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This is how Bristol's first XV is shaping up for 2018/19
By Ian Cameron
With their bulk announcement of nine players yesterday in what the club dubbed the 'Signed Up Saturday' a pretty clear picture of what a potential Bristol first XV will look like is emerging.
Seven of the nine signings announced yesterday were forwards, suggesting headcoach Pat Lam was eager to bolster his forward pack ahead of next season's Aviva Premiership.
1 Jordan Lay
The Samoan international will join Bristol from the Bay of Plenty.
2 Harry Thacker
While Thacker may have fallen down the pecking order at Leicester Tiger, his dynamic ball carrying make him probably the most mobile hooker in the Premiership and a real handful for any defence. Will have a battle on his hands with Will Capon and Exeter Chief's Shaun
3 John Afoa
The All Black who switches from Gloucester still has a couple of good prop years in him and will anchor Bristol's scrum like few others could.
4 Aly Muldowney
A big loss to Connacht when he left for Grenoble last season, the 6'5, 116kg secondrow adds much-needed experience and grunt.
5 Joe Joyce
Homegrown talent Joe Joyce will hope to prove he has what it takes to operate in the Premiership after a breakout season in the Championship.
6 James Haskell
While Haskell is yet to sign for Bristol, many see the club as his most likely destination with still no offer on the table from Wasps. A massive addition - both literally and figuratively - if he joins.
7 Jake Heenan
You don't captain the New Zealand U20s without being a serious operator and has worked with Lam before. The move to Bristol means he's effectively turning his back on Ireland, who has now qualified to play for through residence. Lam has likened him to McCaw.
8 Steven Luatua
The former All Black is an exceptional athlete and maybe one of the few Kiwi’s to exit his national side that could realistically expect to make a return. Will be an undoubted force in the next year’s Premiership.
9 Nik Stirzaker
The Australian live wire who qualifies for England comes to Bristol all the way from the Rebels and already has a tonne of experience having won over 50 Super Rugby caps. How he compliments Madigan outside him will be an interesting subplot.
10 Ian Madigan
The Irish man has quickly become the creative heartbeat of the side and combines both place-kicking ability and a ball-in-hand threat. Expect fireworks.
11 Tom Varndell
It's been nearly 13 years since he won the first of his four England caps but he's still as deadly as ever. The Premiership leading try scorer will likely be adding to his tally.
12 Will Hurrell
Despite some suggestions that he might leave the club 'The Hurrellcane' will be looking make a similar impact in the Premiership as his maiden season in the top flight, where he was easily Bristol's most effective metre-maker in midfield.
13 Alapati Leiua
Powerful Samoan centre Alapati Leiua provides heavy duty ball carrying, having made thirty appearances for Wasps and having earned 11 caps for Manu Samoa.
14 Luke Morahan
The Aussie speedster is unlucky not to have more than three Wallaby caps considering his pace and proven finishing ability. He and Varndell have formed quite the partnership with Madigan, who supplies them with crossfield kicks galore.
15 Charles Piutau
Touted as rugby's most expensive player, the former All Black will be eager to live up to his billing. His form at Wasps and Ulster suggest that he will do exactly that.
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