Gloucester announce the signing of Samoa international Motu Matu'u

Gloucester have announced the signing of Samoa international hooker Motu Matu'u from Super Rugby side Hurricanes.

The front-rower will join up with his new team ahead of the 2016-17 Premiership season.

The New Zealand-born player, who has seven international caps for Samoa, will see out the season with the Hurricanes, who finished runners-up in last year's campaign.

Matu'u has made 42 appearances for the Wellington-based side, scoring three tries.

"I am very proud and excited to be given the opportunity to add to the legacy already in place at a traditionally strong club like Gloucester," Matu'u told the club website.

His powerful, abrasive style of play is well suited to the Premiership and he will add further strength in depth to the Gloucester front five.

"I hope to be able to play my part in helping the team achieve success in the Aviva Premiership and in Europe. I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and the people of Gloucester."

After impressing for his club side, Matu'u was selected for the Samoa squad for last year's World Cup, where he started all four pool matches - scoring a try against Scotland in the process.

Gloucester's director of rugby David Humphreys said: "Motu is a player we are delighted to be bringing to the club and I know he is really looking forward to be heading to the northern hemisphere.

"His powerful, abrasive style of play is well suited to the Premiership and he will add further strength in depth to the Gloucester front five."