Six players pen new Bristol deals

Six Bristol players have signed new contracts ahead of their Premiership clash at local rivals Bath.

Fly-halves Chris Ashwin and Ed Barnes, hooker David Blaney, prop Mark Irish, flanker Redford Pennycook and lock Roy Winters have penned new deals.

"I'm delighted that we've agreed terms with these players," said head coach Paul Hull.

"We've worked hard to get things to this point and it's great that they've committed themselves."

He added: "All six of them have featured at first-team level this season and will be central to our plans for next season.

"It's a start and I hope to have more good news before too long."

606: DEBATE

It's by now far too late for any sort of revival this season but I at least feel a lot more confident going into what will inevitably be next year's Division One season

cider and toast

The news will come as a huge boost to the relegation-threatened club and its fans as the club are facing relegation after being cast adrift at the bottom of the Premiership.

Of the six, fly-half Barnes is arguably the highest profile having earned himself a debut for England Saxons in January based on his performances for Bristol this season.

Veteran Winters will return for a fifth season since signing from Harlequins while front-rowers Blaney and Irish have been rewarded for their performances this season.

With one eye on the long-term future, Bristol have also secured the services of 21-year-old Ashwin who is still studying at Bath University and Bristol-born Pennycook, 23, who has made 10 first-team appearances this season.