Bristol sign Tonga captain Siale Piutau for rest of season
Monday 12 December 2016 13:08, UK
Bristol have signed Tonga captain Siale Piutau for the rest of the 2016-17 campaign.
The centre, who has twenty-four caps to his name, has agreed the switch from Yamaha Jubilo and arrives in January.
Piutau previously played for Wasps in the Aviva Premiership, alongside his younger brother Charles.
"I know Siale from his time at Wasps and he's a big presence in the midfield who carries hard and is a reliable defender," head coach Mark Tainton said.
"He comes into the environment in the new year and it will give the squad a boost in a crucial period of the campaign.
"Siale brings the necessary intensity and physicality required to make an impact in the top flight and that abrasive style will benefit our style of play."
Piutau played for his country in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, playing all four group games against Georgia, Namibia, Argentina and New Zealand.
The 31 year-old added: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Aviva Premiership with Wasps, so I'm relishing the chance to play in the competition again.
"It's a hugely challenging league, so I'm arriving with a focus of performing well and helping Bristol Rugby on the field. It's a club with a strong reputation and I'm exciting to get started."
