Bristol Bears have bolstered their scrum-half ranks for next season with the addition of Bath No9 Chris Cook to replace the outgoing Nic Stirzaker.
Australian Stirzaker is joining French side US Montauban and Cook will step in to give Pat Lam four options in the position.
Cook, a product of the Bath academy with more than 140 matches under his belt, joins Harry Randall, Andy Uren and England U20s Academy scrum half Blake Boyland in the Bears squad.
"Chris is an experienced Premiership performer and he adds real depth and quality to the scrum half position," Lam said.
"What also impressed us about Chris is that he’s genuinely excited about the journey we are on as a club. He’s looking forward to getting on our Bears bus and being part of our environment and adding value to keep the bus moving forward.
"To have four English qualified scrum halves competing for a starting berth is a real positive and reflects our Bears vision."
The 29-year-old should also be available for the 2019/20 as and when it resumes, with director of rugby Lam revealing last week that all new signings can play for the Bears should the season run - as expected - beyond June 30.
Cook has made 18 appearances for Bath so far this season and represented England Sevens in the summer of 2019.
"The opportunity to challenge myself at Bristol is one that excites me and it’s clear from the outside that it’s a club moving in a really positive direction," Cook said.
"I’m grateful to Bath Rugby for everything they have done for my career and I’d like to sincerely thank the coaches, players and staff for their support over many years.
"It’s great to be staying in the West Country and I’m looking forward to the new chapter at Ashton Gate with the Bears."
