With Scott Williams currently ruled out with injury, the 25-year-old will provide much needed midfield cover for the Welsh region. He will link-up with the Ospreys later this month.
“I’m super psyched to join the Ospreys after the 2018 Currie Cup season. The Ospreys have had a great PRO14 season thus far and I am looking forward to contributing to the club’s success in any way I can,” said Kotze
Born in Carltonville, started his rugby at Western Province before getting his first taste of Super Rugby with Stormers, featuring in both the 2015 and 2016 seasons. He then moved to Pretoria where he has played in the Currie Cup for Blue Bulls and Super Rugby for the Bulls, scoring seven tries in 16 games this year.
The Blue Bulls are on course for a semi-final slot in the Currie Cup ahead of this weekend’s final round of regular fixtures. He will travel to Wales as soon as club’s involvement in the competition comes to an end.
“We’re going in to an important period with international call-ups and injuries impacting, so to have the ability to bring in a player of Johnny’s quality will give everyone a real boost,” said Ospreys Rugby General Manager, Dan Griffiths.
“He is someone who will bring physicality and go forward to the backline, covering multiple positions, and will, I’m sure, prove to be a great asset over a three month period.
“Developing home grown talent remains a priority for us, as it should be, and we are proud to have an average of 21 Welsh qualified players in our matchday squad this season, but we recognise that adding in the right non Welsh qualified talent can help us achieve our performance targets.”
