Back-row forward Delve, 24, has won four caps, but is currently battling a knee ligament injury that threatens his availability for the World Cup in France later this year.

Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan said: 'Gareth is a very significant addition to our squad, and I am delighted to confirm his arrival.

'We have made no secret of our aim to compete at the top end of Europe, and world-class players such as Gareth will be key in making this happen.

'Obviously, his injury hasn't come at the ideal time, particularly for his own World Cup ambitions, but we are determined to support him fully through the rehabilitation process and our environment is ideal to get him back playing rugby as soon as possible.

'In terms of his availability for Gloucester, we will probably see him return to action around the same time he would have come back from the World Cup anyway, so in that respect not much has changed.'

Delve made his Wales debut in last season's RBS 6 Nations Championship, while he also featured on the summer tour of Argentina.