Leicester Tigers have signed Wales prop Nicky Smith in a “multi-year” deal.
The 29-year-old will join the Tigers next season, having exercised a clause in his Ospreys contract to leave.
Smith has won 46 international caps and was a member of the Wales squad at last year’s World Cup in France.
“There have been many world-class players that have worn the famous Tigers jerseys and I’m honoured to get the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he said.
Smith, who made his Wales debut against Fiji in 2014, told the Ospreys website: “Leaving has been the hardest decision I’ve had to make during my career. This was was not a financial decision for me, but more of an opportunity to test myself against new challenges.”
He was twice a Six Nations winner with Wales and last summer appeared at a third World Cup. He will remain available for Wales, as he has more than 25 caps, though was not selected for this year’s Six Nations.
Smith has spent his entire senior career with Ospreys since making his debut for the region as a teenager 11 years ago, scoring 11 tries in 182 appearances.
Leicester head coach Dan McKellar expects him to prove a “quality addition” to the Leicester squad.
“He’s got all the attributes we were looking for in a loose-head; powerful, excellent work-rate and a thirst for set-piece so I’ve no doubt he’ll fit in nicely,” the Australian added.
