Van Schalkwyk joins Zebre

New Italian Pro12 side Zebre have added South African No.8 Andries Van Schalkwyk to their squad ahead of next season.

The 27-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the club and will add some value to the Zebre pack of forwards.

Better known as "Dries" - Van Schalkwyk played Vodacom Cup with the Free State team last season after previously skippering the Golden Lions and collecting 34 appearances in the Currie Cup during his carreer, playing both for Boland Kavaliers and Blue Bulls.

He was also part of Bulls and Lions roster in Super Rugby and in 2009 he wore the Southern Kings jersey against the British and Irish Lions during their South African tour.

"Dries is a highly-experienced player, he played Super Rugby, Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup in his career and now, aged 27, he is at his best as a rugby player," Zebre director of rugby Roberto Manghi said.

"We're enthusiastic he took the decision to face a new challenge and play European high-level rugby and we are confident he'll have a huge impact on our team both on and off the field, helping our many young players who are now approaching their first season in Pro12 and Heineken Cup."

Van Schalkwyk added: "I am thrilled to be joining Zebre Rugby for the upcoming season. Being part of a new rugby family, culture and country is something I am very much looking forward to. I aim to make a valuable contribution to Zebre Rugby, both on and off the field as I consider it a tremendous privilege to have been given this opportunity."