Leeds Tykes have bolstered their forward pack for next season with the signing of the one of the most highly rated young forwards in world rugby, Rayno Gerber.
South African Gerber, 23, will join the Tykes in October for the 2004-2005 season on a two year contract from the Free State Cheetahs.
He is regarded a one of the world's best young props and was part of the South African U21 side which won the U21 World Championship in 2002. This season the tight head prop was part of the Stormers training squad leading up to this season's Super 12 competition and has been a regular in the Cheetahs domestic Currie Cup campaign after graduating to senior rugby last season.
Commenting on the youngster Director of Rugby Phil Davies said, "Rayno is a powerful, young player and is a similar stature to Bath and England's Matt Stevens, who also came through the South African development sides. He is looking forward to the challenge of moving to a new country and new competition and we are delighted to have secured his services."