Sale Sharks scrum-half and former Wales international Dwayne Peel will leave the club to join Bristol at the end of the current campaign.
Peel, part of the 2005 British and Irish Lions Tour and twice a winner of the Six Nations, has signed a two-year deal with the Championship side.
Peel has represented Sale 82 times in the Aviva Premiership since his signing in 2008.
“I’m delighted to be joining Bristol and taking on this new challenge in my career”, said the 32-year-old.
“There’s a real desire to achieve things – Bristol is a club with lofty ambitions and a clear vision of where they want to go – that appealed to me.
“Having played against the club many times, I know all about the large fan-base and the passion for the sport in the city; I’m excited about the move.”
Bristol’s director of rugby, former England head coach Andy Robinson, was delighted that the club was able to sign a player of Peel’s calibre.
“Dwayne’s decision to join us is a major coup for the club and a real indication of the direction we want to go,” said Robinson.
“He has a wealth of experience with over ten years at the top of the professional game – that’s a testament to Dwayne’s attitude and work ethic.
“Dwayne fits the bill for the type of player we want at Bristol Rugby – proven quality, a winning mentality and a consistent level of performance every time he takes to the field.”
Peel was capped 76 times by Wales and twice won the Six Nations grand slam in 2005 and 2008.
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks.
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