Joe El-Abd will lead Bristol from the back row

Joe El-Abd says Bristol expect to do better than last season's ninth-placed Premiership finish because they have not qualified for the Heineken Cup.

The Bristol captain told BBC Radio Bristol: "When you play the likes of Stade Francais and Cardiff in Europe it takes a lot out of your resources.

"We had a few injuries which affected our league form and took its toll.

"We've been given quite a tough draw in the Challenge Cup but hopefully we can push on in the league."

Bristol won a pre-season game 43-3 at Pontypool on Wednesday night. Head coach Richard Hill will take the rest of the squad to Glasgow for another friendly on Friday.