Alapati Leiua switches to Bristol from Wasps

Samoa international Alapati Leiua will make a switch from Wasps to Bristol at the end of the ongoing season.

Leiua joined Dai Young's team in 2014 after being part of Super Rugby club Hurricanes and he will be the first signing of the Ashton Gate based club for next season which also sees Connacht boss Pat Lam taking over as head coach.

Bristol head coach Mark Tainton believes Leiua addition will benefit the club.

"We're delighted to beat off interest from a number of clubs and capture Alapati's signing," said Tainton.

"He's a robust midfielder who can play in a number of positions in the backline. He's versatile, with excellent hands and acceleration.

"Alapati was a standout performer for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and made a similar impact in his first season with Wasps - he will be a fantastic addition to the Bristol Rugby squad."

The 28-year-old's involvement this season has been limited after Kurtley Beale, Kyle Eastmond and Jimmy Gopperth occupy the centre for Wasps.

Having made his debut for Samoa in June 2013 , he has played 11 Tests so far in which he has scored two tries.

Bristol face a stiff task of avoiding relegation as they are placed at the bottom position in the ongoing season separated from the 11th placed Worcester Warriors by one point.

"I'm hugely excited about the prospect of joining Bristol Rugby, an ambitious club with a passionate supporter base," said Leiua.

"When I spoke to the club about their vision going forward and the tight-knit culture that they are striving to create, it was an easy decision for me to make.

"There's something special happening at Bristol and I am looking forward to being a part of that journey. For the remainder of the campaign, I'm committed to Wasps and helping the team achieve their goals."