Bristol Bears have added free agent hooker Jake Kerr on a short-term deal with immediate effect.
The Scotland international hooker initially linked up with the squad on a trial basis and has now committed until the end of the 2020/21 season having been released by Leicester Tigers last month.
Kerr, now 25, joined Tigers in the summer of 2017 while studying at Loughborough University and made his senior debut during the 2017/18 season.
He made 46 senior appearances for Tigers and earned a Test cap for Scotland in the 2019 Six Nations. in a win over Italy.
The hooker comes in with first choice hooker Harry Thacker, who of course is also a former Tiger, yet to play this season having had surgery on his neck in October.
Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said: “Jake has impressed us since he arrived at the Bears High Performance Centre on a trial basis in April.
“With Harry Thacker getting closer, but not ready for first team rugby just yet, we needed to bolster our depth in the hooker position ahead of the crucial run-in.
“Jake has settled in well, made a positive impact and he will be available for selection with immediate effect.”
Bristo also have Bryan Byrne, Will Capon and George Kloska to call upon at hooker.
Former Saracens and Connacht hooker Tadgh McElroy also remains at the club on trial.
