Commenting on his move the No.9 commented, "The Ospreys are a team that are going places and I have been very impressed with their professionalism on and off the pitch. They have a magnificent stadium, some of the best training facilities I've seen and a squad that I believe can compete with the best in Europe. I have recently visited South Wales with my wife and we are both looking forward to bringing our young family down to settle in the area. I was approached by clubs from England and France but I have been motivated by the Region's ambitions, once I had spoken to the Ospreys and seen the area and set up with my own eyes, it was a simple decision in the end.

"I have enjoyed my experience at Leeds immensely this year and I would like to thank the players, coaches and supporters for the way in which they have welcomed me and supported me throughout the season. I sincerely wish them a swift return to the Guinness Premiership next season. I am a very ambitious, competitive individual and I look forward to furthering my ambitions with the Ospreys"

Mike Cuddy, the Ospreys' Managing Director added, "We are delighted to have secured Justins signature as this is a massive signing for the Ospreys. It is important each year to improve the overall quality of the squad and to have secured a player of Justins quality is testament to the progress we have made since our formation barely three years ago. Only 12 months ago Justin was one of the outstanding All Blacks in their convincing series win over the Lions, and it is great news for players and supporters that he will soon be part our squad"

And Derwyn Jones, Regional Rugby Manager, also welcomed the addition saying "We are carefully targetting key players, but we will only confirm signings as and when the time is right for us. There is a tremendous team spirit within the squad and we are mindful not to disrupt the progress we have made over recent months. However, with the massive media interest that signing a player of Justins stature naturally brings, this announcement is unavoidable. There was significant interest in securing Justins services from top European sides, and it speaks volumes for us that he will be wearing an Ospreys shirt next season. Further signings will be confirmed as and when appropriate over the next few months"