Ex-South Africa U20 hooker Franco Marais from Sharks signs for Gloucester

Gloucester have confirmed their latest signing, with former South Africa U20 hooker Franco Marais arriving from the Sharks for next season.

The 25-year-old at present plays for the Sharks in Super Rugby, but will move to Kingsholm in the summer.

Marais was part of the South African U20 squad that won the World Rugby U20 Championship on home soil in 2012, and made his Sharks debut two years later.

"He's a player that has captured a lot of attention in Super Rugby with his work at the set-piece.

"And he is excited to be part of what we're hoping to achieve here at Gloucester moving forward," said director of rugby David Humphreys.

Marais will replace Wales hooker Richard Hibbard, who is leaving Gloucester for the Dragons in the summer.

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