Stormers lock in Welsh move

 

The deal for the Stormers lock was confirmed today (Monday) after the WRU agreed to grant him time-server status despite Steenkamp being 27.

 

Under new rules, imports in Wales can only become eligible as time servers if they are under the age of 27 as a forward or 25 as a back.

 

The Ospreys had to seek special dispensation from the WRU because Steenkamp reached his 27th birthday in February.

 

ThevOspreys signed Steenkamp from Super Rugby side Stormers on a three-year contract.

 

The 27-year-old will be eligible to play for Wales after spending three years in the country.

 

Speaking about his move to the Ospreys, Steenkamp said: “Joining the Ospreys is a great opportunity for me and a challenge that I can’t wait to get stuck into.

 

"The Ospreys are a team with a short but proud history having won the PRO12 four times and talking to the coaches there is an exciting transition going on at the moment that will see them come through the next few seasons stronger than ever.

 

“I want to be a part of that.

 

"Looking around the place and talking to people there really made me excited about signing. 

 

"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.”

 

Andrew Millward, Rugby General Manager at the Ospreys, commented: “This is a significant signing for the region, one that we’ve been working on for quite some time.

 

"We’ve met with De Kock, spoken to him at great length over a period of time and worked hard to get this deal over the line.

 

"He has been to Wales to look around the region and get a feel for what we have to offer and undertake his medical, and he is as excited to be moving to the Ospreys as we are to welcome him. 

 

“He’s a natural leader, a combative character, and will be a real asset to the Ospreys.

 

"He is a typical South African second row, physical, tough and a natural competitor, who will add to the options available to us in his position.

 

"As well as competing for a starting spot he will provide cover for Alun Wyn Jones when he is unavailable and, importantly for us, his presence here all year round will allow us to use his experience to help the ongoing development of the outstanding batch of young locks we have here in the region."

  

Steenkamp becomes the ninth new senior signing for the Ospreys this summer while a further 16 current Ospreys have signed new deals during 2014, with a host of promising youngsters also signing up on development contracts.