Italy international Tommaso Benvenuti has completed a move to Championship leaders Bristol.

The 24-year-old joined Perpignan in 2013 and he has gone on to make 20 appearances for the French club.

However, the centre has now decided to continue his career at Ashton Gate, where he has signed an 18-month contract.

"I'm excited to take on this new challenge with Bristol Rugby. It's a great club that is building for the future," he told the club's official website.

"I've visited Ashton Gate before joining and seen the plans for the new stadium - it really appealed to me. I'm looking forward to linking up with my new teammates and helping Bristol push for promotion.

Meanwhile, director of rugby Andy Robinson added: "Tommaso is a talented young player who is capable of performing consistently at the very highest level.

"He arrives with a strong pedigree having played European Cup rugby for Treviso and played for Perpignan in the Top 14. We're looking forward to welcoming Tommaso into the squad. His experience and physical presence will help drive our performances."

Benvenuti has been capped on 30 occasions at senior international level.