The Ospreys are set to sign three players on loan from South African outfit the Toyota Cheetahs.
The Swansea-based side last year signed Rewan Kruger, Marnus van der Merwe and Daniel Kasende from the Cheetahs in what was called a "game-changer" of an agreement at the time, which saw the two sides have a reciprocal deal to exchange players amid a period of austerity and budget cuts in Welsh rugby.
And that agreement between the two United Rugby Championship sides has extended into this season, with the Ospreys utilising their relationship with the Cheetahs to further bolster their squad for the next two months.
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Cheetahs captain and second-row Victor Sekekete, back-rower Jeandré Rudolph and centre Evardi Boshoff are the men the Ospreys have captured this time around and they will be available for the next three games, the fixtures against Ulster, Edinburgh and Munster.
The Ospreys see their resources diminish during the Six Nations and have sought to bolster their squad ahead of the URC's resumption next week.
In an interview with OFM Sport, Boshoff said: “We're just here in Cape Town now and waiting for our flight to Amsterdam and then from there to Bristol. It's a massive opportunity, but I just can't wait to get there, give it my all and maybe get some game-time.
“I know that myself, Jeandré and Victor are all very excited for this opportunity. Hopefully we can make a difference and get some game-time.
“With the previous guys, Marnus, Rewan and Dan, they all enjoyed some game-time, all three of them, so hopefully it will be the same with us.
“We are going to be there for three games, which will be two months, so it will be more time to adjust to the system and everything like that. For us it will really mean a lot if we can get some time on the field in the URC.”
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On the announcement, Ospreys head coach Toby Booth said; “We are thrilled to further our partnership with the Toyota Cheetahs. The first batch of players who joined us last year certainly added value to the squad, and the partnership has proved successful for both clubs.
“Between the well documented difficulties in Welsh rugby, including squad size and budget constraints, and a seemingly never-ending injury list, we need to innovate and look for ways to remain competitive, and this is one of those ways.
“While it’s unfortunate that due to his recent suspension, we couldn’t bring back stand-out Dan Kasende, we are confident that the new batch of players will provide the cover we need and contribute to the team’s performance as we head into key matches this season.”
