South Africa international Pedrie Wannenburg has signed a deal to play for Denver in the inaugural PRO Rugby season. While several American-based players have now been linked – including Chilean age-grade international Sebastián Kalm – the former Springbok no8 is the first overseas player confirmed to be joining the fledgling organization.

“I have a five year visa and plan to play two more seasons. Then I want to get involved in coaching, Wannenburg told South Africa magazine Rapport. “I believe I have a lot to offer in a country where rugby is the fastest growing team sport. The interest is great. Denver gets daily emails from players and coaches who are interested. In America everything is indeed bigger and better.”

Wannenburg, 35, won 20 caps for South Africa from 2002-2007 and featured in more than 100 Super Rugby matches before signing with Irish club Ulster, with whom he played two years and reached a Heineken Cup final in 2012. He joined Castres the following season and moved to Oyonnax in 2014, where he remains. His has secured at early release from the Top 14 club and will depart in two weeks to join up with the team in Glendale.