Bezuidenhout arrives

The 34 year-old impressed in South Africa's World Cup team last year, and was an ever-present in the Super 12 campaign with the Bulls, before completing his Currie Cup commitments at the weekend.

"There's a good feeling about this place, and the team is playing very well at the moment, with four wins from four," said Bezuidenhout I met up with everyone, including Phil Vickery, this morning, which was good, as the last time we met was in the World Cup last year. I'm looking forward to playing on his side, rather than against him.'

The former Bulls prop is well-known for his powerful runs and scrummaging, and played his early rugby in the back-row. He converted to loose-head in 1998, when he started to compete in the South African provincial set-up.

'Christo will start training with us on Wednesday morning, and will be available for this weekend's game at Bath," said Nigel Melville. 'He is well-known in South Africa and has played at the top level in World Cups, Tri-Nations and the Super 12.

'He played at the weekend so he's in great shape, and he's well aware of the tradition here at Gloucester, and of Saturday's game against Bath.

'When we first looked at Christo earlier this year, one of the first people I asked was Vicks (Phil Vickery), and there's a huge amount of mutual respect for each other.'