South Africa international second row Marco Wentzel has agreed a move to Leicester Tigers for next season.
The 27-year-old has played in the Heineken Cup for the last three seasons with Italian side Benetton Treviso and has also played for Boland Cavaliers in South Africa's Currie Cup. He gained provincial experience in South Africa with the Blue Bulls and the Cats, and played two Tests for South Africa against Scotland and France in 2002.
At 6ft 6in tall and weighing 17 stones, Wentzel is seen as a line-out specialist who can play at lock or blindside flanker.
Tigers forwards coach Richard Cockerill said: "Marco is very big and he is an old-fashioned forward who is uncompromising, skilful and quick. You don't play for the Springboks unless you are pretty useful."
Marco Wentzel fact file
Date of birth: May 6, 1979
Place of birth: George, South Africa
Position: Lock or blindside flank
Height: 6ft 6in/2.00m
Weight: 17st/108kg
Honours: South Africa
