Ryan, who has been with the West country outfit for the past four years, is expected to become forwards coach at Gloucester, working with old friend Nigel Melville.

Former All Black selector Peter Thorburn, who only joined the Shoguns on a temporary basis three months ago, will be given control of first-team affairs with immediate effect.

He will be assisted by Memorial Ground favourite Paul Hull, who takes on additional coaching responsibility.

The news was confirmed by Bristol owner Malcolm Pearce just two hours after his managing director, Jack Rowell, had been installed as director of rugby at local rivals Bath.

Pearce also confirmed a triple blow of high-profile departures by announcing that inspirational Australian centre Little had been released from the final year of his contract.

However, there was some good news for Bristol fans.

Pearce also revealed that agreement had been reached with a "phenomenal" signing who would be in place for the start of next season.

"People come and people go but we have to remain positive and keep moving forward," he explained.

And he said of Thorburn: "Peter may be unknown to some people but he has immense experience and a great CV.

"He only came to us three months ago so I don't think it is any coincidence that our performances started to click almost immediately."