England centre Mike Tindall has rejoined Gloucester after agreeing a one-year deal.
Tindall resumes his career at Kingsholm in the new role of player-coach and will help oversee development of the backline and defence.
The 33-year-old had been searching for a club after failing to secure a new contract under former head coach Bryan Redpath, whose own departure has enabled his return.Gloucester's new director of rugby Nigel Davies has a track record of encouraging internal progression from the playing squad into coaching roles - Simon Easterby and Mark Jones are examples at the Scarlets - and he is continuing that trend at Kingsholm.
"Mike has a lot of valuable experience and great loyalty to Gloucester Rugby and its supporters and understands what it means to be a part of this club," said Davies, who has only been at Gloucester for two weeks.
"It's important to have people involved that underpin your culture and values as a playing group.
"That investment can stretch beyond rugby performance - it's about harnessing the strength, commitment and drive from people that have an inherent loyalty and ambition for the team and business to succeed in the long-term."
And Davies is in no doubt that Tindall, who has been at Gloucester for the last seven years, will have a key role to play as he adds a new chapter to an already stellar career.
"He will be operating as player and backs coach for me in the coming year. I think he has a very strong tradition and heritage with the club and a very good rugby brain," Davies added of the 2003 World Cup winner.
"I think it's very important to have a certain amount of continuity at any club with your senior players and I see Mike providing that continuity."
