Wales
Ospreys secure South African lock
ESPN Staff
April 28, 2014

South African lock Rynier Bernardo has signed a three-year deal to join the Ospreys next season.

Bernardo, 22, will make the switch from Eastern Province Kings, and is the Ospreys' fourth signing for next term alongside Josh Matavesi from Worcester and Dragons duo Dan Evans and Sam Parry.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me, personally and professionally, and I'm really excited about arriving in Wales this summer," Bernardo said. "The Ospreys are a great team used to competing at the top end of the PRO12, with some great players, and I'm looking forward to being a part of a young and talented squad there.

"It's a big challenge for me, but I can't wait to get started. Hopefully I'll be able to make a big impression and help the team to more success, domestically and in European competition."

Rugby operations manager Andy Lloyd expects the imposing second row to add extra grunt to the Ospreys' tight game next term. "He is highly respected in his home country and comes with a strong reputation as a traditional second-row who tackles well, hits rucks, and has the all-round physical edge that you expect from a South African in that position.

"He's a young man who has chosen to come here for the challenge instead of staying in South Africa where our feedback tells us he is extremely highly regarded as a potential future Springbok."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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