The Ospreys have moved to increase their front row options with the addition to the squad of versatile front-rower Dimitri Arhip.
23-years old, the 19-times capped Moldovan international can play in all three front row positions. He has signed a contract that takes him up to the end of the current season initially, subject to work permit, with an option to extend for a further year.
Arhip stands at 1.78m tall and weights in at 110kg. Having began his career at Kishniev Blue Marine he then moved to Dinamo Bucharest in Romania where he won the national title before transferring to Russia to play for Yenisey-STM Krasnoyarsk, helping them to the 2011 Superleague title. He is currently involved in the end of season play-offs in Russia, his club once again booking their place in the final last weekend, and will arrive in Ospreylia following the Russian Superleague final at the end of the month.
Andy Lloyd, Rugby Operations Manager at the region, confirmed the signing, saying:
“Dimitri will be with us at the start of November and his arrival will be quite timely as we are likely to lose a number of front row players to international duty. When that is the case, it’s important to ensure we have the strength of depth that will allow us to remain competitive as a group regardless of international commitments, and with the size of our contribution to the Welsh squad we felt that it was appropriate to bring Dimitri in.
“His versatility will be a huge asset as he will cover three positions, giving the coaches extra options. He is an immensely strong, powerful player, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the region.”