Ospreys have signed South African back row Marco de Witt from the Suzuki Griquas on a short-term contract as injury cover for Wales captain Jac Morgan.
The 23-year-old was a key member of Griquas’ historic Carling Currie Cup winning side.
Morgan suffered a dislocated shoulder when leading Wales in the opening autumn international defeat against Argentina in November.
No exact date has been put on Morgan’s return, but head coach Mark Jones says he is likely to be out for four to five months.
That might mean flanker Morgan misses the whole Six Nations and could be out for United Rugby Championship (URC) and Challenge Cup games until March.
Morgan, 25, announced this week he will leave Ospreys at the end of the season to join Gloucester, along with hooker Dewi Lake.
“With Jac out injured, it was important to secure someone as cover, and we were happy someone of Marco’s ability was available at this time of the season,” said Jones.
“He’s a young player who we feel can improve a lot in our environment. He will bring a different dynamic to our current back-row options, who have been putting in some quality performances in recent weeks for the team.”
