London Irish have confirmed they have agreed a deal to sign Setaimata Sa from the Catalan Dragons.
The 24-year-old will make the cross-code switch at the end of the Super League season after being earmarked as replacement for centre Seilala Mapusua, who joined Kubota Spears in 2011.
Sa, who has played in the centres and the back row in the 13-a-side code, has agreed a three-year deal with the Exiles.
He has made 39 appearances for the Dragons, having moved to France in 2009 after a previous spell at the Sydney Roosters, while he has been capped by both New Zealand and Samoa.
Irish director of rugby Brian Smith said: "There's no doubt about it, Setaimata is an exciting and wonderfully skilful player and we're delighted that he will be joining the squad next season.
"I have followed his NRL and Super League career very closely and he was coached at the Roosters by my good friend and current New South Wales State of Origin coach, Richy Stuart.
"We've needed to replace Seilala Mapusua in mid-field for some time now and Sa fits the bill perfectly.
"He is an outstanding defender and a powerful runner with great physical and technical abilities.
"Still just 24 years old he already brings with him a wealth of international and top-flight rugby experience, as well as winning a rugby league World Cup for New Zealand. We think he is going to take the Aviva Premiership by storm."
