Johan is pleased to tie up Visagie

GLOUCESTER Rugby have confirmed the signing of Blue Bulls hooker Jaco Visagie, 26.

The front-rower will join up with the Kingsholm club after signing the paperwork on a shortterm deal into the new year.

Talking about the injury cover signing, head coach Johan Ackermann said: “We’ve got Jaco Visagie. He’s just arrived on a short-term deal, helping us while we’ve got this injury list – and James (Hanson) got injured at the weekend. We’re excited, I’ve always rated him as a quality player when I was in South Africa and he’s a good team guy.’’

The hooker shortage has been made worse with the injury to Hanson, who joins Franco Marais on the sidelines. Todd Gleave and Henry Walker will compete with Visagie for the hooker’s shirt.

Looking forward to what his seventh South African signing will bring to Gloucester, Ackermann said: “He’s a typical South African hooker who is big and strong. He’s still young, so he brings a lot of energy and is a great athlete.

“When I was in South Africa, we played against the Bulls and I enjoyed the way he got around the park. So he’s a good athlete and hopefully he’ll bring a lot for us in the broken play.’’

Visagie, pictured, will join up with the squad immediately and could be in contention for this Saturday’s game away to the highflying Exeter Chiefs.