De Kock Steenkamp has signed a three-year contract with the Neath-Swansea Ospreys after securing an early release from his Western Province contract.

The 27-year-old, who moved to the Western Cape in 2010, will become the Ospreys' ninth signing of the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements at Newlands.

Speaking to the club's official website following his arrival, Steenkamp set out what he hoped to achieve in Europe.

'Joining the Ospreys is a great opportunity for me and a challenge that I can't wait to get stuck into,' said Steenkamp. '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 could potentially play for Wales after a three-year residency period, with the Welsh Rugby Union having approved his signing as a 'time-server'. Each region can have up to eight overseas players, but two must be 'time-serving' for international duty.

The Osprey's second 'time-server' is former EP Kings lock Rynier Bernardo, who was signed earlier this year.

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