Buxton, who has signed a three-year deal, will join the Cherry and Whites for the start of next season.

"Peter is a big, strong, powerful player, who has proved this year how good he is," Melville said.

"He's an England A player who lives locally, and has been the star of the Newport side this season.

"He can play six or eight in the back row, and there was a lot of interest in him, so we are delighted to have made the signing."

Buxton, started England's A internationals against Scotland and Ireland this term, and is an outside contender for the senior squad's proposed tour of Argentina this summer.

Newport offered him a new contract, but the 23-year-old wants to play in the Zurich Premiership in order to further his internatinal prospects.

"Peter has been drawn by playing for a club near where he lives and he feels it'll enhance his chances in the England set up, even though he's made the A team with us," said Newport team manager Jim McCreedy.