Peel and Perenise to Join Bristol

Former Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel is set to join Bristol on a two-year deal from Sale Sharks ahead of the 2014/15 campaign.

The 32 year old earned 76 caps for Wales, playing his part in two grand Slam victories in 2005 and 2008.

Peel represented the British & Irish Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand, making three appearances.

"Dwayne's decision to join us is a major coup for the Club and a real indication of the direction we want to go and what we are trying to achieve,” Director of Rugby Andy Robinson told bristolrugby.co.uk.

"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 has made 82 appearances for Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership since 2008, scoring seven tries.

"I'm delighted to be joining Bristol and taking on this new challenge in my career,” he added.

"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.”

Alongside the former Welsh captain Bristol have also added more firepower to their front row, with the arrival of Bath’s Anthony Perenise ahead of next season.

The tighthead prop has earned fifteen caps for Samoa, representing his country at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

During his time at the Recreation Ground so far, Perenise has made sixty-seven appearances, including eleven during the 2013/14 campaign.

"Standing at 6ft and weighing in at 18 stone, Anthony is a formidable individual. He's a powerful scrummager with a great technical ability,” Director of Rugby Andy Robinson told bristolrugby.co.uk.

"Aside from his obvious power, Anthony is quick and mobile – an attribute that we've seen him display regularly at Bath.

"He'll be a real asset to our pack next season and I'm delighted we've secured his services at Bristol Rugby.”

The 31 year old – who has also represented the Hurricanes in the Super 15 - agrees a three-year deal with the Club.

Perenise said: "I'm delighted to be joining Bristol. Having met with Andy [Robinson] and Sean [Holley], I was impressed by their ambition and the determination to take the Club forward.

"The attacking style of rugby that Bristol have adopted is something that attracted me - it suits my game and the way I want to play.

"I'm looking forward to showing the supporters what I can do next season and excited about a fresh challenge.”