Moseley have made an early statement of intent for 2006 by signing Argentine international prop Martin Rospide for at least the next six weeks.

The 18st tighthead has arrived from Premiership side Bristol, whom he joined in the summer. He will train with Ian Smith's squad tonight and again on Thursday with a view to making his debut in Moseley's first match of the new year, at home to Stourbridge on January 7.

The 26-year-old has made four appearances for the Pumas, most recently in last season's Churchill Cup loss to Canada, but has had his chances at the Memorial Stadium limited to only one replacement appearance.

For that reason, Bristol director of rugby Richard Hill wants the former San Isidro forward to have some competitive rugby and Moseley's recent success makes Billesley Common the perfect place for that.

Smith said: "The fact that he is an Argentinean international should tell us something about him. Richard Hill speaks very highly of him and he'll be useful for us in that he can play both sides of the scrum."

Accompanying Rospide is ex-England Under-21 centre Andy Reay, who also moved to Bristol in the summer after leaving Harlequins.

The 22-year-old can play in either centre position and will remain with Moseley until the end of January in the first instance.

Smith said: "He has been very impressive in A games. He needs some match practice with a view to going back and challenging at Bristol."

Reay, too, has made only one appearance of the season so far - with Rospide in the Powergen Cup match with Ospreys - but was a regular squad member at The Stoop.