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Rugby Union

Ospreys sign Holah

14/08/2007

Magners League champions the Ospreys have announced the signing of New Zealand international forward Marty Holah from next season.

The 30-year-old flanker will join the provincial side in mid to late October, in time for the opening stages of the Heineken Cup, and will be contracted until the end of the 2009/10 season.

He has not been selected for the All Blacks squad for the Rugby World Cup next month and will no longer be considered for the international side due to the Kiwis' policy of selecting only players based domestically.

Nevertheless the Waikato Chiefs star says he is "excited by the new challenge" of European rugby.

"The Ospreys have put together a very formidable side over the last few years, and to win the Magners League twice in three years speaks for itself," he said.

"I was also impressed during my conversations with [coaches] Mike Cuddy and Lyn Jones at the ambition that the club has, particularly to win the Heineken Cup.

"Having come from a region like Waikato where we have had some good success recently, but are still looking to get better, that was an important factor in making my decision.

"I am looking forward to joining the team for the first round of the Heineken Cup and settling in to life in Wales."

Ospreys director of rugby Kevin Hopkins said: "We are delighted to be able to confirm the signing of Marty Holah.

"He is a top quality international player and his signing signals another important step towards our aim to be a far more competitive team in European rugby.

"Marty will bring a wealth of experience to our squad ahead of what is already an eagerly anticipated season. We are making great progress in finalising our squad for the upcoming season, and this is another key piece of the jigsaw."

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