All Black Jeremy Thrush heading for Gloucester

All Black lock Jeremy Thrush will join Gloucester after this year’s World Cup, the English Premiership club said on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old, who currently plays for Super Rugby side the Hurricanes, has won 11 caps for New Zealand and was a member of the squad that toured Europe for the recent autumn internationals.

“Signing a player of Jeremy’s ability further highlights Gloucester’s ambition to compete with the best clubs in Europe,” said Gloucester rugby director David Humphreys.

“He has been a standout performer in Super Rugby over a number of seasons, and the experience he has gained being part of a successful All Blacks squad will be a key element in establishing Gloucester as one of the dominant forward packs in England.

“His recent man-of-the-match performance against Scotland [in New Zealand’s 24-16 win in November] showed what Jeremy will bring to Gloucester in terms of his rugby ability, but he will also add huge value to the squad, both on and off the field, through his leadership abilities.”

Thrush follows halfback Greig Laidlaw and back James Hook, former New Zealand prop John Afoa and Wales hooker Richard Hibbard in signing for Gloucester for the this year-16 season.

Gloucester are currently ninth in the Premiership, seven points below the play-off places, after successive wins against Exeter and Saracens.