Wednesday 5 March 2014 13:03, UK
Bristol have bolstered their pack for next season with the signing of loosehead prop Jack O'Connell, hooker Max Crumpton and back-row Jack Lam.
O'Connell, a former Ireland Under-20s international, has agreed to join the Greene King IPA Championship outfit on a two-year deal from Leinster.
O’Connell, 23, has appeared 13 times for Leinster in the RaboDirect PRO12, while he helped Leinster’s A team to the British and Irish Cup title last season.
Bristol director of rugby Andy Robinson told the club’s official site: “He’s a talented young Irish prop who provides us with an extra dimension in the front row next season.
“Jack can be an asset to us. It’s important to recruit young players with plenty of potential - Jack has all the ingredients to play at the top level.”
Crumpton, who played for England in the IRB Junior World Championships in 2012, has also agreed a two-year contract.
The 20-year-old will make the move from Saracens, although he will finish the 2013/14 on loan at Harlequins. Crumpton has previously played in the Championship during a short spell with Plymouth Albion.
“Max is a young hooker with experience at Championship level and plenty of potential to develop his game,” added Robinson.
“He’s a physical, powerful individual who bolsters our options in the hooker position. Nurturing young players continues to be a key focus for us going forward.”
Samoa international Lam arrives from the Hurricanes, with the 26-year-old having made 37 appearances for the Super Rugby franchise.
“Jack is a major coup for the club and we’re pleased to have secured his services,” added Robinson. “He’s an uncompromising tackler and a physical ball-carrier who can scare opposition defenders."
Leinster winger Darren Hudson has also been confirmed as a Bristol player for the next two seasons, while Nick Koster, who has made 13 appearances for Bristol this season, has made his loan switch from Bath permanent - with the flanker also putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.
