Tuesday 29 April 2014 19:05, UK
Championship promotion contenders Bristol Rugby have signalled their intentions for the upcoming campaign with three new signings.
After a successful loan spell from RaboDirect PRO12 side Edinburgh, Scotland international Ross Rennie has penned a permanent deal with the club, while Chris Brooker and Olly Robinson also join the ranks.
A Scottish international with twenty caps to his name, 28 year-old Rennie has quickly endeared himself to the Bristol faithful, with seven tries in his nine appearances.
“We’re pleased to add Ross to the squad as we continue to build for the new season,” Robinson told the club’s official website.
“Ross’ professionalism and consistency in his performances during his relatively short time at the club have helped drive the quality and standards in the squad.”
Bristol-born Brooker, who has played for Bath and Harlequins as well as earning England Saxons honours, will return to his hometown from Worcester Warriors, who look set to drop down from the Premiership to the second tier.
Bristol, who raced away at the Championship summit, will face Rotherham in the play-off semi-finals as they continued their quest to return to the Premiership, a prospect Robinson is eager to prepare for.
We’re building a team with a vital blend of youth and experience. If you look at the players we have brought in and the way the squad is shaping up, we have a group of players under the age of 24 who – in the future - can develop into regular Premiership performers.
“We’re building a squad that we believe can compete at the top level, Chris’ addition adds another string to our bow,” the Bristol boss added.
Robinson, a 22-year-old flanker, joins from fellow Championship side Moseley and the Bristol head coach believes the addition of young talent paves the way for top flight success.
“We’re building a team with a vital blend of youth and experience – Olly’s arrival underlines that philosophy,” Robinson claimed.
“If you look at the players we have brought in and the way the squad is shaping up, we have a group of players under the age of 24 who – in the future - can develop into regular Premiership performers.”
Alongside the new signings, Bristol have been handed a further boost with hooker Rhys Lawrence committing his future to the club.
Since joining from Llanelli Scarlets in the summer of 2011, Lawrence has scored 10 tries in his 64 appearances and become a firm favourite at the Memorial Ground.
