Championship One side Hunslet Hawks have signed Papua New Guinea international Nico Slain.
The prop forward joins compatriots Charlie Wabo and Michael Mark at the South Leeds Stadium for 2009.
Hawks chairman Stephen Ball told BBC Radio Leeds: "Nico will add a physical element to the side.
"I was very impressed with Papua New Guinea at the World Cup and was keen to [bring] their players to Hunlet to give them the chance to play in the UK."
Slain played in the 46-6 defeat by Australia at the 2008 World Cup and played club rugby for Goroka Lahanis in the Papua New Guinea domestic competition.
Ball added: "We have visas for all three players because they have played international rugby at World Cup level.
"But now we are just waiting on passport control to give Hunslet a sponsor status so I can bring these players over.
"To see international players like this at Hunslet is a reward to all the fans for the hard work they've put in and the dark days they've had to endure in recent years.
"I think we now have a good mix of international quality and young boys from the local area, which bodes well for the new season."
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