Cardiff have continued building for the future with the signing of Gloucester Rugby back-five forward Ben Donnell.
The 23-year-old has spent the past season at Kingsholm following the demise of London Irish but will now link up with the Blue and Blacks, providing further strength and depth to the pack with immediate effect.
He is the third signing made by Matt Sherratt ahead of next season and he believes the highly-rated forward will be an important addition to the squad.
“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.”
Donnell came through the Exiles’ academy system, and captained their Under-18s, while breaking into the first team squad during the 2017-18 season.
He went on to surpass 50 appearances for London Irish and earned England honours at Under-18s and 20s level.
Moving to Gloucester following the collapse of London Irish, Donnell has made 12 appearances in Cherry and White and enhanced his reputation as a physical and versatile forward, pulling on the number 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 jerseys.
He is now relishing his opportunity at the Arms Park and is determined to hit the ground running.
Donnell said: “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.”