Canterbury and Crusaders halfback Willi Heinz will join the Gloucester club in English rugby's Premiership later this year.

The club has confirmed Heinz's signature, meaning he will join fellow Kiwis Jeremy Thrush, Tom Marshall and John Afoa at the ambitious outfit.

Heinz, 28, is presently sidelined with a broken leg from a preseason match and is desperate to recover to ready himself for the next move in his career.

"I'm trying to get this leg right as quickly as possible so that, when I make the trip over to Gloucester, I'm fit, raring to go and ready to play my part straight away," Heinz said as his move was confirmed.

"I've always taken an interest in the Premiership. It's hard, tough rugby and an outstanding competition. And there's the chance to play in Europe as well, which is an added draw. It's an intriguing prospect and I'm looking forward to taking part in it."

Heinz has long had to operate in the shadow of former Andy Ellis in the red and black jerseys, but has developed into a talent in his own right.

Gloucester had former All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan in their ranks from 2012 till last year. Cowan has now returned to New Zealand to play for the Blues.

Gloucester view Heinz as a key to their future. He will compete with Greig Laidlaw and Callum Bradley for the No 9 jersey.

"We've been speaking to him for quite some time now and I know that he's genuinely excited to be joining us," Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys told the club's official website.

"I think he's going to play a very key role over the next few years, not just in terms of how he plays but how he brings the best out of the people around him.

"Adding Willi to the mix will give us another option and someone who brings experience and leadership qualities to our young playing group.

"And that's going to be more important than ever next season with World Cup commitments and the nature of the domestic and European fixture calendar once that tournament is over.

"Willi has been a stand out performer in a Canterbury side that hasn't finished any lower than fourth in Super Rugby since 2001. His experience of playing in that competition, for such a successful franchise will be a very welcome addition to our squad."

Gloucester are coached by former Brumbies mentor Laurie Fisher. The club are currently eighth on the table with eight wins and seven losses.