Gloucester have rubbished reports in the French media that Carl Fearns will be staying in the Top 14, stating reports suggesting otherwise were "unfounded".
Reports in France suggested that Fearns was ready to sign a new contract at Lyon which would rule out his move to the Aviva Premiership.
"Carl Fearns has signed a long-term contract with Gloucester Rugby and is a key part of the club's plans moving forward," said Gloucester in a statement. "His arrival is keenly anticipated and we very much look forward to welcoming him to Kingsholm.
"The club were contacted by Lyon recently to ask whether we would consider releasing Carl from the contract that he signed back in November, an approach which Gloucester Rugby turned down."
Gloucester expressed their disappointment that they had to comment on the situation having signed Fearns, adding that he had committed his "long-term future" to Gloucester from the 2017-18 season, and stories to the contrary were "unfounded".