the squad.
"Elvis will immediately provide experienced cover in the centre/wing positions and should indeed go on to challenge for first team selection. Depending on his progress, we may well extend his stay with Bath Rugby into next season."
Bath's double header with Saracens takes place on 13 and 26 April.