Bristol Rugby

Piutau, 25, will swap Ulster for Bristol next summer after signing a two-year deal which is expected to make him one of the best paid players in the world. A title he already holds, earning a reported £500,000 a season in Ulster.

In an interview with the Press Association, Piutau explained why he opted for Bristol and a big payday rather than adding to his 17 New Zealand caps. A decision which did not come lightly.

The 28-year-old is Bristol's first signing for next term, building towards new head coach Pat Lam's arrival from Connacht in the summer.

Former Hurricanes centre Leiua recovered from two knee ligament operations last term, and has had to contend with an increasingly crowded midfield picture this year at Wasps.

"We're delighted to beat off interest from a number of clubs and capture Alapati's signing," said Bristol head coach Mark Tainton.