Last season:

Bristol rounded off what looked set to be a mediocre season in style, beating Leicester on their own patch and reaching their first final since the 1970s.

By reaching the Zurich Championship final Bristol qualified for this year's Heineken Cup, and confirmed to their supporters that the club had recovered from relegation in 1998.

The pack looked solid all year, bolstered by the likes of Ben Sturnham and Alex Brown, while the backs performed erratically, prompted by the Argentine duo of Pichot and Contepomi.

Notable results included an historic result at Leicester, ending the Tigers' five year unbeaten record at Welford Road with a 27-13 win in torrential rain, and a 31-17 victory over local rivals Bath at the Memorial Stadium.

Ins and Outs

Former All Black selector Peter Thorburn takes over full responsibility for coaching duties after Dean Ryan's departure - fans will hope he can add a touch of subtlety to Bristol's abrasive style.

Martin Shaw moves from Sale Sharks to fill the gap left by Jason Little's departure. Bristol's team know the 23-year-old England A centre well - he scored a hat-trick of tries against them as the Sharks beat Bristol, 53-47 last April.

Wales U-21 second-row Scott Morgan joins Andrew Sheridan, Alex Brown and Gareth Archer in competition for a place in the engine room, rejoining a club after a year with Welsh champions Llanelli.

Former England A scrum-half Peter Richards arrives after a stint at Benetton-Treviso, aiming to dislodge Memorial Ground skipper Agustin Pichot from the team.

The Shoguns' most significant loss is the departure of last season's captain Jason Little, while impressive open side Adam Vander and scrum-half Ross Blake move down the A4 to Bath.

Rising stars

Phil Christophers

Heard the one about the German who could play rugby?

Not many had before Phil Christophers arrived at Bristol, but now everyone, including England coach Clive Woodward, knows about the 22-year-old from Heidelberg.

Christophers has great pace, and a devastating sidestep, as shown to great effect in England's tour to Argentina, when he hit the line at speed and shimmied past the last defender put the seal on a famous Test win.

For the first time in a while, Bristol can boast a back three in Christophers, David Rees and Lee Best with the pace to worry any Premiership or European defence.

Alex Brown

While all eyes looked to Andrew Sheridan and Gareth Archer to forge a strong partnership in the second row, few thought Alex Brown would emerge as Bristol's leading lock.

The Shoguns fans rewarded the 23-year-old with the accolade of "Bristol's player of the year," testament to his faultless lineout play and speed about the park.

Brown has already represented England at U-19 and U-21 levels, and while a place in his countries 2003 World Cup squad might be a step too far, his time will surely come.

Prediction

Last season's appearance at the Zurich Championship final proved to players and supporters alike that Bristol are capable of making an impact in rugby's top flight.

On paper, the Shoguns look a useful outfit.

The pack is strong and quick round the park, prompted by their unpredictable Argentine halfbacks - Pichot and Contepomi, while the back three have some serious gas.

Europe will be a stern test for the Shoguns, who join Leinster, Swansea and Montferrand in a tricky group.