Gloucestershire have finally completed the signing of international seam bowler James Franklin.

The New Zealand Test and one-day international star has agreed a contract for the 2009 season and will serve as the county's overseas player.

Currently playing for the Black Caps in the First Test against India in Hamilton, the 28-year-old has confirmed he will be available for the start of the domestic season.

Gloucestershire open their County Championship Second Division account with a game against Surrey at The Oval on April 15 and Franklin is due to arrive in Bristol four days earlier.

Franklin, who spent a brief spell with the county as overseas locum in 2004, said: "I'm delighted to have signed for Gloucestershire for the 2009 season.

"Having spent time with the team in 2004, I know there is tremendous passion in the side to win games.

"I'm looking forward to working with John Bracewell (director of cricket) as I know he will bring the best out of players.

"Hopefully, I can help Gloucestershire get back to winning trophies."

There is a chance Franklin, who took seven wickets on his Gloucestershire debut at Cheltenham five years ago, will be included in New Zealand's squad for the Twenty20 World Cup, which takes place in this country in June.

Otherwise, he is expected to be available for the whole season.

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson confirmed: "We expect James to be available for most of our games and, at this stage, we are not looking to sign anyone else.

"He did well when he joined us before and has been in tremendous form recently.

"Our intention was always to bring someone in to strengthen our bowling attack and James will provide welcome support for Jon Lewis and Steve Kirby."

Bracewell added: "As a left-arm swinging new ball bowler, who is a genuine all-rounder, James will improve the balance of our squad.

"He is reaching the peak of his form, having had an outstanding domestic season in New Zealand, beginning with a double century and ending with a century for New Zealand A, which got him back in the Test team.

"His bowling is getting stronger again after a patella tendon injury. We expect him to be available to us for the whole of the season although you can never be sure what international commitments might crop up."