Gloucester have signed tight-head prop Dario Chistolini from Italian side Petarca Rugby for next season.
The 22-year-old Italy A front rower was born in South Africa but moved to Italy when he was 19.
"I can't wait to move to England, to get to know my new team-mates and start my preparations for next season," Chistoloni told the club website.
"I'm told the crowd appreciate their forward play so I'm hoping to make a big impression on them."
Gloucester have been searching for a replacement for Paul Doran-Jones since he signed for Northampton Saints at the end of January.
"Dario is the first new addition to the squad for next season although he won't be the last," said head coach Bryan Redpath.
"We've done our due diligence and we know that he's a young, up and coming tight-head prop with a lot of upside.
"He's been schooled in front-row play in South Africa, there's no tougher breeding ground and has already caught the eye of the Italian senior selectors.
"He wants to be here and be part of what we're trying to achieve and we're confident that he's going to bring a lot to the squad."
