Bortolami will stay at Gloucester until 2008

The 25-year-old lock made his debut for Italy at the age of 20, has been their captain since 2003 and has now won 45 caps for his country.

"He's 25, national captain and having a storming Six Nations. To sign someone of his ability is fantastic," head coach Dean Ryan told the club website.

"He's an outstanding prospect, who could potentially become world class."

Several other teams were interested in signing Bortolami, but he said meeting Ryan persuaded him to come to Kingsholm.

"A number of clubs who expressed an interest in signing me, but I was extremely impressed when I met Dean Ryan and he outlined his vision for the club," he said.

"Gloucester have a very strong squad, quality coaching staff and excellent training facilities. I have also heard much about the passionate and loyal group of supporters at Kingsholm.

"All the ingredients are there for long-term success - I am keen to play a central role in it."

Bortolami will stay at Gloucester until 2008

The news is part of a double boost for Gloucester fans, after it was revealed that flanker Jake Boer has agreed a one-year contract extension to keep him at the club until 2007.

The South African joined from London Irish in 2000 and was the Premiership's player of the year in 2003, the year he helped the club win the Powergen Cup.

"I love playing for Gloucester. I always have and always will," he said.

"I'm getting back to the form of a couple of years ago and want to concentrate on getting Gloucester as far up the Premiership as possible."

Ryan said he was delighted the former captain had decided to stay at the club.

"He has consistently made top-quality contributions and that is a very important factor with a lot of young players coming through," he said.

"I think he is back to where he was a year or so a go when he was one of Gloucester's stand-out performers.

"He does the majority of his talking on the field and is hugely competitive which is why we want him around."