Nicky Thomas joins on loan agreement

The Scarlets front-rower – who arrives with immediate effect - links up with Pat Lam’s squad until November.

With Sione Faletau sustaining a pec injury in the win over Hartpury - joining Gaston Cortes (ankle) and Alex Giltrow (rib) in the treatment room - Bristol have moved quickly to bolster their options with the arrival of the 23 year-old.

“Nicky is a strong scrummager who gives us another option in a position where we are light at the moment, because of injuries. Tyler [Gendall] is our only fully fit senior tighthead right now, so it’s important that we brought in cover,” Head Coach Pat Lam explained.

“He’s arrived with a positive attitude and plenty of ability. We’re grateful to Wayne Pivac and Scarlets for facilitating this agreement so swiftly.”

Thomas made nine appearances for Gloucester, before making the switch to Parc Y Scarlets in 2016.

He added: “I’m pleased to be with Bristol and to contribute to the team and their goals in the short-term.

“It’s a fantastic set-up here and the Championship is a competitive league, so I’m relishing the prospect of getting started.”