Kyle Sinckler is the latest big-name star to commit himself to Bristol next season.
The 26-year-old will leave his boyhood club Harlequins to join Pat Lam and John Muldoon at the big-spending Bears this summer.
Sinckler has agreed a two-year deal, worth a reported 500 thousand pounds per season after Bath had also been in contention to sign the 31-cap England international.
It follows the announcement before Christmas that Fijian star Semi Radradra will also arrive to Ashton Gate, while Pat Lam also secured former All Black Charles Piutau to a new contract.
Sinckler - who played all three tests for the British and Irish Lions in 2017 - has bee described by Pat Lam as "one of the best in the world", as they look to find a long-term replacement for legendary tighthead John Afoa.
"Everyone knows that if you’re trying to build a really strong team, the foundation of that is having a very good tighthead prop," said Lam.
"Obviously, we have a world class one in John Afoa, but John won’t mind me saying that he’s coming to the very end.
"So, to overlap that with Kyle Sinckler, who is one of the best in the world, is huge for us. He gives us real depth in there, and I know just from speaking to Kyle, he really looks up to and admires what John (Afoa) does and is keen to learn from him. And that sums it up, it’s what you want – players who are playing at the highest level but have that hunger and determination to get even better.
"Just spending time with Kyle, the amount he invests in his game to be a better individual and a better rugby player is extremely impressive and he’ll fit into our group really well."
Bristol have established themselves since their return to the Premiership in 2018, and currently lie fifth in the Gallagher Premiership table.
Sinckler says the ambition of the club is an exciting prospect.
"The Bears are an ambitious club on the up and it was great to visit the city and the facilities that they have. There’s a clear plan in place for long-term success and I’m looking forward to contributing.
"I’m grateful to Harlequins for everything they have done for me and my career. I’d like to thank the coaches, fans and my teammates for all their support over the years," he said.
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