Rob McCusker has had his short term deal with the Ospreys extended until the end of the season.
The 30-year-old former Wales back row forward joined the region on a one-month contract last month as cover for injured players.
But McCusker – who spent 11 years with the Scarlets before a brief spell at London Irish – will now stay on, even though he is yet to feature this season in the Guinness Pro 12 after playing in three friendlies.
He said: “I’m really happy to be staying here for the rest of the season and hopefully longer. I’ve had a great welcome from everybody and I feel I’ve fitted in to the group well.
“It’s player focused environment where information flows both ways and, to be honest, it’s refreshing to be in that kind of environment.
“I know that there is strong competition in the back row but I want to fight for a place. I hope that I’ll do enough to get some game time sooner rather than later. That competition can only help the team.”
Head coach Steve Tandy has lost Sam Underhill for four months with a shoulder injury and Wales flanker Dan Lydiate has only recently returned to full fitness after hamstring and shoulder problems.
Tandy said: “Rob had already shown that he is a good addition to the squad. He is a leader who has slotted smoothly into our environment.
“He brings huge experience to the group, not only challenging things but showing real professionalism in how he has quickly got up to speed with what we expect from a player in his position.
“Coming into pre-season very late means he has had some catching up to do but we are already seeing big improvements and, as the season progresses, we would look to him to play a big role for us, particularly during international windows.”
Wrexham born McCusker spent 11 years with the Scarlets, making 133 appearances and scoring six tries, and captained the team between 2012 and 2014.
Last October he switched to London Irish, playing 17 games for the Reading-based side, 14 in the Aviva Premiership and three in the European Challenge Cup.
After representing Wales at age-grade and sevens, he made his full international debut against South Africa in Cardiff in 2010, winning six caps in all.
