United States international front row forward Joe Taufete'e has signed for Aviva Premiership strugglers Worcester Warriors until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old - who switched to rugby from American Football in 2011 - has been capped nine times since making his international debut at last year's World Cup and scored three tries.
Taufete'e, who can fill in either at prop or hooker, has gained valuable playing experience in New Zealand with Otorohanga RFC in Waikato.
"Joe is a hungry young forward with a lot of potential," said Warriors head coach Carl Hogg.
"He is a big, strong ball-carrier which will allow us to get on the front foot in matches so we're looking forward to working with him and helping him try and reach the top of his game."
Taufete'e, who joins his new team immediately, said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Premiership even with Warriors embroiled in a relegation battle as they lie second from bottom with just 10 points from 10 matches.
"I've always wanted to play rugby overseas and I'm genuinely excited about the prospect of playing Premiership Rugby," said Taufete'e, who played his rugby in the USA for San Diego Breakers.
"I've heard great things about the club from Jackson Willison, whom I used to play alongside at Otorohanga."