By John Harding

FORMER Gloucester back row Junior Paramore has joined Greene King IPA Championship title hopefuls Bristol as their new first team kit manager.

The 49-year-old, won 29 caps for Samoa which included representing his country at three World Cups, joins the club from Canford School in Dorset, where he was a rugby coach.

Paramore said: “It's fantastic to be back in the professional rugby environment and I'm excited to see what Pat [Lam] and the coaches are building here in Bristol.

Paramore had spells with Bedford Blues either side of his 122 appearances for the Cherry and Whites and also played one season of Rugby League for Castleford Tigers.

"Where I come from, the family is very important to us. Bristol is my family now, so I will do everything I can to help the club at a crucial point of the season. I'm here to support the guys and help drive the preparation as best I can."

But for All Black back row Steven Luatua, the season is over after sustaining the injury early in the defeat to Jersey at Ashton Gate – but head coach Pat Lam insists ‘the show must go on’, as his side prepares for Saturday’s clash with Rotherham Titans.

“Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the game – but he now joins the RTP group (return to perform) and we’re confident he’ll make a speedy recovery, so the show must go on,” said Lam.

“It’s not a major injury, it’s just that the timing isn’t great. So, it’s now a chance for the next guy to step up. It’s no different from every other player – once one is down, the next guy steps up and does the job. We’re confident we’ve got good cover for him.”