Irish pair prop up Bristol Rugby News

Two Ireland A props have signed for Bristol. Ray Hogan has left Connacht, while Peter Bracken has moved from Wasps.

Indeed, the high-flying English Premiership side could take the field next season with an all-Irish frontrow as former Leinster hooker David Blaney, who joined them in August, recently signed a two-year contract.

Hogan and Bracken, who packed down together for Connacht for a number of seasons before Bracken moved to Wasps 18 months ago, have signed two-year contracts with the West Country side.

Bracken (29), a tighthead who made 60 appearances for Connacht before moving to Wasps, said he was looking forward to the move to Bristol.

"They are a very progressive club and it gives me an opportunity to further my career," said the Tullamore native, who came on for Ireland A against the English Saxons in Ravenhill on Friday night.

Tipperary native Hogan (25), whose brother Trevor moved from Munster to Leinster last year, said he, too, was looking forward to the new challenge. He is predominantly a loosehead, but can play either side.

"I really enjoyed my time with Connacht and am grateful for all the help I got there over the past few years.

"At this stage, though, I feel I need a new challenge and I am really looking forward to moving to Bristol.

"I was very impressed by the set-up when I went over there, and it will be good to link up with Bracks again," said Hogan, who has played 58 times for Connacht but who has been limited to eight appearances this season because of injury.