One-time All Black Sosene Anesi has been signed to fill the hole left by sacked Wallaby Lote Tuqiri for the NSW Waratahs in next year's Super 14 rugby competition.

The Chiefs speedster was unveiled as the Waratahs marquee overseas import and outside back replacement for Tuqiri.

Anesi - whose solitary Test was against Fiji in 2005 - can play wing and fullback and could help form a back three with Wallabies wingers Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell, who recently switched from the Western Force.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said last month that Anesi's manager had approached them about the chance of crossing the Tasman.

With All Blacks Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga forming a powerful Chiefs back three, Anesi was looking elsewhere.

"This is a significant signing for us," Hickey said on Monday.

"They don't just give away All Blacks jerseys, so to secure a New Zealand Test player is pretty exciting for us as a team, and indeed the whole organisation."

Anesi admitted in recent weeks the Waratahs were an attractive proposition.

"If the opportunity's there I'll take it. It's been quite tough for me with the likes of Lelia and Sitiveni at the Chiefs," the Samoan-born 28-year-old said.

"I haven't had much rugby this year with the Chiefs, with injuries and stuff, so what I'm trying to do is make sure I get on that park and play some rugby. I want to play, so (a move) would be a good opportunity for me."

Anesi joins an impressive list to sign for the Waratahs, including Mitchell, Wallabies five-eighth Berrick Barnes and Brumbies halfback Josh Holmes.

Anesi will become the third New Zealand player in the past year to switch to an Australian franchise.

Flanker Daniel Braid played this year's Super 14 for the Reds while prop Ben Castle returned from Europe to link up with coach John Mitchell's Force.

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) opened the way this year by allowing each Super 14 side one marquee overseas import.

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