The Ospreys are set to sign South African scrum-half Shaun Venter from the Cheetahs.
He will be joining on a two-year deal with the paperwork expected to be completed shortly.
An experienced operator, the 32-year-old has also had spells with the Pumas and the Southern Kings.
He played Super Rugby for both the Kings and the Cheetahs, while he has represented his country at Sevens.
He’s a versatile performer, who covered full-back, centre and wing at times during the early years of his career, before settling at scrum-half.
At the Ospreys, he will fill the vacancy created by the departure of the long-serving Tom Habberfield, who is joining the Cardiff Premiership club side.
Venter will compete for the No 9 jersey with Wales squad member Aled Davies and youngsters Harri Morgan and Reuben Morgan-Williams.
With Davies likely to be on World Cup duty in Japan, the South African will have a chance to make an early impression during the opening weeks of the season.
Reports in South Africa claim Springbok scrum-half Ruan Pienaar is in talks with the Cheetahs, as well as the Sharks, and could be in line to fill the void left by Venter.
He will be the Ospreys’ third new recruit, with Grand Slam fly-half Gareth Anscombe switching from Cardiff Blues and No 8 Gareth Evans arriving from Gloucester.
It’s understood they are also looking for a back three player, while it’s hoped that Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones will be staying on board.
Inspirational second row Jones is out of contract after the World Cup, but it’s looking promising in terms of him remaining at the Liberty.
