London Welsh have further strengthened their back row options by signing Nic Strauss from Natal Sharks.

Strauss, 29, who can play blindside flanker and number eight, arrives at Old Deer Park having last year helped the Sharks to their first Currie Cup success since winning back-to-back titles in 1995 and 1996.

He returned to the Sharks in 2008 after four seasons at the Bedford Blues, having been brought to the club by former South Africa coach Rudi Straeuli.

Strauss made over 100 league and cup appearances for the Goldington Road side, capping his first season by winning the Powergen Challenge Shield at Twickenham in April 2005.

Strauss also represented Natal at U16, U18 and U20 levels, and during his time at Bedford was named in Rugby Times’ National One Team of the Year in 2008 and 2006.

Strauss will link up at Old Deer Park with fellow South African and former Bedford Blues team-mate, and now London Welsh full back, Mark Harris.

His signing will increase head coach Danny Wilson’s back row options, following the arrival earlier this month of former Sale and Ospreys forward Nathan Bonner-Evans.

“I was looking for an ambitious club that wants to take the next step and London Welsh ticked all the boxes,” said Strauss.

“Head coach Danny Wilson is enthusiastic and he’s got some really good ideas, so it was an easy choice to come to London Welsh.

“In terms of experience and leadership, we’re bringing in another player who has played at the top end of the game, both abroad and here,” said Wilson.

“Nic is a very well known and respected National One player and has proven a thorn in the side of London Welsh on many occasions when playing against them.

“Nic is renowned for having a great engine; he gets through a lot of work around the park and is very effective in both attack and defence. He’s also a good lineout forward.”