Bristol announce key signings for 2018/19 season

Bristol have begun their preparation for the 2018/19 season by confirming they will have that they have secured the signatures of 9 new players.

So far Bristol have confirmed that former All Black and current Gloucester front rower John Afoa will join the club at the end of the season.

Afoa earned 36 Test caps for the All Blacks and won one World Cup with the side and links up with his former coach at the club.

Also joining the club is Exeter Chiefs hooker Shaun Malton. The 27-year-old helped Exeter to Premiership glory during the 2016/17 season.

Former Melbourne Rebels captain Nic Stirzaker will also join the West Country side after being the youngest player to make 50 Super Rugby appearances for the side for Melbourne before going on loan to Champions Cup holders Saracens earlier this month.

27-year-old prop Yann Thomas will rejoin the club from Gloucester. The Bristol-born front rower made over 100 appearances for Gloucester and will provide Bristol with plenty of experience during the 2018/19 season.