Leeds have emerged winners in the race to sign monster prop Kees Lensing from South African Super 12 outfit the Bulls.
Lensing, who stands 6ft 3ins tall and weighs in at an imposing 20 stones, has agreed a three-year contract with the Tykes and will arrive at Headingley upon completion of the Currie Cup in November.
The 26-year-old Namibian international was one of the stand-out props in this year's Super 12 competition, helping the Bulls to the semi-finals where they lost to New South Wales.
Lensing said: ``I was very impressed with Leeds and I'm really pleased to be signing for them. The set up is very professional, both in terms of the structure and the training facilities.
``I didn't know a lot about Leeds when I was first contacted by them, apart from the fact the weather can get cold there! I know Andre Snyman, Rayno Gerber and Roland De Marigny from back in South Africa and I'm sure those guys will help me settle in.
``The main reason for coming over to England is to test myself in the Premiership. I've been fortunate in Super 12 to be able to test myself against the best props in New Zealand and Australia.
``The thought of going up against some of the best props in the world in the Premiership and comparing where I am now is something I'm really looking forward to.''
Leeds director of rugby Phil Davies revealed several clubs were interested in signing Lensing but the giant front row was won over by the Tykes' set-up.
He said: ``Kees is a top quality individual both on and off the pitch. His signing is a major boost for us for the years ahead. A number of clubs wanted him but he knew when he saw what we had to offer at Headingley that this was the place for him.''