Pozzebon, 27, has won 21 caps for the Azzuri since making his debut against Ireland in February 2001 and moves to the Premiership from Benetton Treviso.

Bristol head coach Richard Hill said: ''He's an exciting international centre who will bring some quality to the squad.

''Walter can actually play a number of positions. I spoke to both John Kirwan and Pierre Berbizier and they had nothing but good things to say about him and said what a talented player he is.

''He's probably best at 13 but he's quick enough to play on the wing and Berbizier said that he's a talented playmaker who they're actually considering at 10.

''He's a talented footballer with a good mentality. He'll fit in well and is definitely one for the future.''