Dan Lydiate will go back to where it all began after signing a deal to return to the Dragons.
The Ospreys couldn't afford to retain the services of the 35-year-old, with financial constraints at all four Welsh regions meaning teams have no choice but to live within their means.
But the Ospreys' loss is the Dragons' gain, with Dai Flanagan swooping to sign the 69-times capped Wales blindside.
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Flanagan was bitterly disappointed to lose the experienced Ross Moriarty, who has left to join Top 14 strugglers Brive, but his departure has left some wriggle room within their playing budget for further recruitment.
And he has decided to put some of that money towards signing the ultra-physical Lydiate.
"We're delighted Dan is coming home to a club where it all started and a place that means a huge amount to him," said Flanagan.
"Dan has enjoyed a fantastic career, playing at the very highest level, and he comes back to Dragons producing some of his finest rugby, underlined by his recent call-up by Wales.
"Dan remains hugely ambitious and still wants to achieve in rugby and be a huge asset to us.
"He is a leader, someone who sets the standards, while his vast experience and approach to the game will be of huge benefit to our young squad.
"We're excited Dan is a Dragon again and from speaking to him I know how much he is looking forward to pulling that jersey back on and representing the Men of Gwent."
The 2013 British & Irish Lions tourist has been named in Warren Gatland's extended Rugby World Cup training squad, and proved on last summer's Wales tour of South Africa he still has what it takes excel on the international stage.
Despite his age, Lydiate's signing is a coup for the Dragons who will be hopeful he will have a big impact both on and off the field.
Lydiate began his career under Paul Turner at the Dragons where he played between 2007 and 2013, before moving to France with Racing 92.
But he has spent the previous nine years at the Ospreys who were unable to retain his services at the end of the season.
"I've had a lot of positive conversations with Dai about what is being built here and he is one of the reasons I wanted to return and sign," said Lydiate.
"There is a good crop of young talent at Dragons and now I'm back on board I will hopefully add some experience, play my part, and help them on their journey too.
"I'm looking forward to getting stuck in. There is no better crowd than Rodney Parade when it's packed out and I can't wait to represent the club again."
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