Open-side flanker Marty Holah has won 36 New Zealand caps

Holah, 30, has been capped 36 times by the All Blacks and the Waikato and Chiefs open-side has agreed a three-year deal with the Welsh region.

"I am looking forward to joining the team for the first round of the Heineken Cup and settling in to life in Wales," Holah told the Ospreys website.

"The Ospreys have put together a very formidable side in the last few years."

Holah co-captained the Junior All Blacks to a second successive clean sweep in the Pacific Nations Cup in June and has also featured regularly for New Zealand Maori.

But his last Test appearance for New Zealand came in the 34-23 win over Ireland in June 2006, with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw installed ahead of Holah in the number seven shirt.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Marty Holah joining the Ospreys

"While it is sad for me to leave the Chiefs and Waikato, it is the right time in my rugby career to make such a move," Holah told Waikato rugby.

"Playing overseas presents me with a new challenge - it is one that I'm looking forward to.

"Playing rugby for Waikato, the Chiefs and the All Blacks over the years has been extremely satisfying and presented me with some great opportunities and memories.

"I am now keen to enjoy the remainder of the Waikato season and look forward to the challenges ahead for our team in the Air New Zealand Cup."

The Ospreys failed to lure another New Zealand flanker to the Liberty Stadium last season when Jono Gibbes decided to sign a new three-year contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union.

But their capture of Holah underlines the region's ambition to become one of Europe's top teams.

Holah was the 999th player to represent New Zealand when he made his debut against Samoa at Albany in 2001.

With Wales internationals Mike Phillips and Ian Gough having already joined the Ospreys, Holah's arrival completes a very successful recruitment period this summer.

Holah will join fellow Kiwis Justin Marshall and Filo Tiatia at the Liberty Stadium.