The English Premiership newcomers have also signed Jon Prichard and Jason Strange from Newport, and Guy Easterby and Luke Gross from Llanelli.

None of the five have been offered contracts with the five new regional sides in Wales for next season.

Lewis told BBC Sport: "It's obviously a big challenge. The Zurich Premiership is renowned for being the strongest domestic competition in European club rugby.

"It's a chance to experience a higher level of rugby. We aren't involved in the new set-up so we had to look elsewhere.

Some players have found playing in the Zurich Premiership beneficial to their cause with Wales Geraint Lewis

"It'll be nice to have other Welsh people up there to make it easier to settle."

Lewis, 29, believes the faster paced and more open style of play in the English Premiership will suit him.

He is also confident that a successful season with Rotherham could help resurrect his international career.

"Some players have found playing in the Zurich Premiership beneficial to their cause with Wales. I hope it will do the same for me," said Lewis.

"But that's out of my control. It's just a matter of trying to play well for Rotherham and letting other things look after themselves."

Rotherham have also signed another five players as they prepare for life in the top flight for the first time since the 1999/2000 season.

Craig Short, Derek Jelley, Peter Jorgensen, Peter Smyth and Phil Jones have also joined.