WORCESTER Warriors' relegation rivals Bristol have appointed a coaching consultant in a bid to rediscover their "form over the Christmas period".

Alan Solomons has joined bottom-of-the-table Bristol with immediate effect.

The South African joins Mark Tainton’s coaching set-up for the remainder of the Aviva Premiership campaign.

Bristol are six points adrift at the basement and travel to second-bottom Warriors on March 5.

In a 20-year career, Solomons has worked at international level with South Africa and the Barbarians, while also coaching Northampton Saints, Ulster, the Southern Kings and, most recently, Edinburgh.

“Alan is a hugely experienced operator who understands the game and has worked at the highest level for a number of years,” said head coach Tainton.

“With seven games remaining, it’s vital Bristol rediscover our form over the Christmas period and Alan’s arrival as a consultant should give everyone a boost.

"We believe he can add value to what we are trying to do on the training field.”

The 66-year-old left Murrayfield at the beginning of the campaign having led Edinburgh to their first ever European Rugby final in 2015.

Solomons said: “I’m delighted to be able to link up with Bristol for the next three months and assist Mark and the management group.”