18 Mar 2016

Hurricanes hooker heading to England

6:54 am on 18 March 2016

Samoa and Hurricanes hooker Motu Matu'u will play his rugby in England later this year after signing with Gloucester.

Hurricanes hooker Motu Matu'u celebrates scoring a try.

Hurricanes hooker Motu Matu'u celebrates scoring a try. Photo: Photosport

The 28-year-old who played for Samoa at last year's World Cup will join former hurricanes team-mate Jeremy Thrush at Gloucester.

Matu'u made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes in 2012 and has played 33 games, although not yet this season as he's injured.

Gloucester Director of Rugby David Humphreys said, "Motu is a player that we are delighted to be bringing to the club, and I know that he is really looking forward to be heading to the Northern Hemisphere.

"His powerful, abrasive style of play is well suited to the Premiership and he will add further strength in depth to the Gloucester front five."

Meanwhile, Matu'u is looking forward to joining the Cherry and White ranks.

"I am very proud and excited to be given the opportunity to add to the legacy already in place at a traditionally strong club like Gloucester.

"I hope to be able to play my part in helping the team achieve success in the Aviva Premiership and in Europe. I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and the people of Gloucester."