ON THE BLIND SIDE

BRISTOL could be left paying All Blacks back rower Steven Luatua, right, around £650,000 a season even if they are relegated to the Championship.

Blindside understands that Luatua does not have a get out clause in the event of Bristol being relegated and will be arrive in the West Country regardless. Although one Kiwi who could be heading out of Bristol is full-back Jason Woodward, who is still on the radar of Gloucester.

SARACENS Academy coach Ian Vass has informed the club that he is moving to France at the end of the season after accepting an offer from Montpellier.

The former scrum-half was appointed to the England U20 coaching staff only last month but will link up with Montpellier in the summer.