Paul Hull is getting ready for war. As a physical training instructor with the RAF, the Bristol head coach knew how to prepare people for battle – and now he's planning the same for Bristol.

Hull wants relegation-threatened Bristol Rugby, who visit third-from-bottom Wasps tomorrow, to lift their performance, team spirit, work ethic – and be ready for a fight.

The former Bristol and England full-back said: "Make no bones about it, whatever league we are in it is going to be war. I am in war mode already.

"Next year will be about survival if we stay in the Premiership this season. Let's be honest about it. If we are in National Division One then we have to get out of it.

"I'm planning for the future. I'm challenging the staff and players that are here next season."

He added: "When I coached the Under-21 team – that was a long time ago – I divided my game plan into four areas: performance, team spirit, fight and enjoyment.

"Performance for me is everything. Can we judge ourselves as a team and as individuals? If we can keep performing steadily then the wins and the enjoyment will come.

"It is easy to say but when I played for Bristol there was always team spirit. We need to celebrate small wins on the pitch such as a try, a tackle or a good passage of play.

"Then when we make mistakes we have to challenge the individual to do better. We have to make sure we motivate them. The Under-21s had that in abundance.And regardless of what division we are, whoever puts the Bristol shirt on has to be ready for the fight."

Hull is now shaping his squad for next season. Nine players who were out of contract at the end of this campaign have re-signed for the club after winger Lee Robinson committed himself for another two years at the Memorial Stadium yesterday.

Forwards coach John Brain will also be at Hull's side in an expected Championship promotion campaign as the club plan to rebuild following this season's dismal performances.

It remains only time before Bristol's relegation to National Division One is confirmed – it could happen in a fortnight at London Irish – but Hull insists his outfit have areas to work on in their final five matches this season.

"We have to raise the bar. We have to be able to work hard – work hard in training, rehab and we must have a massive work ethic on the pitch," added the Bristol boss.

"I am challenging the conditioning staff to make sure we are fitter.

"We also need to have a mental toughness. If a player makes a mistake early on and they go into their shell for 15 minutes by the time they are playing properly we may have conceded two tries by this point.

"I have also given clarity on the game plan. It is simple but effective. Everyone knows their roles."

No 8 Dan Ward-Smith will not start against the Wasps team he is expected to join next season after losing his place to Alfie To'oala.

Centre Junior Fatialofa also makes his maiden Bristol appearance since October, while there are also recalls for prop Mark Irish, hooker Scott Linklater and Robinson.

Wasps: M Van Gisbergen; L Mitchell, D Waldouck, J Lewsey, T Voyce; D Cipriani, E Reddan; T Payne, R Webber, P Barnard, R Birkett, G Skivington, S Betsen (capt), T Rees/D Leo, J Hart. Reps: J Ward, C Beech, M Veale, D Leo/H Ellis, M Robinson, D Walder, M Odejobi.

Bristol Rugby: L Arscott; L Robinson, Neil Brew, J Fatialofa, D Lemi; E Barnes, S Perry; M Irish, S Linklater, D Crompton, R Winters, R Sidoli, R Pennycook, J El Abd (capt), A To'oala. Reps: O Hayes, W Thompson, M Sambucetti, D Ward-Smith, H Thomas, G Barden, T Arscott.