The Ospreys have announced the signing of Canterbury Crusaders centre Kieron Fonotia for next season.

Fonitia, 28, is a former teammate of Dan Carter and Richie McCaw at the New Zealand Super16 team and played in the Super12 final of 2014, when they were beaten by the Waratahs.

The Kiwi, who can also play on the wing, will arrive in Swansea this summer, subject to gaining a work permit.

Fonotia has made more than 50 appearances for Tasman Makos in the ITM Cup, scoring in a 36-32 loss to Taranaki in the 2014 final. He also wore the No.12 shirt for the Crusaders in their opening game of the 2016 Super Rugby season this weekend, against the Chiefs in Christchurch.

His move comes just a month after former Springboks centre JJ Engelbrecht moved to the Ospreys from Japan. It means head coach Steve Tandy will have 11 players born outside of Wales in his squad next season.

Andrew Millward, Ospreys general manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the signing of a player who has made a huge impact in Super Rugby over the last few years alongside some of world rugby’s most exciting backs, and whose versatility will make him a huge asset for us over the coming seasons.

“He will bring a positive mindset and a willingness to challenge defenders with a dynamism and skill set that can grow our game and complement the players around him.”