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Gloucester confirm Matt Banahan capture from rivals Bath

Matt Banahan will cross the West Country divide from Bath to Gloucester at the end of the season. Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Gloucester have confirmed the signing of Matt Banahan from West Country rivals Bath.

Banahan, 31, has made over 250 appearances for Bath since making his debut in 2006, but will head to Kingsholm in the summer.

He will provide cover both on the wing and in the centres for Gloucester, who lost England speedster Jonny May to Leicester at the beginning of this season.

"We are thrilled that Matt has decided to join Gloucester Rugby at the end of the season," he said.

"Matt has had a wonderful career at Bath and he will bring a huge amount of quality and experience to the young, exciting squad we are building in Gloucester.

"His versatility and ability to play in a number of positions across the backline adds real depth to our squad and Matt's quality will complement the style of rugby Johan Ackermann has brought to the club this season.

"I know how tough a decision it was for Matt to leave Bath but we're all looking forward to seeing him playing in Cherry and White next season."

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder paid tribute to the outgoing wing, who has scored 54 tries in 163 Aviva Premiership games for the Rec outfit.

"We'll be really sad to see Matt leave at the end of the season, but we completely understand the decision he has made with his family and future in mind.

"I'd like to thank him for all his efforts over the years -- he's been a fantastic servant for Bath. Everyone at the club wishes him well with the next chapter of his career and will welcome him back to the Rec when the time comes. I've no doubt he'll remain as committed as ever as we work to achieve our aims for the rest of the season."