Bath sign England international Dave Attwood

Bath have announced the signing of international England lock Dave Attwood on a two-year contract from their Aviva Premiership rivals Gloucester.

Attwood, who is currently serving a nine-week ban after being cited for stamping in an Amlin Challenge Cup game just before Christmas, was capped by England during this season's autumn Tests.

The 23-year-old has made 39 appearances for Gloucester, although his move down the M5 to Bath has been trailed for some time.

Attwood is likely to prove the successor to long-serving Danny Grewcock in Bath's pack.

"It is a great opportunity for me to push myself out of my comfort zone on the pitch and develop the brand of rugby that I can play," said Attwood.

"I will be sorry to leave Kingsholm behind, but sometimes that is the way life pans out. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there and appreciated working with everyone.

"I'm delighted to be joining such a great group of players, and hope that I can help in pushing the club towards achieving its ambitious goals, both in the Premiership and in Europe."

Both Bath rugby director Sir Ian McGeechan and head coach Steve Meehan are delighted to have secured a player of Attwood's quality.

McGeechan said: "Dave is a very talented young player, and will fit in nicely here at Bath.

"He is already a very skilful player, and will only get better as he matures.

"He is a very down to earth character, so he will fit easily into the squad, both on and off the pitch."

And Meehan added: "Dave is a very big presence on the park, and a lot for opposition players to handle, so he is going to make a significant impact for us.

"He has very good lineout skills, and his style of play will work well with ours."

Attwood, a member of the England Saxons elite player squad, is suspended until February 21.