Gough is 30 years old, stands at 6ft 5in and weighs 17st 4lbs – He has won 35 Wales caps and joins the Ospreys from the Dragons, signing until the end of May 2010

Commenting on the signings, Ospreys Director of Rugby, Kevin Hopkins: "I am delighted that we have been able to secure such high quality Welsh players on long term contracts.  These players have seen how the region has developed and were keen to commit themselves to the Ospreys.  We have fought off serious competition from outside of Wales to secure the services of both Ian and Mike and it is great news for everyone in Welsh rugby that these players are now retained within the Principality.”

Head Coach, Lyn Jones added: “Ian joins from a Dragons squad that has demonstrated great team spirit this season. He has an excellent technical game and this combined with his physical presence will offer a standard of performance that no one will afford to drop under.  With regular demands at international level throughout the season it is important that key positions are well staffed, and the group of players we have in this boiler-house next season will be second to none. “

“Mike and Justin (Marshall) have had some enthralling battles this season and I look forward to seeing their contest for the Ospreys number-9 shirt.  They are both highly competitive individuals, although somewhat at differing ends of their careers and neither will want to play second fiddle, but they are good professionals and I anticipate that the squad will be foremost in their thoughts.  We are an ambitious region and bringing in players such as these develops a level of competition within the squad that will help to keep everyone at the top of their game.”