DAN Lydiate’s move to the Ospreys has been confirmed after the Wales blindside penned a dual contract.

The 26-year-old will not feature for his new region against his former club Racing Metro this weekend but will be available for the Guinness Pro12.

That will put the chop-tackling back row forward in line to face his old region Newport Gwent Dragons when the sides clash at the Liberty Stadium on January 11.

Under the terms of the Rugby Services Agreement players returning to Wales are expected to return to their regions of origin but Lydiate chose the Ospreys for family reasons.

Lydiate said: "I am delighted to have secured a National Dual Contract and I am looking forward to doing my best for The Ospreys while I aim to win selection for Wales.

"Having a National Dual Contract gives me the certainty I need for my future and I will now be able to concentrate one hundred per cent on my rugby.

"I enjoyed my time with Racing Metro but this is the right move for me as I want to achieve my full potential as a player based here in Wales.”