Delve faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation after his knee injury

But Delve is unlikely to feature for his new club until well into the new season after suffering a serious knee injury earlier this month.

The 24-year-old is beginning his rehabilitation after rupturing his cruciate ligament, an injury which could keep him out of the World Cup.

"Gareth's a very significant addition," said Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan.

"We have made no secret of our aim to compete at the top end of Europe, and world-class players such as Gareth will be key in making this happen.

"As soon as we learned of his availability we moved quickly to show him the Gloucester set-up. Gareth offers considerable physical presence and a dynamic carrying game, which will suit our style perfectly."

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Ryan added: "Obviously his injury hasn't come at the ideal time, particularly for his own World Cup ambitions, but we're determined to support him fully through the rehab process and our environment is ideal to get him back playing rugby as soon as possible.

"In terms of his availability for Gloucester, we'll probably see him return to action around the same time he would have come back from the World Cup anyway, so in that respect not much has changed."

I need a fresh start to help me realise all my ambitions in the game Gareth Delve

Delve has won four caps for Wales and is rated as one of the brightest talents in the game, but his career has been blighted by injury.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bath and want to thank everyone involved at the club," he said.

"Bath gave me my first full-time contract, so the decision to leave is not one that I have taken lightly.

"I feel, however, that at this stage in my career I need a fresh start and a new challenge to help me realise all my ambitions in the game.

"After meeting Dean Ryan, it's very clear the direction in which he is taking his squad and they have made significant strides in a short space of time.