Paul has won a World Cup and two Tri-Nations titles

The 29-year-old ACT Brumbies star, who has 72 caps, will arrive at Kingsholm after the World Cup ends in October.

He will compete with Andy Titterrell, Olivier Azam and Ross McMillan for the number two shirt.

"This is a major signing for Gloucester and I'm delighted that Jeremy will be running out at Kingsholm," head coach Dean Ryan told the club's website.

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"He will add tremendously to the talent at our disposal, but more importantly as someone with more than 70 international caps he will bring huge experience and leadership qualities to the side.

"We're building a squad capable of consistently challenging for the major domestic and European honours and Jeremy is a key part of the jigsaw."

I know that if we continue to get things right off the field then we'll have a lot of success on it Jeremy Paul

Paul, who was born in New Zealand, made his debut for Australia against Scotland in 1998.

He was part of the squad that won the 1999 World Cup and has also claimed two Tri-Nations titles as well as two Super 12 crowns with the Brumbies.

"I've been fortunate to be involved in one of the most exciting periods for Australian rugby, said Paul.

"I still have some ambitions to fulfil in the international game before I depart, but this is a new chapter in my life for both my family and I, and we're really looking forward to moving to the UK.

"I had the opportunity to visit Kingsholm to watch a match and it certainly lived up to its reputation.

"I met with Dean Ryan and the coaching staff and we share a lot of common beliefs about how the game should be played.

"I know that if we continue to get things right off the field then we'll have a lot of success on it."