British and Irish Lions

And Tonga Test player Vunga Lilo will also be heading to the Premiership club this summer after finalising a move from National League One side Cornish Pirates.

Sidoli was a key member of Wales' 2005 Grand Slam-winning team, having made his Test debut against South Africa three years earlier.

But he is not currently part of the Wales squad, and his move to Bristol comes as the west country outfit prepare for second-row Sean Hohneck's departure to Italian club Viadana.

Utility back Lilo played in all four of Tonga's games during the 2007 World Cup, including their final pool fixture against England in Paris.

Bristol head coach Richard Hill said: "We've been talking to Robert for some time now, and he will certainly boost our second-row resources for next season.

"I was impressed with Robert's desire to be part of what we are trying to achieve at Bristol.

"We've also kept an eye on Vunga since the World Cup last year, when he was one of Tonga's star performers.

"He's had a really good season down at the Cornish Pirates, and he will give us options at centre and full-back."

Bristol lock Nathan Budgett, meanwhile, has signed a new one-year deal at the Memorial Stadium.

Having become only the ninth Welshman to pick up a Heineken Cup winners medal, Gethin Jenkins is now getting ready for his next challenge - holding on to his British & Irish Lions Test spot.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.