Leicester Tigers have confirmed the arrival Freddie Burns as well as four other international players.
It was the worst kept secret in English since he announced it was announced Burns was to be leaving Gloucester earlier this season but director of rugby Richard Cockerill confirmed Burns will move to Welford Road this summer to replace the Toulouse-bound Toby Flood.
He will be joined at the Tigers by Italian internationals Leonardo Ghiraldini and Robert Barbieri, Fiji playmaker Seremaia Bai and Christian Loamanu.
“Freddie is a very good player and he has had a tough year,” said Cockerill.
“It will take him a little while to adapt but he will benefit from our environment.
“He will be playing in a good side that is very disciplined. He will be asked to conform to what we do and how we do things and he will be better for it – as Toby Flood was after he joined us.
“Issues with players generally come from lack of leadership. He will know exactly what is required from us as a club and as coaches.”