Tom Marshall confirms move to Gloucester [Fairfax]

Chiefs Super Rugby star Tom Marshall has confirmed a move to Britain to join the Gloucester club in the English Premiership next year.

Marshall has been released from the final year of his contract with Tasman Makos and will join Gloucester after the coming Super Rugby season.

Marshall said it was an opportunity he had decided he couldn't resist.

"I'm very excited about the move up north to Gloucester. The club plays an exciting brand of rugby and offers a great playing opportunity with exceptional coaching and training facilities," Marshall said in a statement.

"I've also heard the city is passionate about rugby, with Kingsholm Stadium providing a special atmosphere on game day. I'm looking forward to being part of and contributing to this in the years to come."

Gloucester coach David Humphreys said Marshall could help their outside backs stocks.

"Tom's played a significant number of Super Rugby games and has impressed while with both the Crusaders and the Chiefs," Humphreys said.

"Yet he's still only 24 and we believe he has his best years ahead of him at Gloucester.

"He's got good physical presence, but is also a top quality footballer, whose versatility will give us a number of options across the back line and we look forward to him linking up with us once his contractual obligations to the NZRU have ended."

Marshall moved to the Chiefs last season after three seasons with the Crusaders.

Tasman chief executive Tony Lewis said they couldn't stand in Marshall's way.

"Tom has decided his future lies elsewhere. He asked to be released from the final year of his contract with Tasman, which we have agreed to," Lewis said.

"He comes from a very talented sporting family in Nelson, his brother James is the captain of Taranaki.

"At Tasman we strive to create professional players for the next level whether that is for the Crusaders or All Blacks. Tom has decided this is his next stage."