Giddens is the record points scorer for a Premier rugby game in New Zealand

Bristol's new recruit, utility-back Sam Giddens, is set to make his debut at Neath on Friday just one week after arriving in the UK.

The 25-year-old Kiwi has been named on the bench for Bristol's first British & Irish cup tie at the Gnoll.

Giddens has signed a six-month deal but is already looking beyond that.

"Hopefully over the next few months I can put the performances on for Bristol, succeed and maybe get re-signed," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

"The team's playing really well. They play a good style of rugby too, quite open and they throw the ball around," he said.

"That's why I chose Bristol. I didn't want to go to a team that was one-dimensional. I watched them on Sunday [against Nottingham] and I really enjoyed it."

Giddens, who has just finished a full season with Hawkes Bay in New Zealand, can cover a number of positions across the back line.

"I put the term as I'm most comfortable at inside-centre. But also I can play at fly-half or fullback," he said.

"I'm not too fussed about where I'm put as long as I'm helping the team out and doing what I'm supposed to do."

Giddens arrived in the city with his young family last Friday and the club has already made an impression on him.

"Bristol so far over the week have been great to me - they've been really nice. I've enjoyed it and the hospitality's great," he said.

"I hope to learn off Paul Hull and the players and help to achieve their goals this year and next year and go from there."

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