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Gloucester lock Jim Hamilton has signed a new two-year contract extension to keep him at the club until 2014.

The 28-year-old Scotland international arrived at Kingsholm from Edinburgh last season and has since made 20 appearances for the Premiership side.

Head coach Bryan Redpath told 91�ȱ� Gloucestershire: "We do value Jim, he's a big asset to us.

"For him it was important to get the deal done and it's important for us to get some security."

Hamilton, who started his career at Leicester, will miss the start of this season's campaign after he was named in Scotland's squad for the forthcoming World Cup in New Zealand.

But Redpath sees Hamilton having a big impact on his return from the competition.

"It's important we understand what kind of lock Jim is - he's a big 125kg man and it's rare they come around that size.

"With us having the chance to retain him, someone you can build a pack around, it's hugely important.

"If we get Jim in the right shape and physical state he's a massive asset to us."