The 27-year-old blind-side, Rotherham's player of the year in 2005/06, will put his teaching career on hold in order to play in the Premiership.

Fourie played a major role in helping Rotherham claim a second-placed finish behind Leeds last season.

"I am looking forward to measuring myself against the big boys in the Premiership," he said.

"I have always set myself the target of improving each year, at Rotherham I started at the bottom and worked my way up.

"And I am excited about doing the same at Leeds and hopefully getting a place in the starting line up."