Former England full-back Alistair Hignell says his old club Bristol will be hard pressed to match rivals Bath and Gloucester in the new season.

Hignell told BBC Points West: "I don't see a lot of change from last year.

"Gloucester have got it in them to win the league again. Winning the play-offs is the only way forward for them.

"Bath could finish second or third, and Bristol should be setting their sights to stay up and then build again. I hope they can finish 10th or 11th."