Wales hooker Hibbard to join Gloucester

Wales and British and Irish Lions hooker Richard Hibbard is to join Gloucester from Ospreys next season, the Aviva Premiership club have confirmed.

Hibbard made his international debut for Wales against Argentina in 2006 and played four times in this year's RBS Six Nations before featuring in all three Tests for the Lions in Australia this summer.

The 30-year-old follows All Black World Cup-winning prop John Afoa in agreeing a switch to Kingsholm and Gloucester director of rugby Nigel Davies has hailed Hibbard's signing as another significant move for the club.

"As with the recent confirmation of John Afoa's signing, Richard agreeing to join Gloucester Rugby next season is fantastic news,” Davies told the club's official website.  

“Balancing the squad, and adding depth in key areas has been a key objective for us, and this news is another part of that process.

"It shows where we're heading as a club. We're building a team armed not just with power up front, but also the ability behind the scrum to play a rounded and complete game.

"Richard is arguably one of the top hookers in world rugby. Clubs all around the world have been interested in signing him, so it's significant that we've been able to convince him that Gloucester is the right place for him to play his rugby.

"And, once again, it's a testimony to the hard work and commitment of everyone at the club. We're able to invest significantly in our team thanks to the backing of our board, the continued financial success of Gloucester Rugby and the significant investment made by our partners, sponsors and supporters."