Rob Fidler has joined Bath after he was told by Gloucester that they were unable to offer him a new deal.

The 28-year-old second-row forward, who won two full England caps in 1998 and has been an England A regular, agreed a deal to move to the Recreation Ground within 24 hours after failing to negotiate a suitable contract with the Cherry and Whites.

Fidler said: "Having seen the players Bath have added to their existing squad I am pleased to have signed for them and I am looking forward to next season as a fresh challenge in my career and to help Bath to re-establish themselves at the top end of the Premiership.

"I must thank the fans at Gloucester for all of the support they have given me over the years and the players, many of whom have become good friends.

"Of course it is a wrench to leave Gloucester. I played over 250 games for the club and my Dad managed to play over 400 before me.''

Meanwhile Gloucester have signed Paul Johnstone on a two-year deal from Bristol Shoguns.

Director of rugby Nigel Melville added: "Signing Paul is a good bit of business. He can play hooker and prop so will cover all of the front row positions for us next season."

And the Cherry & Whites veteran prop Andy Deacon has agreed to sign a new one-year deal.