The Australia out-half David Knox has been given a work permit to play for Bristol after being released by the Sydney club Randwick. He will be reunited with his former national team coach Bob Dwyer, the director of rugby at the Premiership Two club.

Knox, 35, capped 10 times by Australia but mainly kept out by Michael Lynagh, will present a stiff challenge to Paul Hull for the number 10 shirt and could make his debut at home to Orrell on Saturday week.

Meanwhile, Australia have called the former Argentina Test prop Patricio Noriega into their training squad after several front-row forwards were injured in the World Cup qualifier against Western Samoa.

Bedford have left out their captain and number eight Rudi Straeuli in favour of James Cockle for Saturday's Premiership match at Bath.