William Porterfield took over the Ireland captaincy in 2008

Warwickshire have signed opening batsman William Porterfield from Gloucestershire on a three-year deal.

The 26-year-old Ireland captain is the second significant signing for Warwickshire in a week after Pakistan's Younus Khan agreed to join the county.

"I am extremely excited to be joining the Bears," said Porterfield.

"They are a club with a great history and I'm looking forward to playing a significant part in their future success."

Porterfield, who joined Gloucestershire in 2008, has 44 one-day internationals and 17 international T20s to his name for Ireland.

He links up with another Ireland player, fast bowler Boyd Rankin, on the staff at Edgbaston.

"This has been a good week for the Bears, having completed the signing of two very high class batsmen to our squad for next season," said Warwickshire director of cricket Ashley Giles.

"Will has proved his potential at international and domestic level and I believe he has a great deal more to offer."

Porterfield is the fourth player to leave Nevil Road since the end of the season, following Steve Kirby (Somerset), Anthony Ireland (Middlesex) and England hopeful Gemaal Hussain.

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