Ospreys have recruited him from Japanese side Ricoh Black Rams, making their move as Ian Gough and Alun-Wyn Jones are both on RBS 6 Nations duty with Wales, while their fellow second-row forwards Ian Evans and Lyndon Bateman are injured.

Levi has played in 10 Tests for Samoa and also represented the Pacific Islands on five occasions, including their 39-13 defeat against England at Twickenham in November.

Before moving to Japan in May 2007, he spent five years with New Zealand Super 14 side Otago Highlanders.

Ospreys head coach Sean Holley said: “We have been looking at the possibility of bringing Filipo to the Liberty Stadium for quite some time, so it is great news that we have been able to secure his signature.

“He increases the options available to us as we look to compete on all three fronts (Heineken Cup, Magners League and EDF Energy Cup) over the next few months.”