Bristol Bears back Mat Protheroe will leave Ashton Gate at the end of the season to join Pro14 side Ospreys.
The versatile back, who can also play on the wing, joined Bristol in 2017 from Gloucester and went on the be a key figure in the side's Championship winning season and the ninth place finish last year, but will now move on to join the Welsh side.
News first broke of the Ospreys' interest in Protheroe in mid-February, with the Rugby Paper claiming that they were keen on a move come the end of the season.
And that news has now been confirmed, with Protheroe saying that the timing feels right.
He said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bristol Bears and feel my game has gone to the next level under Pat (Lam) and the coaching team.
“It’s the right time for me to push on and take the next challenge, but I’d like to thank my teammates, the staff and all the supporters for a fantastic couple of years.
“I’m excited about the next chapter in my career at Ospreys but look forward to giving everything for the Bears until the end of the season and going out on a high.”
Protheroe has made nine appearances for Bristol so far this season and 33 in total, scoring 11 tries. He stepped in to cover Charles Piutau during an injury lay off this term and established himself as a vital part of Pat Lam's squad.
And the Director of Rugby admitted as much when reacting to the news.
He said: “Mat has been a valued member of the squad during his time here and has contributed on and off the field.
“We wish him all the best at Ospreys and I’m sure he will have a huge impact at his new club.
“Mat has his own personal aspirations to play international rugby for Wales and we are supportive of him in pursuing this. He’s a credit to himself and his family and we’re grateful to the commitment he has given us.”
Protheroe has helped lead Bristol to the top half of the Gallagher Premiership this season, with the side currently sitting in third place, just one point off second place Sale.
