Springbok JJ Engelbrecht makes move to the Ospreys

Ospreys have signed South Africa international JJ Engelbrecht until the end of the season, subject to work permit approval.

Engelbrecht, who can play at centre or wing, has scored four tries in 12 appearances for the Springboks.

The 26-year-old most recently played for Toyota Industries Shuttles in Japan and will arrive at the Liberty Stadium this month following the conclusion of the Top League season.

Prior to that, Engelbrecht spent four seasons with the Bulls where he was a mainstay of their Super Rugby squad.

He did not miss a game in either of his last two seasons with the Bulls, playing every minute of their 2015 campaign in the 13 shirt. In total, he has made 65 appearances for the club, scoring nine tries.

"For the Ospreys to secure such a quality player is a major coup and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the region," said general manager Andrew Millward.

"Clearly, with the enforced retirement of Andrew Bishop and the long-term injury to Ashley Beck, we have found our midfield resources stretched at times this season.

"JJ is a much needed, quality addition to the squad, who not only brings experience at the highest end of the game, but also a real dynamism in the wider channels.

"He fits the mould in terms of what we are looking for in his position. All successful teams need significant strength in depth and we've been talking about adding depth to the squad for a fair while.

"Clearly, supplementing our current options with a quality player like JJ will help us as we look to compete on two fronts in 2016."