Newport Gwent Dragons have signed former Wales captain Colin Charvis on a one-year deal.
Charvis, 34, was released by Newcastle at the end of last season and was snapped up by the Dragons after Michael Owen was ruled out for three months with a shoulder injury.
Dragons coach Paul Turner said: "It was important that we secured the signing of a world class forward and Colin fits that description.
"He is a big, strong forward and is a huge boost for the region. He is a proven leader and has a vast amount of experience.
"It’s a huge statement of intent and ambition. I’ve been talking to Colin over the last two months and I was impressed with his ambition both at regional and international level."
Charvis, who has won 84 Test caps, had seemed set to retire when he was released by the Falcons.
