FORMER Stade Francais lock Lua Lokotui has signed an 18 month deal at Kingsholm to ease Gloucester's second row injury troubles.
The 32-year-old Tongan international has completed terms with Gloucester, with Alex Brown ruled out until at least the end of the season and Elliot Stooke battling a stress fracture of the foot.
Powerhouse Lokotui joins Gloucester from Wellington Lions, where he has been plying his trade since June this year.
The former Hawke's Bay enforcer joined Japanese club Kintetsu Liners in 2008, enjoying four years in at the Osaka outfit.
His six-month stint at Stade in Paris between January and June 2008 was as a 'medical joker' injury replacement signing.
The ten-cap lock impressed in Tonga's autumn Northern Hemisphere tour, scoring a try in his national side's victory over Scotland.
Gloucester boss Nigel Davies expects the new addition to bolster the Cherry and Whites' physical ranks.
He explained: "We've effectively been a man down since Alex Brown injured his shoulder in the opening game of the season. 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."
The length of Lokotui's deal is significant, as it may mean Gloucester already have one of their two locks required for next term.
With skipper Jim Hamilton heading to France in the summer and Alex Brown potentially missing the start of next season, Gloucester boss Davies has been in the market for two second rows for 2013/14.
Had the Cherry and Whites only secured this new recruit until the end of the current campaign, then Davies would still have required two additions in the summer.
But that extra year underlines the fact that Davies rates Lokotui as far more than just a stop gap.
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