O’Riordan switches from Leinster to Bristol

BRISTOL have increased their scrum-half options by signing Brian O’Riordan from Leinster.

O’Riordan, 25, is a powerfully-built number nine who has represented Ireland A and is a former IrelandU-21 cap.

His arrival follows that of former Wales wing Craig Morgan, who has left Cardiff Blues for the West Country.

“I’ve been looking for someone who can provide genuine first-class cover for Shaun Perry,” explained Bristol coach Richard Hill.

“We think that Shaun will be involved with the full England set-up at times over the next year or so. We need someone who can step in and perform at the highest level and Brian meets that criteria.

“At the same time we didn’t need an individual who would come in and demand a first-team place without earning it. We’ve spent time with Shaun and developed him and he is our number one.

“Brian’s just the right age for us to be able to work with him on his skills and really help him to develop his game.

“He’s been over to Bristol a few times and we’ve worked on his skills and his technical training and he’s proved to be very receptive to new ideas.

“He’s similar to Shaun physically. He’s 6ft 1” and powerful. He’ll attack the fringes and he’s quick enough to go through a gap.

“He’s also a few years younger than Shaun so we’re taking a long term view with regard to his development.”