Cardiff secure signing of versatile Gloucester forward Ben Donnell

Cardiff have confirmed the signing of versatile forward Ben Donnell from Gloucester for next season, as originally reported by RugbyPass.

The 115kg forward is capable of playing across the back row and in the second row, and will join Bristol Bears' Callum Sheedy in making the move from the Gallagher Premiership.

The 23-year-old joined the Cherry and Whites from London Irish last year after the Exiles' demise, having come through their academy. He has made eleven appearances for the Kingsholm club to date.

Donnell said after signing: “I’m really happy to come to Cardiff and have the opportunity to play for such a great club in a great city.

“I really like the way the team have been playing this season and feel my own attributes and views on playing an attacking, fun brand of rugby fully align with Matt Sherratt’s own philosophy and vision for the club.

“I’m hoping I can add to a strong squad, which has so much further potential, with my ability to bring some dominance in collisions with some soft ball-playing skills, while continuing my own development and improvement.

“Ultimately every player wants to win trophies and I believe Cardiff are beginning an exciting journey towards that.”

Donnell's head coach next season Matt Sherratt said: “We’re really pleased to bring in Ben, who was previously at London Irish and has spent the past few months at Gloucester.

“Ben really suits our game. He is 6ft 5/6ins, he’s quick, likes to keep the ball moving and is a really good athlete.

“So he is big, powerful and athletic but he also brings a lot of versatility with the ability to play in the second-row and across the back-row.

“He will give us further strength in depth in the back five of the pack and a versatility that has been proven at the top level in the Premiership.”