Bristol Shoguns chairman and owner Malcolm Pearce is looking forward to the new Zurich Premiership season and is delighted with new head coach Peter Thorburn's input.

Talking to the official Bristol Shoguns website chairman and owner Malcolm Pearce said: "There is a real sense of excitement amongst the people at Bristol Shoguns. Peter Thorburn was a great appointment and we expect him to get the most out of all the players.

"The squad has got a largely settled look about it and I believe that it will offer the Club the success that we need this season."

The Shoguns owner can't wait for the season to start and is looking forward to the pre-season warm-up game against Ebbw Vale at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday 24 August, kick off 3pm.

Pearce added: "We're extremely upbeat. We may not sometimes be seen as the sexiest club in the game but we have a great community. With Mitsubishi Motors we have the best sponsorship deal in the Zurich Premiership and they have been superb in their support. We want to be the best Club."

Commenting on the new look squad he said: "We're delighted with the new signings and it is great to see the young players coming through from the Academy.

"This year the Zurich Premiership offers a number of teams the opportunity to challenge Leicester's dominance."

Saturday 24 August offers Shoguns supporters the first opportunity to see the team perform at the Memorial Stadium when the Club welcomes Ebbw Vale for a pre-season warm-up, kick off 3pm. Tickets are 10 for the Centenary and West Stands, 5 for the terraces and 2 for U16s in the West Enclosure, Clubhouse and Centenary Terraces.