FORMER Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel will play for Bristol next season, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 32-year-old ex-Scarlets star has signed a two-year deal with the Championship club, who sit fourth in the table as they aim to return to the Aviva Premiership.

Peel, who won 76 caps and was a member of the 2005 and 2008 Grand Slam winning squads, has spent the last six seasons with Sale.

He said: "I'm delighted to be joining Bristol and taking on this new challenge in my career.

"There's a real desire to achieve things. Bristol is a club with lofty ambitions and a clear vision of where they want to go — that appealed to me.

"Having played against the Club many times, I know all about the large fan base and the passion for the sport in the city; I'm excited about the move."

Peel, who won three caps when touring New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 2005, will link up with fellow former Wales fly-half Nicky Robinson.

"Dwayne's decision to join us is a major coup for the club and a real indication of the direction we want to go and what we are trying to achieve," said director of rugby Andy Robinson.

"He has a wealth of experience with over ten years at the top of the professional game – that's a testament to Dwayne's attitude and work ethic.

"Dwayne fits the bill for the type of player we want at Bristol Rugby – proven quality, a winning mentality and a consistent level of performance every time he takes to the field."

Bristol have spent the last four seasons in the Championship and are battling with London Welsh, Rotherham and Leeds for the title.