Gareth Maule: Scarlets centre joins Bristol for new season

Maule has spent the last five years with Scarlets

Bristol have signed centre Gareth Maule from Scarlets for the forthcoming Championship season.

Maule, 26, made 115 appearances for the Welsh region since his debut in 2009.

He played for Newport Gwent Dragons before the move to Parc y Scarlets, having previously had spells at Ebbw Vale, Newport RFC and Cross Keys.

"He's got plenty of Heineken Cup and Pro12 experience so we're confident he will complement the options we already have," said Bristol boss Andy Robinson.

"Gareth brings physicality and an attacking edge to our backline - he's shown during his time with the Scarlets that he is a talented individual. We look forward to welcoming him here."

Maule represented Wales up to Under-20 level, but is England qualified because of a grandfather from Bristol.

"I've trained with the club and I've had a great welcome from everyone," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

"I've been with Scarlets a long time and it's easy to make a decision when you're not happy, but this wasn't the case.

"It was far from straight forward. I had to get a lot of advice from people for me to come to this decision. I'm hoping it's the correct one."