Tasman prop Ben May has signed with the Waikato for three years from 2009.
May, 25, will play for Tasman in this year's Air New Zealand Cup competition but will join the Mooloo men from next year. In this year's Super 14, May was drafted to the Chiefs where he played a total of 12 games for the franchise.
The 1.93m front rower, who can play both sides of the scrum, has fifteen provincial caps for Tasman.
Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Graham Bowen said the Mooloos were excited to have signed a player of May's calibre.
"He is a powerful, dynamic young prop who will be a great asset to our player stocks for seasons to come," he said.
"We look forward to seeing him in red, yellow and black next year."