BRISTOL'S players have been seeking advice from the Rugby Players' Association over what union boss Damian Hopley has labelled "a very worrying situation" regarding their contracts.

The entire Bristol squad have been told to take 50 per cent pay-cuts – or find new clubs – following the club's failure to win promotion back to the Guinness Premiership at the first attempt.

Luke Eves, Alex Crockett and Lee Robinson have already left the club, along with assistant coach John Brain, but many other players are facing difficult decisions over their futures.

And RPA chief executive Hopley has confirmed the players' union has received calls from concerned Bristol players, who fear they have very few options ahead of next season.

"We have been contacted by players from Bristol, many of whom have been seeking legal advice," said Hopley.

"Obviously, this is a desperate situation for everyone, but our concern is that the first target in all of this will inevitably be the players. They are the ones suffering on the back of this.

"It is a very worrying situation that players, who signed contracts in good faith, are now faced with the Hobson's choice of leaving the club or taking a 50 per cent pay cut.

"Of course, we understand it is a desperate situation for the club, who did not go straight back up to the Premiership. But we are trying to get as much clarity as we can on the situation – and trying to give the players as much support as we can at what is a very distressing time."

And Hopley has predicted further difficult times ahead before the issue is resolved one way or the other.

"The only thing that can be done is to get a clear picture on the legal rights within the contracts the players have signed – and then ensure those rights are upheld," he said.

"Players, like anyone else, have mortgages and families – and it is important that there is a clear understanding of what the situation is.

"We understand the plight of Bristol as a club – but we are here to protect the players' interests."

Bristol winger Robinson sealed his surprise switch to Premiership champions Leicester yesterday and branded the predicament his former team- mates are faced with as "absolutely cruel".

The 29-year-old is moving to Welford Road after the Tigers opted to offer him a deal ahead of Bristol flyer Tom Arscott.

"Some of my closest friends are at Bristol – and for them to be facing what they are is terrifying," said Robinson, who spent five years at the Memorial Stadium.

"I wouldn't wish that upon anyone and I am bitterly disappointed for the boys, especially as I know how hard they worked.

"To be told they will be paid less is a real shame and I wish somebody would have given them a heads-up on that situation, because now they are lumped with that very late in the day. What is happening to the players at Bristol is cruel, absolutely cruel."

Robinson signed a two-year deal with Bristol only last spring – but, like everyone else on the club's books, became free to move on after their play-off defeat to Exeter.

"I am gutted by what has happened at Bristol," he said. "I really do feel genuine heartache for everyone at the club and all the supporters.

"Emotionally, it has been quite a bizarre week or so for me. I am bitterly disappointed Bristol are not back in the top flight and that I am not going to be there next season.

"But such is the rugby world – it can change overnight – and I was definitely surprised when Leicester came in for me.

"I think it would surprise anyone in the Bristol squad if the Premiership champions came after them. It was a huge surprise for me but this is a fantastic opportunity for me."