British and Irish Lions

Taumalolo was contracted to the Guinness Premiership outfit until 2009 but requested early release in order to spend more time with his Tonga-based family.

"I've played in Britain for a long, long time and I need to go for a change," said the 31-year-old.

"I would love to stay at Bristol but my family is now more important to me."

Taumalolo made 19 starts last season but has since found opportunities limited by the emergence of Luke Arscott as first choice full-back.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

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.