Wednesday 13 December 2017 23:35, UK
Australian hooker James Hanson has signed a permanent long-term contract with Gloucester.
Hanson came to Kingsholm in mid-September but was due to return to Australia in time to play for Melbourne Rebels in next year's Super Rugby competition.
The 29-year-old will now remain in the UK, however, after a deal was struck that would allow him to continue his career in the Aviva Premiership.
"I've loved every minute of my time here. It's a great bunch of lads and they've made me incredibly welcome from day one," Hanson told Gloucester Rugby's official website.
"I was obviously supposed to be heading back down under at the end of the year, but Gloucester told me that they'd like me to stay on and I'm grateful to the Rebels for handling it all so professionally.
"Playing in front of the Gloucester fans has been amazing, they're so passionate in their support of the team and they've been terrific to me.
"I have great belief in the direction that [head coach] Johan [Ackerman] is taking the squad and I can't wait for the rest of the season now."
Director of Rugby David Humphreys was also pleased to have Hanson at the club for an extended period.
"I'm delighted that James has agreed to extend his stay with the club and we're grateful to the Rebels for agreeing to release James from his current contract in Australia," he said.
"Initially the plan was for James to be here on a three-month contract, as cover for Motu Matu'u when he was way with Samoa in November.
"However, with his work ethic, dynamic style of play and his ability at the set piece, James has made a big impression in a short period of time, and we felt that he would add real depth to the playing squad."