Gloucester have bolstered their second row resources with the signing of Tonga lock Lua Lokotui.
32-year-old Lokotui, an international team-mate of Gloucester loose forward Sione Kalamafoni, was in action on Tonga's recent tour when he scored one of the tries in the win over Scotland.
A member of Tonga's 2011 Rugby World Cup squad, he's no stranger to the European club game, having enjoyed a spell with Stade Francais.
He then spent time playing in Japan before representing the Wellington Lions in New Zealand's ITM Cup.
Gloucester's director of rugby Nigel Davies explained why it was important to add another second row to the squad.
"We've effectively been a man down since Alex Brown injured his shoulder in the opening game of the season," he told Gloucester's official website.
"Jim Hamilton and Will James have been superb, and Tom Savage has done a great job there when required.
"But, with Elliott Stooke also currently injured, we did need to being someone else in. Another injury would have left us seriously stretched.
"We've taken our time and made sure that we're bringing in someone who will add to what we already have, on and off the field.
"Lua brings a big physical presence and international experience to the table and we're delighted to welcome him on board."
Meanwhile, Gloucester also confirmed that club captain Hamilton will leave Kingsholm at the end of the current campaign to take up a contract with an undisclosed French club.
The Scotland international, who turned 30 a few weeks ago, is currently in his third season with Gloucester having moved from Edinburgh in the summer of 2010.
Since his arrival, he has played a big part in Gloucester's success on the field, become a huge fans' favourite and developed into a fine leader.
Hamilton was under contract with Gloucester for the 2013/14 season.
However, the Scotland international second row will leave Kingsholm at the end of the current season, with Gloucester receiving a financial settlement to compensate for the final year of his contract.
"It's a fact of life in the modern game that the French sides currently have much bigger playing budgets than their English counterparts," explained Davies.
"Jim is a fine player, an experienced international and has been a big part of what we've achieved so far this season at Gloucester.
"However, the offer is significant, and it would be wrong of us to try and stand in Jim's way. It's a massive opportunity for him. We don't want to lose him and he's aware of that.
"We're not the first team to lose a player this way, we won't be the last."
Despite the obvious disappointment involved in losing one of the club's senior players, Davies is positive about the future.
"I must stress to the Gloucester supporters that this does not signify a lack of ambition on the part of the club," he added.
"We will, of course, be seeking a suitable replacement for Jim as we seek to establish Gloucester as a force in domestic and European rugby.
"In the meantime, I know that Jim will continue to be 100% committed to Gloucester in the time he has left at the club."
Hamilton admitted that it had been the most difficult decision of his career.
"The time I've spent at Gloucester has been the best of my career," he said.
"It's been an honour and a privilege to wear the Cherry and White shirt, to represent the city and the supporters and, of course, to captain the side.
"However, the offer from France is simply the opportunity of a lifetime and one that I just couldn't ignore.
"It's a great move for myself and for my family. I hope that everyone will understand that.
"Nigel Davies and the club have been terrific about it, and I can't thank them enough for that.
"When the time comes, I will leave Gloucester with a heavy heart. I have made friends for life here, it's been a special place to play my rugby and I wouldn't have left to join another English club side.
"And, of course, I will be putting in 100% every time I wear the Gloucester shirt from now until the end of the season.
"I am fully committed to this season being one of real success for Gloucester and hope to bow out on a high."
Comments
sanka69 says...
One area we are a bit lacking this year, hope he brings it and has a good rest of the season - anyone any idea how good this chap is?
Posted 10:20 13th December 2012
swells07 says...
this is great. lokotui is a quality player and it'll be immense for him to be able to display his talent on the european stage once again.
Posted 20:10 12th December 2012