Hurricanes lock Mark Reddish appears set to join the Highlanders next season.
The loss of Jarrad Hoeata to Wales and the uncertainty over veteran Brad Thorn has prompted coach Jamie Joseph to dip into the second-row market.
In Reddish, he is getting a solid performer who will add experience and grunt (196cm, 112kg) to a set piece that was inconsistent this season.
The 29-year-old made his Super rugby debut against the Highlanders in 2011 but has not been a regular starter.
He will battle Josh Bekhuis, Joe Wheeler and the rising Tom Franklin for a place in the Highlanders' second row.
The Highlanders have maintained a strict policy in recent weeks of not talking about transfers in and out of the franchise.
But the Otago Daily Times understands both Reddish and Chiefs prop Josh Hohneck have signed for the franchise in 2015.
Hohneck will almost certainly be joined by another prop in the coming weeks, as veteran Chris King and young Argentine Matias Diaz are not returning.
It is also believed hooker Ged Robinson is set to continue his nomadic career by signing for the Crusaders.
Robinson was good value for the Highlanders this season, after joining from the Melbourne Rebels.
At the Crusaders, he will be a replacement for the vastly experienced Corey Flynn, who is heading to France.
The Highlanders may look at recruiting another hooker. Brayden Mitchell's future is unclear and Liam Coltman still needs significant work on his lineout throwing.