Bristol's new captain Iain Grieve will miss the opening match of the Championship season on Sunday to attend his sister's wedding.

Grieve, 23, was appointed skipper in June and has been given permission to miss the home game against Rotherham.

"I am gutted, especially as it's the first home game, but the guys have all been behind me," he told BBC Bristol.

"A couple of months ago (before the fixtures were out) I had a chat with Paul Hull and everything was sorted."

I wouldn't say he's a Lawrence Dallaglio substitute but he's got the potential to really surprise a few people with this style of rugby Paul Hull on Iain Grieve

The former England Under-20 international is still learning the ropes as a captain but coach Paul Hull says Grieve has real potential.

"He's got good leadership qualities but he's young so will take some time to develop," said Hull

"He's an aggressive, uncompromising player and passionate about his rugby.

"I wouldn't say he's a Lawrence Dallaglio substitute but he's got the potential to really surprise a few people with this style of rugby.

"I do see similar characteristics in Lawrence and himself."

It has been a turbulent off-season for Bristol since they lost the play-off final to Exeter and missed out on the chance to return the Premiership.

They have lost seven first-team players, with everyone else having to take a pay cut. Despite this, Grieve says he was not tempted to leave.

"I've been at Bristol for almost 10 years having come through the academy and have been full-time for a couple of years now, " he said.

"It's unfinished business. I feel like I've still got things to prove and being captain is a bit of a bonus."

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