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Rugby Union

Gloucester agree deal for All Blacks prop Somerville

25/06/2008

All Blacks prop Greg Somerville will join Gloucester on a two-and-a-half-year contract from December, the club have announced.

The 30-year-old front-row, who can play at either loose-head or tight-head, will move to Kingsholm from Canterbury Crusaders later this year once the New Zealand domestic season is over.

Somerville became New Zealand's most-capped prop when he made his 59th international appearance in the second Test against England in Christchurch last weekend.

Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan told the club's official website that he is "thrilled" to have signed a player with Somerville's "experience, calibre and undoubted expertise", and said he would "add significantly" to the squad.

"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," Ryan explained.

"With the likes of Christian Califano and Patrice Collazo leaving the club, we needed an option that could benefit us long-term and we have managed to combine experience, versatility and expertise in one package and that is fantastic for the club."

Somerville said his reason for leaving his homeland is to meet the unique challenge that European club rugby represents.

"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," he said.

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

"I am looking forward to contributing to Dean Ryan's side and prove myself in different conditions and against different opponents.

"Gloucester's front-row options are already very talented and I am looking forward to adding to that mix next season."