Bristol have signed second row Sean Hohneck from the Waikato Chiefs on a three-year contract.

Hohneck, 27, has played Super 14 rugby for the Chiefs for the past two years and was a member of the New Zealand Maori squad in 2004 and 2005.

Bristol head coach Richard Hill said: "We looked at Sean throughout the Super 14 competition and have been impressed with his ball-winning ability and athleticism around the field.

"He's only 27 years old so we believe he's a good long term investment for Bristol."

Hohneck, 6ft 8in, will link up with Bristol on November 1 upon completion of his NPC duties.