Gloucester have announced the signing of South Africa international second-row Franco Mostert, who will arrive from the Lions ahead of 2018/19.
Mostert was last week named in the South African squad for the June Test series with England.
In the current Super Rugby campaign, Mostert has been an ever-present for the Johannesburg based outfit, displaying his leadership skills in captaining the side, and his versatility operating at both flanker and in the more familiar second-row.
He was keen to renew his relationship with Johan Ackermann and will be reunited with his former coach in Cherry and White this off-season.
Director of rugby David Humphreys is thrilled that Mostert will be joining Gloucester next season.
“Franco has proved to be one of the stars of Super Rugby, and we are delighted that he will be playing in Cherry and White next season,” he told Gloucester’s website.
“We know the Gloucester fans love their physical, hard-working forwards, and Franco is exactly that. He has so many quality attributes, and this is a big sign of our intent as a squad to push to the next level.
“Obviously Franco is a player that Johan is very familiar with, and Franco will know what Johan expects from his players, and he is the type of character that will fit in well to our squad.
“He is a current international, and has been captaining the Lions throughout the Super Rugby season, so he displays leadership skills that will again benefit our squad.
“With the squad looking forward to the challenges of Champions Cup rugby this coming season, we need quality throughout our squad as at times it will be tested, and Franco adds to our second-row stocks, in an area of real strength and depth.”
Mostert is excited for a new chapter in his career, for him and his young family, and is looking forward to the tests in Cherry and White.
“I’m excited about this move, because it’s a new chapter in our lives. I’m excited to learn about the English league, and also the values of my new team, and the things I’ve heard from other players are very positive. I hope to bring a new energy to the team,” he said.
“I am beyond excited to link up with Coach Akkies [Johan Ackermann] again, we have come a long way together, it wasn’t always the easy way but that is why I have so much respect for him as a coach, and as a role model. He has had a big influence on my life in more ways than one.
“I am always excited and ready for new adventures, and it is nice to have a new challenge and I like a challenge, as it pushes me to be the best and keeps me driven.”
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