RFU Championship
Bristol bring in Premiership duo
ESPN Staff
January 7, 2014
Dwayne Peel has signed a two-year deal with Bristol © Getty Images
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Bristol have pulled off two significant transfer coups with the signing of ex-Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel and Bath prop Anthony Perenise.

Peel has signed a two-year deal with the Championship side and will move to Bristol at the end of the season from Sale. News of Peel's move broke over the weekend and Bristol have now finished off the relevant paperwork and coach Andy Robinson is delighted with the signing.

"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," Robinson said. "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."

Peel has been at Sale since 2008 and made 82 appearances for the Aviva Premiership side but he is now looking forward to running out in front of his new team's supporters.

"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," Peel said. "Having played against the club many times, I know all about the large fanbase and the passion for the sport in the city; I'm excited about the move."

And Peel will be joined at Bristol by Samoan prop Anthony Perenise who arrives from Bath. Robinson added: "Aside from his obvious power, Anthony is quick and mobile - an attribute that we've seen him display regularly at Bath. He'll be a real asset to our pack next season and I'm delighted we've secured his services at Bristol Rugby."

Perenise is expected to be replaced at Bath by Sale prop Henry Thomas and Bath coach Mike Ford paid tribute to the departing tight-head, saying: "Although very disappointed to see him leave, Bath Rugby respects the decision Anthony has made at this stage of his career because he has served the club so well during his time here.

"He has been a fantastic player to have in this squad, and we know that we will continue to get the very best from him until the end of the season. He's playing some great rugby at the moment, and has stepped up to play on either side when we've needed him to. I'm sure he'll be successful at Bristol, and we wish him all the best."

Anthony Perenise has signed for Bristol © Getty Images
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