Jonny Bentley: Gloucester sign Cornish Pirates fly-half

Gloucester have signed Cornish Pirates fly-half Jonny Bentley.

The 26-year-old has spent the last four years with the Pirates, but has made only four appearances in the last two seasons because of injury problems.

Bentley will provide cover for Freddie Burns, who is establishing himself as a regular in the England setup.

"I felt it was important to add another specialist 10 to the squad and Jonny's a very polished performer," said director of rugby Nigel Davies.

"I know he can't wait to get up here and show what he can do, and I think he's going to be a valuable contributor for us."

New Zealand-born Bentley joined Pirates in 2009 and helped them to win the British and Irish Cup in 2010.

But he has struggled to make a similar impact since then and only managed one appearance last season against Bedford, when he was forced off after 35 minutes through injury.

"I can't thank the Pirates enough for the way they've gone about it," he said.

"They've stuck by me over the past couple of seasons when I've had some injury problems. They've been really good to me.

"I spoke to [Pirates chief executive] Josh Lewsey about it, and he said that they weren't the sort of club to stand in anyone's way and that they would wish me all the best."