Gloucester have signed hooker Ben Phillips on a short-term contract until the end of the year.
Welshman Phillips, 28, began the season with cash-strapped Championship side Birmingham and Solihull but has trained with Gloucester and played two A games.
"It's not easy for a player to come in once the season is under way but Ben's done well," said coach Bryan Redpath.
"He joins initially until Christmas, which is when Olivier (Azam) is set to return. We'll reassess at that point."
Phillips could get an early chance to impress with Gloucester playing Australia at Kingsholm on Tuesday, 3 November.
"I'm hoping to do myself justice over the next couple of months"
With Frenchman Azam suspended and Scott Lawson away on international duty with Scotland, Phillips could be competing against Darren Dawiduik for the Cherry and Whites number two berth.
"It was a difficult situation at Birmingham and Solihull with the money issues and the chance to train with Gloucester came at the perfect time," said Phillips.
"I've enjoyed my time at the club to date. It's a fantastic set up and a great set of lads and I'm hoping to do myself justice over the next couple of months and see how it goes from there."
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