Ben Morgan has signed a three-year deal with Gloucester © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Ben Morgan

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Gloucester Rugby | Scarlets | Wales

Gloucester have announced the signing of England No.8 Ben Morgan on a three-year deal.

The Scarlets are believed to have been paid in the region of £100,000 by the Cherry and Whites for the transfer with Morgan's current deal ending at the end of next season. Morgan - with three England caps to his name - will slot into the back-row in place of the departing Luke Narraway who will join Perpignan in the summer.

Morgan made his debut for England at the start of this season's Six Nations after declaring his allegiance to the red-rose side. And despite learning his trade at the Scarlets, Morgan played youth rugby for Dursley in Gloucestershire.

And the No.8 is delighted to have signed for the Aviva Premiership side: "It's a great opportunity for me and one that I'm looking forward to immensely. I grew up just down the road so Gloucester is my local team and I can't wait to run out at Kingsholm for the first time.

"Gloucester have some incredible talent in their squad and play a great style of rugby. Bryan Redpath's told me of his plans for next season and beyond and being part of it is an exciting prospect."

Gloucester boss Bryan Redpath was also pleased with his new capture. "Ben joining us is a very significant signing," Redpath said. "He's a big ball carrier who also possesses great handling skills. He'll help get us over the gain line and also do his bit in defence.

"He's international quality and still only 23 years old. He still has so much upside and I think he'll be a great addition to our squad."

Scarlets boss Nigel Davies conceded that he could understand the reasons behind Morgan's move. "Ben has achieved a great deal in his rugby career since joining us, he's a committed professional and worked hard in development with us," Davies said. "We've discussed his future career with him over the past year and supported his future aspirations.

"He's a thoughtful person and has taken his time to consider the best options given his international aspirations going forward in his future career. Ben is also a proud Englishman, which we have complete respect for and understand his desire to focus on his England career and to return home for the next stage of his career.

"We've worked with Ben to consider all options available with a number of English clubs very keen to find a way for him to be playing for them.

"We wish him well within England and with Gloucester who we have an excellent working relationship with, they are a good a team of people with values similar to our own and we're comfortable with the move which works in a rugby context for all concerned and for both businesses."