Gloucester sign Kiwi Somerville

Gloucester have made their third signing in two days with the capture of New Zealand prop Greg Somerville.

The 30-year-old, who has signed a two-and-a-half year deal, will arrive in December after playing out the domestic season with Canterbury Crusaders.

Somerville can play at loose-head or tight-head and has made 59 appearances for the All Blacks.

"Once we appreciated his interest we were thrilled to sign him," Gloucester coach Dean Ryan told the club website.

"To have represented the All Blacks in more than 50 Test matches and be versatile, to operate on either side of the scrum, means he is an outstanding acquisition for us at this stage of his career."

Somerville follows Dave Young and Adam Eustace, whose signings were announced on Tuesday, to Kingsholm.

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"I have achieved virtually everything possible in New Zealand rugby and to have represented the All Blacks will always be something very special to me," added Somerville, who played in both of New Zealand's Tests against England earlier this month.

"This opportunity has developed and the chance to experience a new culture, for myself and my family, and to contribute to a side that is already right at the top of the English Premiership, was exciting to take up.

"I am looking forward to contributing to the side and proving myself in different conditions and against different opponents."

Somerville is the latest in a stream of All Blacks players to sign contracts with European clubs, with the likes of Aaron Mauger, Carl Hayman, Doug Howlett, Chris Jack, Byron Kelleher, Rico Gear and Luke McAlister all leaving New Zealand.

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