The Ospreys have confirmed the signature of James Ratti after he turned down a deal to stay with Cardiff.
The uncapped second-row or back-row featured in two different Wales squads during 2022, but has yet to represent his country.
He'll now return to the club where he started his professional career, having made his debut for the Ospreys in 2018.
He left at the end of that season, joining Cardiff in 2019 - shifting from second-row to No. 8 to earn call-ups to Wayne Pivac's squad for last year's Six Nations and summer tour of South Africa.
Speaking about his return to the Ospreys, the 25-year-old Dunvant product said: “It’s brilliant to be back at my home region. There’s a quality young core here and I know a lot of the boys from my time here.
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“I met up with Toby before making my decision and it was clear to see what the team are aiming to do in both the long term and the short.
“There’s some great players here in the back-row and I’m looking forward to testing myself alongside some of the biggest names in Welsh rugby.”
Having been a part of a Wales senior squad, Ratti would have been unable to play outside of Wales and still be eligible for international selection under the 25-cap rule, but it appears that was hardly a concern - with all four regions having been interested in signing him.
Ultimately, it was his former side who secured his signature.
“We’re delighted to have Ratti back at the Ospreys," said Ospreys head coach Toby Booth. "He’s a talented player who knows the Ospreys well, having been part of our academy and development pathway.
“Whilst he will give us much needed depth in the back-row, he’ll also provide a fresh injection of real quality. He’s a powerful ball carrier and will add a new dynamic to our attack.
“He’s made some real strides as an individual and as a player, and we look forward to seeing him build on his progress again as an Osprey."
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