Nutbrown is tipped to gain a place in the New Zealand squad

The Ospreys have finally signed New Zealand A scrum-half Jamie Nutbrown on a two-year deal from Waikato Chiefs.

The 27-year-old had a year left on his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union but the Welsh region successfully negotiated an early release.

"As a person and a player, he has an excellent work ethic and sets very high standards on and off the pitch," said Elite Performance Director Andrew Hore.

Nutbrown will provide "competition" for Wales star Mike Phillips.

"The esteem in which Jamie is held in his home country is clear as the NZRU were so keen to keep hold of him," said Ospreys EPD Hore.

Nutbrown was part of the 2005 Crusaders Super 12 winning squad and will arrive in the UK on Sunday before meeting his new team-mates on Monday before the Ospreys' home game with Cardiff Blues on Tuesday.

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Hore added: "Jamie has a wealth of Super 12 and 14 experience with both the Chiefs and the Crusaders, as well as playing for New Zealand A - that experience can only be of benefit to the region.

"His enthusiasm and professionalism rubs off on others and he shares the same core values as the Ospreys, which is one of the main reasons why he is so keen to join us.

"His arrival will give us another option at scrum half, providing real competition for Mike Phillips and increasing the strength in depth of our squad.

"As well as looking to push Mike for the number nine shirt, given the type of person that Jamie is, I also see him playing a big role in the continued development of young Rhys Webb as he looks to establish himself as a scrum half of note.

"I have no doubt that Jamie will have a huge impact, both in the dressing room and out on the field and he shares our excitement about what the future holds for him at the Liberty Stadium."

The Ospreys wanted a scrum-half as Welsh Grand Slam hero Phillips is out injured with cruciate knee ligament damage and All Black great Justin Marshall left for French club Montpellier.

Teenage number nine Rhys Webb enjoyed a impressive debut as the Wales Under-20 star played in the Ospreys' opening 16-3 Magners League weekend win at Connacht.

"We are obviously disappointed to lose Jamie at this time and the release fee paid is reflective of our reluctance to let him go," said Bay of Plenty chief executive Jeremy Curragh.

"The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union are very mindful of ensuring players honour contractual obligations, however upon considering all factors, it was agreed that an early release was warranted."

Nutbrown, who has represented New Zealand at all age groups, has become the fifth overseas player at the region and will be reunited with his former Chiefs team-mate Marty Holah and fellow New Zealander Filo Tiatia.