FIVE more Bristol players – including star openside flanker James Merriman – have penned new contracts with the club ahead of the Championship play-offs.

Merriman, veteran lock Roy Winters, scrum-half Ruki Tipuna, back-rower Marco Mama and full-back Jon Goodridge have all signed new terms to keep them at Bristol for at least the 2012-13 season.

Bristol have also promised further announcements regarding player retention in "the next few weeks", with the latest batch of deals meaning eight players have now signed up for next term.

Head coach Liam Middleton, who led the way in terms of committing to the club by agreeing a new two-year deal last month, was quick to praise the quintet after they re-signed.

"I'm delighted that the five will stay with Bristol Rugby," he said.

"They've all contributed to our environment on and off the field and are integral squad members. They will have a big part to play next season."

Merriman, who has arguably been Bristol's player of the season to date, admitted it had been a "no-brainer" for him to remain with the club he joined in 2009.

He said: "We had a difficult time last season, but that brought everyone together – and it is good to see that the majority of the squad are staying and that the club is kicking on now. Everyone gets on really well and there are no egos here. It's a great place to be at the moment and it was a no-brainer for me to stay.

"It's all going to plan for us so far, but we need to make sure we're on the money in the play-offs."

Merriman is currently recovering from minor knee surgery – and he is on track to play in the bulk of Bristol's play-off fixtures.

The 28-year-old was working with physio Dan Martin in the swimming pool yesterday and is booked in for a meeting with knee surgeon Jon Webb, the former Bristol and Bath full-back, on Monday.

"It is going very well and it has already been a week since the operation, so time is flying," said Merriman. "I am already making great strides and, touch wood, there haven't been any issues so far. I certainly seem to be on track and can't wait to get back out there with the boys."

In addition to Merriman's new contract, there is also a new Bristol deal for experienced lock Winters. The 36-year-old, who joined Bristol in 2005, is closing in on 200 first-team appearances for the club.

Academy flanker Mama, who has played in all three back-row positions for the first team this season, has also renewed his commitment to Bristol, along with Goodridge, who joined last summer.

Kiwi scrum-half Tipuna, who has captained Bristol in the absence of Iain Grieve and Merriman recently, has also signed new terms, after impressing in his 12 appearances since joining the club.