13 Dec 2016

Sport: Tonga's rugby captain signs with Bristol

9:59 am on 13 December 2016

Tongan captain Siale Piutau has signed to play with English rugby club Bristol until the end of the season.

The centre - who has twenty-four test caps to his name - has agreed to the switch from Japanese club Yamaha Jubilo and the Bristol club website says he will arrive in January.

Piutau previously represented Wasps in the Aviva Premiership, alongside his younger brother and former All Black, Charles.

Tongan captain Siale Piutau in action during the 2011 World Cup

Tongan captain Siale Piutau in action during the 2011 World Cup Photo: Photosport

Bristol coach Mark Tainton said Piutau is a big presence in the midfield who carries hard and is a reliable defender.

He said the Tongan will bring the necessary intensity and physicality required to make an impact in the top flight and that abrasive style will benefit Bristol.

The 31-year-old previously played for the Chiefs and Highlanders in Super Rugby before moving to Japan in 2012.