Canadian international, Chauncey O'Toole, has signed for the Ospreys and will join up with the squad following the World Cup.
The 25-year old, who has agreed a one-year contract, will be available for the Welsh region's Heineken Cup campaign which which kicks off with a home game against Biarritz on Saturday, 12 November.
An openside flanker who can also play at blindside or number eight, O'Toole has become one of the hottest properties in world rugby after some outstanding performances in the red of his country at this year's Churchill Cup.
He was named as 'Man of the Series' by Sky Sports as Canada reached the final for the second successive season, his achievements in this year's competition following on from the 2010 tournament, where again he was named 'Man of the Match' in two of Canada's three fixtures.
Born in Bellisle, New Brunswick, O'Toole grew up playing ice hockey before taking up rugby in his late teens, and played for Atlantic Rocks before moving to Oak Bay Castaway Wanderers in the Canadian National League.
Capped 11 times since making his debut in a 25-6 defeat to Ireland in Vancouver just over two years ago, he has scored three tries for his country and has also represented Canada in the IRB Sevens World Series. A powerful and pacy ball carrier and strong in defence, he becomes the latest in a line of Candian players to move to Wales, following in the footsteps of the likes of Dan Baugh at Cardiff, former Osprey Luke Tait and his brother John (Cardiff), and Rod Snow at the Dragons.
The current crop of Canadian internationals are also making their mark in the world game, with the likes of Jamie Cudmore at Clermont Auvergne, DTH van der Merwe at Glasgow and fellow back-rower Jebb Sinclair, also from New Brunswick, recently signing for London Irish.
Speaking about the move, O'Toole said: "I am really excited about joining the Ospreys, a team recognised as being one of the best in world rugby at developing players. I'm very grateful to have been given the opportunity by the region and can't wait to join up with the squad after the Rugby World Cup."
Director of Coaching, Scott Johnson, added: "To be able to secure Chauncey's services is a real boost for us ahead of the new season. As an openside, he will provide real competition for Justin Tipuric and his flexibility and ability to play right across the back row provides another option. The sheer number of games in the season and the type of game we intend utilising means that it's going to be important to keep our loose forwards fresh so Chauncey will get plenty of game time.
"We've placed a real importance on the character of the individual in our recruitment this summer, and Chauncey is no different. Having spent time with him in Canada recently and got to know him, I can see that he will bring to the region the right desire, commitment and grit that we want our players to have as we move forward on and off the field."