One-time Wales international Gavin Henson will join second-tier Bristol from Premiership side Bath at the end of the season, the Championship club announced on Friday.
Henson, capped 33 times by Wales, has spent two seasons at Bath. Bristol will be the 32-year-old playmaker’s ninth professional club.
“Gavin’s all-round rugby ability will enhance the way that we are trying to develop our game. He’s a good fit for us,” said Bristol rugby director Andy Robinson.
Henson made one appearance for the British and Irish Lions in 2005, but failed to settle at Toulon and Cardiff Blues before arriving at Bath after a season with London Welsh.
The move to Bristol, who are currently top of the Championship, will reunite Henson with first-team coach Sean Holley, who previously worked with him at the Ospreys.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity of working with Andy and, once again, with Sean,” said Henson.
“I want to play rugby and focus on my game. The incentive for me is to show a positive attitude in a Bristol shirt and keep working hard on my performances.”
Henson rose to prominence as the star of the Wales team that won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005 — a feat they would repeat with him in the team in 2008.
But his career has been pockmarked by off-field problems.
He was alleged to have fought with his team-mates at Toulon and was sacked by the Blues in April 2012 after being found to have behaved inappropriately on a flight after a match in Glasgow.
His marriage to Welsh singer Charlotte Church, which ended in 2010, and several appearances on reality television shows also led to accusations he lacked focus on his rugby.