Contepomi has signed a three-year contract with Leinster

The 25-year-old fly-half has signed a four-year contract with the Irish province and is the fifth major player to leave the Shoguns following their relegation from the Zurich Premiership.

Contepomi was a big favourite at the Memorial Stadium, but with Bristol dropping down to the National League One a move was always on the cards.

The Pumas fly-half, who will face Ireland in the World Cup in October, was also being courted by Gloucester and Stade Francais.

However, Contepomi found Leinster's offer more attractive in that it will allow him to continue his medical studies at University College, Dublin.

Contepomi is planning to be a surgeon, and he will spend the final three years of his medical degree playing in the Irish capital.

He has played 29 times for the Pumas and scored 190 points.

Leinster struggled to find the right blend at half-back last season with coach Matt Williams using Australian Chris Warner in the absence of former Wallaby Nathan Spooner.

Upgraded

Spooner underwent two reconstruction operations on an injured shoulder and only played a handful of games.

With the signing of Contepomi, Spooner's contract will not be renewed. Peter McKenna is also stepping out of the action to renew his legal career.

Leinster have also upgraded a number of players to a full contract.

They are forwards John Lyne, Gavin Hickie, Niall Treston, Ben Gissing, Shane Jennings, Niall Breslin and backs Matt Leek, Kieran Lewis and James Norton.