Salvi made his Brumbies debut in 2005

Bath have boosted their back-row options with the signing of Australian Julian Salvi on a one-year contract.

The 23-year-old flanker follows Saracens number eight Ben Skirving and Western Province back-rower Luke Watson in moving to the Rec.

"I am looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career," said Salvi, who joins from Super 14 side ACT Brumbies.

"Bath is a strong club, with a proud history doing exciting things and I really want to become a part of that."

Salvi, who captained Australia's Under-21 side in 2006 and has represented the Brumbies in Super rugby since 2005, has an option to extend his initial deal for a further year.

Bath head coach Steve Meehan said: "At only 23, Julian arrives with considerable leadership experience. He is very professional in his approach and he will arrive very fit.

"Once he knows plays and calls, his style of play will make it very easy for him to slip into Bath Rugby.

606: DEBATE Don't know much about him other than he covers the back row Sam

"I am looking forward to watching Julian play alongside his new team-mates and in front of his new supporters. I am sure that he will help the team to continue in its development and desire to win trophies."

Meehan is chasing new faces after flanker Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins all resigned from the club at the start of June after allegedly failing to take drugs tests.

And in May, Australian lock Justin Harrison requested an early release from his contract following an alleged incident during the club's end-of-season party.

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