Gareth Delve was called into Wales's squad on Monday for this weekend's Six Nations match away to champions Ireland.
Delve, a No 8 with English Premiership side Gloucester, will provide cover for Wales captain Ryan Jones, who has been struggling with a calf injury.
Wales have been short of a back-row player ever since Andy Powell was dropped from the squad after being charged with drink-driving following the team's dramatic win over Scotland last month.
Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins explained he expected Jones to be fit for Saturday's match at Dublin's Croke Park but said Delve would be a useful addition to the squad.
"We are expecting Ryan to be fine but we have called on Gareth to boost the squad numbers in the forwards and provide cover in that back-row area," former Wales fly-half Jenkins said.
"We have been keeping a close eye on him, no one more so than (Wales defence coach) Shaun Edwards whose Wasps side beat Gloucester at the weekend, and we think he has been playing well and will do a job for us if called upon."
Delve, who has been linked with end of season moves to Cardiff Blues and the Melbourne Rebels in the Super 15, won the last of his nine Wales caps in 2008.
Wales head into the fourth round of SixNations matches fifth in the table and defeat against Ireland would be their third loss in this season's edition.
Ireland will be aiming for a third win in four matches after last month's loss away to France ended their hopes of back-to-back grand slams.
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