Monday 30 April 2018 11:24, UK
Gloucester have signed South Africa back-row Jaco Kriel from Super Rugby side Lions for next season.
Kriel will leave the Emirates Lions where as captain he lifted the Currie Cup and led the side to back-to-back Super Rugby finals.
The 28-year-old missed the 2018 Super Rugby season with a shoulder injury but will be hoping to rediscover his form under former Lions boss Johan Ackermann, who is in charge at Kingsholm.
Kriel made his debut for South Africa in 2016 against Ireland, before starring in the summer series in 2017 where France were beaten 3-0.
Director of Rugby David Humphreys said: "Jaco's record in his career so far speaks for itself, and he is a player that Johan rates very highly. He will understand immediately what Johan expects from his players, and the style of play that we are trying to promote.
"At the club, we have some really exciting young players, especially in our back row forward area, and Jaco's arrival will provide us with more world-class quality in that position, especially with the pressures put on the squad as we take on Champions Cup rugby next season.
"He has been frustrated to miss out this season with a shoulder injury however, he has already met with all of our backroom team at Hartpury College, and he will be fit and firing come the start of the new season."
