Coach Dean Ryan will only be without long-term injury victim Andrew Higgins as Bristol seek to cap a remarkable revival.

Three years ago the club was relegated to the National League and at one point had to release every player from their contracts.

Long-serving flanker Craig Short had to work as a bricklayer before the club was able to take him back on.

They were in real danger of going the same way as Richmond and London Scottish, the highest-profile casualties of the professional era.

However, Malcolm Pearce arrived and plunged his hands deep into his pockets to lift the club back to the Premiership.

The arrival of former England coach Jack Rowell as managing director proved pivotal in Bristol's transformation and he admits it has been a hard struggle

"Climbing the mountain again has been pretty difficult," admitted Rowell.

"As Richmond and London Scottish have found, once you get into financial trouble it is very difficult to get out.

Heineken qualification

"Despite being a big city club, Bristol had lost its way and it owes a great debt to Malcolm for what he has done."

Bristol's semi-final success against Northampton means they have a Heineken Cup campaign to look forward to next season, as well as the possibility of silverware to round off this year.

They expect to take 10,000 fans to London and Rowell - who rumours suggest is off to Bath next season - is determined that they should have something to celebrate.

"Although Saturday's match will be very difficult, a trophy would be a fantastic reward for everyone who has stuck by the club," he said.