BRISTOL have confirmed their squad for the 2017/18 season as Pat Lam takes the helm as incoming Head Coach.

Lam brings Conor McPhillips (Assistant Coach) and Paul Bunce (Head of Performance) with him from Connacht, while Bruce Reihana (Skills) arrives from Bordeaux.

Bristol welcome 18 new players into the fold, including All Black Steven Luatua, Ireland international Ian Madigan, Australian international Luke Morahan and Samoan internationals Chris Vui and Alapati Leiua.

Samoan international Jack Lam and Tongan captain Siale Piutau are among Bristol’s high-profile re-signings ahead of the new campaign.

Jason Woodward remains contracted to Bristol Rugby, with a decision made on the full-back’s future following the conclusion of the Championship play-offs.

“We’re excited about the squad that Pat Lam has assembled for the new season – there’s a good balance of youth and international experience, with plenty of attacking flair,” acting head coach Mark Tainton said.

“There’s depth in every position, complemented by a strong Academy. We’re confident that we have recruited well, bringing in guys that are hungry to achieve success for Bristol but also share and understand the values of Pat and his coaching team.

“To the twenty-five players that are leaving us at the end of the season, we’re grateful for the commitment they have shown to the blue and white hoops and we wish them the very best for the future.”

Bristol 2017/18 squad (italics denote new arrival)

FORWARDS Ryan Bevington Gaston Cortes Sione Tonga’uiha Jack O’Connell Anthony Perenise Sione Faletau (Yorkshire Carnegie) Jack Cosgrove (Edinburgh) Max Crumpton Ross McMillan Jason Harris-Wright (London Irish) Dan Tuohy Giorgi Nemsadze James Phillips Joe Joyce Joe Batley (Gloucester) Joe Latta (Gloucester) Nick Fenton-Wells Jordan Crane Jack Lam Olly Robinson Nick Haining (Jersey Reds) Chris Vui (Worcester Warriors) Steven Luatua (Blues) Dan Thomas (Gloucester)

BACKS Rhodri Williams Reiss Cullen (Watsonians) Ian Madigan (Bordeaux) Callum Sheedy Tusi Pisi Will Hurrell Jack Tovey Siale Piutau Thretton Palamo Alapati Leiua (Wasps) David Lemi Tom Varndell Ryan Edwards Jordan Williams Jack Wallace Luke Morahan (Western Force) Mat Protheroe (Gloucester)

ACADEMY (italics denote new arrival) Tyler Gendall (Harlequins) Ollie Dawe Tom Rowland Jordon Liney Nick Freeman Ehize Ehizode (Wasps) John Hawkins James Dun Sam Jeffries Jack Capon Dan Thurston Andy Uren Billy Searle Sam Bedlow (Sale Sharks) James Newey Matt Welsh George Perkins (Saracens) Iwan Hughes Tom Hargan

DEPARTING James Hall Chris Brooker Ben Glynn BJ Edwards Alby Mathewson Shane Geraghty Nick Carpenter Kyle Traynor Jamal Ford-Robinson Rob Hawkins Jon Fisher Marc Jones Mark Sorenson Will Cliff Ian Evans Gavin Henson Nick Koster Mitch Eadie Martin Roberts Adrian Jarvis Ben Mosses Charlie Amesbury Luke Arscott Alec Clarey Elias Caven