The Ospreys have signed Moldovan international front row Dimitri Arhipa in a bid to increase their front row options ahead of the November Tests.
23-year-old Arhipa, who is currently challenging for the Russian Superleague title with his club Yenisey-STM Krasnoyarsk, has been capped 19 times for Moldova and can play in all three front row positions.
He has signed a contract until the end of the current season initially, subject to work permit, with an option to extend for a further year.
Arhip (1.78m, 110kg) will arrive in Swansea following the Russian Superleague final at the end of the month.
Andy Lloyd, Rugby Operations Manager at the region, confirmed the signing, said: “Dimitri's arrival will be quite timely as we are likely to lose a number of front row players to international duty. When that is the case, it's important to ensure we have the strength of depth that will allow us to remain competitive as a group regardless of international commitments, and with the size of our contribution to the Welsh squad we felt that it was appropriate to bring Dmitri in.
“His versatility will be a huge asset as he will cover three positions, giving the coaches extra options. He is an immensely strong, powerful player.
