Bristol have made a significant statement about their ambitions to return to the Guinness Premiership by signing centre Sam Giddens from New Zealand club Hawke's Bay.

The 25-year-old – a goal-kicking inside centre, who can also operate at full-back or fly-half – has arrived at the Memorial Stadium on a six-month contract.

Bristol Rugby Head coach Paul Hull had been on the look-out for a playmaker with a goal-kicking pedigree since Ed Barnes suffered a recurrence of his Achilles injury last month and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Giddens has been a prolific points scorer for Hawke's Bay, helping his side to the semi-finals of the Air New Zealand Cup in each of the last three seasons.

He also holds the current New Zealand club record for the most points scored in a premier rugby game, having scored 45 for Napier Old Boys Marist this year.

Hull said: "With the long-term injury of Ed Barnes, and with us having a small squad this season, we felt it necessary to bring in similar type of player who can cover a few positions.

"We've studied Sam closely and were impressed with his attacking and kicking game. We are confident that he'll fit in with the style of rugby we like to play and our vision going forward."

Giddens arrived in England with his young family yesterday and will, perhaps understandably, play no part in tomorrow's Championship clash with Nottingham at the Memorial Stadium.

But Hull said: "The team have gelled really well and there is a great atmosphere around the club.

"I know everyone involved will make Sam and his family feel welcome."

Hull, meanwhile, is facing the prospect of being without wingers Dan Norton and Mat Turner for Bristol Rugby's Championship matches against Birmingham & Solihull and Rotherham next month.

Both flyers have been named in the England Sevens squad for the events in Dubai (December 4-5) and South Africa (December 11-12).

England face USA, Russia and Kenya on day one of the Dubai Sevens, and coach Ben Ryan said: "Everyone in the squad has worked very hard to get here. More hard work is around the corner for all of the players, but we go to Dubai and George with a good mix of players who can't wait to wear the white shirt with pride."

England Sevens squad for Dubai and South Africa: J Abbott (Worcester), K Barrett (Saracens), C Brightwell (Birmingham & Solihull), D Caprice (Blackheath), C Cracknell (unattached), I Damudamu (British Army), B Gollings (Gold Coast, Australia), D Norton (Bristol), J Rodwell (Moseley), N Royle (Fylde), M Turner (Bristol), C Wade (Wasps).