Prop Gheorghe Gajion will leave the Ospreys at the end of this season and has signed a two-year deal to join Aurillac in the French PRO2.
‘The Beast from the East’ emerged as a cult-hero at the Liberty Stadium after he signed for the Ospreys in 2018.
Prop Nicky Thomas, a Wales U20’s international, is his replacement as tighthead prop after signing from Bristol Bears earlier this year.
Thomas’ recruitment is in line with the Ospreys vision and recruitment policy of signing Welsh-qualified players whenever possible.
Gajion, 27, is a Moldovan international and came to Wales after playing stints in Italy and France.
The Ospreys would like to thank Gajion for his contribution to the region and wish him all the best for the future.