Gloucester have announced that hooker Franco Marais will return to the club for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.

The 27-year-old South African spent two years at the club from 2018 to 2020, but left Gloucester earlier this year to join Japanese side the Red Hurricanes.

But, in a new turn, it was confirmed Marais has signed a short-term deal with Gloucester until the conclusion of the 2019-20 English campaign.

Marais, who has made 35 appearances for the Gloucester, will rejoin the squad for training on Monday, 3 August.

Photo: Gloucester Rugby