Bristol: Glen Townson, Jack Tovey and Gaston Cortes sign deals

Championship leaders Bristol have handed new contracts to lock Glen Townson, back Jack Tovey and front-rower Gaston Cortes.

Argentina international Cortes, 28, joined the West Country outfit in 2012 and has made 27 appearances.

Academy product Tovey, 23, has played 90 first-team games but has been hit by injury this season.

Both have committed to one-year deals while Townson, 27, has agreed a two-year stay at Bristol.

He joined the club in 2011 and has made 21 appearances this term, scoring one try.

The contract extensions come after Bristol announced the signing of seven players for next season's campaign.

Ospreys fly-half Matthew Morgan, Bath flanker Nick Koster, Harlequins hooker Max Crumpton, Samoa back-rower Jack Lam, Leeds scrum-half Craig Hampson and Leinster duo Jack O'Connell and Darren Hudson have all agreed to join Andy Robinson's side.