BATH chief executive Nick Blofeld has opened the door to a possible player-sharing arrangement with Bristol next season.

Nottingham – who have a tie-up with Guinness Premiership champions Leicester – are one of several Championship sides who sign players on dual-registration agreements with top-flight clubs.

Moseley (Gloucester) and Bedford (Saracens) also take advantage of the system that allows second-tier clubs to bolster their squads with what are effectively season-long loan deals.

The Premiership outfit has the ultimate say in when the dual-registered players can turn out for their affiliated Championship side – but Nottingham's team regularly featured a host of Leicester's up-and-coming young talent during the 2009-10 season.

And Blofeld, whose side sent highly-rated flanker Guy Mercer to London Welsh last season, is willing to talk to Bristol over a possible deal for the coming campaign.

Having missed out on promotion back to the Premiership, Bristol have already lost five first-team players and face the prospect of losing a raft of others before the new season starts.

"Having this kind of arrangement with a Championship club is something we have been thinking about for a long time," said Blofeld.

"We have not necessarily always had Bristol in mind, and we have had chats with Plymouth before, and also worked with Newbury and London Welsh.

"One of the issues with having a big squad is that the younger players don't always get game-time for the first-team – and this type of arrangement would address that."

Asked whether Bath would be interested in setting up an arrangement specifically with Bristol over the dual registration of certain players next term, Blofeld said: "Absolutely. It is certainly something we would entertain and look at."

It is understood the clubs had been willing to put aside their historical rivalry and work together next season had Bristol been promoted – with flamboyant Bath back-rower Jonny Fa'amatuainu lined up for a season-long loan switch to the Memorial Stadium.

That deal has fallen through as a result of Bristol's failure to beat Exeter in the Championship play-off final – but there appears to be a willingness on both sides to co-operate in some capacity.

Bristol captain Jason Spice, whose own future remains uncertain after the club's players were last week asked to take a 50 per cent pay-cut, believes a link-up with Bath could prove a positive move.

"It could certainly solve a lot of our short-term problems," said the scrum-half.

"If we are going to have to tread water for a couple of seasons, then I think the most logical thing to do would be to enter into an arrangement with Bath where we have access to some of their younger guys."

● Worcester have signed former Bristol centre Rob Higgitt from Scarlets for the 2010-11 season.

The 28-year-old made 111 appearances for Bristol between 2003 and 2008 and will link up with his former coach, Richard Hill, at Sixways.

Noted for his tackling skills and defensive organisation work, Hill praised his new recruit for his attitude and approach to the game.

"Rob is the ultimate professional and one of the most dedicated players I've ever had the pleasure of working with," said Hill.

"He is extremely focused and someone that other players look up to because of his work ethic and superb attitude.

"Every season he plays with confidence and looks to prove himself again – and that is exactly the type of character we want at Warriors."