Bristol to release six

Olly Kohn and Ollie Hodge are among the players on their way out of the Memorial Ground.

Bristol Rugby will release six players as head coach Richard Hill reorganises his squad for the 2006-07 season.

Olly Kohn, Ollie Hodge, Chris Morgan, Jon Pritchard, Martin Rospide and Ross Blake will all leave the Memorial Ground in the summer.

Kohn, Hodge and Morgan were all regulars in the side during Hill's first year in charge of the team following their relegation from the Guinness Premiership in 2003.

Blake and Pritchard joined 12 months later to help Bristol to promotion with Rospide signing last summer.

However all have found their opportunities limited this term with Kohn, Blake and Hodge all struggling with injuries.

Commenting on the clear-out, Hill said: "The club wishes all these players well in their search for another club and are extremely grateful for all their contributions over the past three years.

"It is always very hard to part company with players, especially players who have been a pleasure to work with and who have had a genuine heart at the club."

Of Olly Kohn, perhaps the highest-profile departure, Hill said: "He has been very unlucky with injuries and rarely been able to put together a decent run of matches.

"On the occasions that Olly has played for the 1st XV, he has shown genuine talent."