Gerard, 27, was born in Toulon and measures 6ft 6ins tall and weighs in at 19st 1lb. He has two caps for France and was part of the Toulouse team that won the Heineken Cup in 2003 and 2005, and the French championship in 2001. He has been at Toulouse for the past five seasons.

Director of rugby Budge Pountney said: “David Gerard is in the same mould of lock as Olivier Brouzet. He is a traditional big, strong second row who has played at the highest level. David is exactly what we need to strengthen our second row department following the loss of James Percival.”

Gerard is due to arrive at Franklin’s Gardens this weekend.