New Bristol signing James Grindal gears up for big time again

James Grindal ended a 13-year consecutive run in the top flight when he swapped Leicester for Bristol this summer, but such is the first impression his new club has made on him he doesn’t expect to be gone for very long.
The 31-year-old scrum-half arrives at the Memorial Ground with a CV to make  highly decorated rugby players jealous, having won three Premiership titles, two Heineken Cups and the 2004 Powergen Cup since making his professional debut in 1999.
Admittedly the majority of those medals arrived while he was wearing the colours of Leicester during two stints at Welford Road, but Grindal is  better known in the north east for racking up 136 appearances for Newcastle.
After finding his pathway to the No.9 shirt   blocked by England‘s Ben Youngs at Welford Road, Grindal is adamant he is taking one step back in order to take two  forwards.
“I am in my 15th pre-season and although they don’t get any easier, being at a new club with new surroundings is refreshing,” he said.
“When your contract is coming to an end you have a look around and speaking to Liam Middleton I realised how ambitious Bristol are and it was an easy decision.
“The club has great history, the average attendance last season was fantastic and Liam is at the head of a youthful coaching set up that is not only very ambitious but also well supported by the board.
“Bristol had a great season last time and were unlucky not to get promoted so hopefully I can bring my experience along and make a difference.
“I know I have a number of good seasons left in me and my first aim is to get the No.9 shirt and be part of a club that has everything in place.
“I am taking a step back from top-flight rugby but everything at Bristol is not only geared towards promotion but also consolidation in the Premiership.”
Grindal’s first chance to pull on a Bristol shirt could be against former club Newcastle as they host the Falcons on the opening day of the season.
But Grindal is wary of focusing on just one challenger with the Champion- ship ever seeming stronger.
“I played in both games against Newcastle for Leicester last season and did quite well so I am looking forward to playing them first up,” he added.
“Not only because I will hopefully be pulling on a Bristol jersey for the first time but it also gives us a great chance to lay down a marker as early as possible.
“With Newcastle coming down they will obviously be strong.
“But with Jersey coming up and the likes of Cornish Pirates, Leeds and Nottingham still around, the Championship is such a strong competition we can’t just focus on one team.”
BEN BAKER