Boer makes return to Gloucester

Boer could be thrown straight into action by Gloucester

Gloucester have signed former captain Jake Boer on a short-term contract to ease their injury problems.

The 33-year-old spent seven years at Kingsolm and skippered them to victory in the 2003 Powergen Cup before returning to South Africa in 2007.

Coach Bryan Redpath told BBC Gloucestershire: "Jake's always said if we needed anybody he'd come back in to the mix.

"Not many people put their hand up for a two month contract in this pro era."

After leaving Gloucester Boer played for Western Province and has since returned to his old club side, Villagers.

Despite not playing top flight rugby, Redpath insists Boer is someone who can make the step back up, aided by a passion for Gloucester.

"Jake's someone that understands the club, he hasn't played for six months, but he still keeps very fit," he added.

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"We'll use the time to get him fit for November, but it's suddenly just come around a lot quicker that we've had to make a hard decision based on Heineken Cup registration when you have a lot of your forward pack missing."

Boer replaces Marco Bortolami, who is out with a dislocated shoulder, in Gloucester's list of 38 players who are registered for the Heineken Cup.

He is expected to be part of Gloucester's squad for Saturday's trip to Biarritz.