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ALL BLACKS prop Greg Somerville looks to have completed a move to Kingsholm to bolster Dean Ryan’s options in the scrum.
After allowing Patrice Collazo to move on and following Christian Califano’s retirement, props are top of the Gloucester supremo’s shopping list.
Somerville has been linked with a move, joining the exodus of several Southern Hemisphere players looking for lucrative contracts in Europe.
The 30-year-old lined up at tight-head for New Zealand this morning in the second Test against England, his 59th All Black cap.
His experience on both sides of the scrum will have been a factor in the signing, as Somerville joins Nick Wood, Carlos Nieto, Alasdair Dickinson and Jack Forster as Gloucester’s primary front row options.
Somerville played second fiddle to Carl Hayman, now at Newcastle, during the World Cup, his deployment limited to games against minor nations Portugal and Romania.
His international career began in 2000 but was interrupted by an achilles tendon tear against South Africa in 2006, which he struggle to return from.
With a young family, he has blamed the extensive travel schedule of the Super 14 and All Black Test fixtures for his need to settle abroad.
New Zealand did their best to hold on to Somerville, continually strengthening the deal offered, but it is thought they have failed. Whether he will tour with the All Blacks before making the move is unknown at this stage.
Indeed Somerville, when questioned, remained tight lipped about his future.
“You’ll have to wait and see,” was his answer when asked about his end of year plans.
Neither would he comment on a move to Gloucester. “I can’t tell you, you’ll have to wait and see,” he added.
● MEANWHILE Pete Swatkins has left Gloucester to join National Division One side Sedgley Park.
The former Crypt School pupil will also train with Sale as part of the deal.

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