The 27-year-old South African, who has made 49 Super Rugby appearances since making his debut in 2010 along, will add strength and experience to the Welsh region’s second row department following the departure last summer of Ian Evans and Ryan Jones.
An ever-present in the Western Province side that reached the 2012 and 2013 Currie Cup finals, the 6’6”, 17st 8lb Steenkamp came on as a replacement in the 26-23 defeat to the British & Irish Lions in 2009.
“Joining the Ospreys is a great opportunity for me and a challenge that I can’t wait to get stuck into. The Ospreys are a team with a short, but proud, history having won the PRO12 four times and talking to the coaches there is an exciting transition going on at the moment that will see them come through the next few seasons stronger than ever,” said Steenkamp.
“I want to be a part of that. Looking around the place, and talking to people there, really made me excited about signing. Hopefully, I’ll be able to link up with the squad soon and play a part in helping to make sure the Ospreys remain the best side in Wales as well as one of the best in Europe.”
Steenkamp is the ninth new senior signing for the Ospreys this summer, while a further 16 current Ospreys have signed new deals during 2014. A host of promising youngsters have also signed up on development contracts and the Ospreys Rugby General Manager, Andrew Millward, believes Steenkamp will provide a huge bank of knowledge for younger players to learn from.
“The likes of Rhodri Hughes, Adam Beard, Rory Thornton and Matthew Dodd will all learn from him. We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in a position where there are some real prospects coming through the development pathway, but their best interests won’t be served by throwing them all in at the deep end before they are ready,” said Millward.
“Having hard-nosed experience like De Kock around the environment will benefit them and allow them to reach their full potential at the Ospreys. This is a significant signing for the region, one that we’ve been working on for quite some time.
“We’ve met with De Kock, spoken to him at great length over a period of time and worked hard to get this deal over the line. He has been to Wales to look around the region and get a feel for what we have to offer and undertake his medical, and he is as excited to be moving to the Ospreys.
“He’s a natural leader, a combative character, and will be a real asset to the Ospreys. He is a typical South African second row – physical, tough and a natural competitor.
“He will add to the options available to us in his position and, as well as competing for a starting spot, he will provide cover for Alun Wyn Jones when he is unavailable. Importantly for us, his presence here all year round will allow us to use his experience to help the ongoing development of the outstanding batch of young locks we have here in the region.”
