Ian Evans will play for Bristol in the Championship next season.
The Wales and Lions lock has signed a pre-contract with Toulon but the Heineken champions reportedly pulled out of the deal after Evans failed to retire from international rugby.
The Osprey giant, who came off the bench in the first Test against South Africa, was linked to the Scarlets and Exeter but will instead link up with fellow Welshmen Ryan Jones, Dwayne Peel and Matthew Morgan in the West Country.
“Ian is a tough, physical second row will be a valuable addition to our pack ahead of the new season,” said director of rugby Andy Robinson.
“He’s a quality lineout operator and shows the attitude that you’d expect from a top-class international player. He will complement our young locks and play an important role in developing them.”