The Ireland A prop Peter Bracken has left Bristol by mutual consent.

Bracken, who joined the West Country club from Wasps in 2007 on a two-year contract, made 14 first-team appearances at the Memorial Stadium. He was initially hindered by a shoulder injury.

Bristol's head coach, Richard Hill, said: "The shoulder injury ruined his first season, and we've had two other very good props in Jason Hobson and Darren Crompton in front of him, as well as Wayne Thompson returning from Oxford University.

"So, we sat down with him and decided that it would be in the best interests of both parties to reach a mutual agreement and end his contract early.

"I understand that he has now decided to try and further his career with Harlequins, and he goes with our best wishes."