GLOUCESTER have signed openside flanker Thomas Young fromCardiff Blues.

The 21-year-old Aberdare born player, has been a part of the Blues set up since leaving school.

Initially a full back, he moved to the back row where he has played ever since.

The son of former Wales international and current director of rugby at London Wasps, Dai Young, he was a regular in the Welsh age grade set up playing at U16 and U18 level, and represented the U20 side in the Junior World Championship in Italy in 2011.

He made his Cardiff Blues senior debut in a 29-19 LV= Cup defeat against Bath in 2010.

Gloucester director of rugby Nigel Davies emphasised that Young certainly has talent and that the move to Gloucester could be a very good one for him.

He said: "Thomas was very successful throughout the ages groups in Wales, a very combative seven, very good on the floor. He would have played against Matt Kvesic in the age grades and he's a similar type of player.

"The Blues have a number of good sevens, they're blessed in that position. He's played a number of times for the Blues, and has been at Pontypridd recently.

"But there's now an opportunity for him here, and we have a chance to take a good look at him for the rest of the season.

"He comes here full of enthusiasm and looking to make his mark. It's a win-win situation.

"He's got until the end of the season to show everyone here what he can do, and there may be chances for him here with the internationals just around the corner.”

Meanwhile, Tongan international tight head prop Sila Puafisi has signed an extended contract at Gloucester after impressing greatly since his arrival.

The Tongan, who arrived at Kingsholm on a short-term deal following Tonga's autumn international series, made his debut as a replacement in the Heineken Cup away at Edinburgh.

Since then, the 25-year-old has made five starts and impressed the Gloucester Rugby coaching staff sufficiently to persuade them to secure his services on a long-term basis.

Davies said: "I've been delighted with what I've seen from Sila in his time at the club so far. He has proved to be a dynamic and powerful scrummager, and is also excellent in the loose.

"He's still reasonably young for a prop, so is a real prospect. He's working hard and he is learning more every day about what is required to succeed at this level.

"I've spoken of my desire for Gloucester to play a rounded game, based on a powerful platform up front. Sila will be a key part of that.

"He's settled in well within the squad. He's a great character and we're really looking forward to what Sila can bring us going forward.”