Filipo Levi has made 10 appearances for Samoa and also led them

The Ospreys have signed Samoa captain Filipo Levi from Japanese side Ricoh Black Rams to cover an injury crisis.

Wales cap Ian Evans is out for the season and Lyndon Bateman suffered a serious knee injury playing for Aberavon at the weekend.

The lock, 29, has made 66 Highlanders appearances in the Super 14.

Head coach Sean Holley said: "We have been looking at the possibility of bringing him [Levi] to the Liberty Stadium for quite some time."

606: DEBATE What is your reaction to this news?

Holley added: "I'm sure that he will prove to be a valuable addition to the squad over the coming months.

"He has a wealth of experience at Super 14 and international level, which with his sheer physicality and presence will, I'm sure, see him making quite an impact at the region."

Levi, 6ft 6in and 18st, can also play in the back-row, has made 10 Samoa appearances and represented Pacific Islanders five times.

He will be available for selection for the Magners League clash against Connacht at Liberty Stadium on Sunday 22 February.

Evans underwent knee surgery in November and Bateman suffered a dislocated knee-cap at the weekend.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version