Bristol have signed USA fly-half AJ MacGinty from Sale for next season.

The Dublin-born 31-year-old will link up with Bristol coach Pat Lam again, having previously worked under the former Samoa back-row at Connacht.

MacGinty has notched 801 points in 93 appearances since joining Sale in 2016. Lam admitted he had always wanted to work with MacGinty again, with the duo having helped Connacht to the PRO12 title in 2016.

“With our ambition of being one of the top clubs in Europe, I’ve always said depth and quality in each position is vital,” said Lam.

“Our expectation is that Callum Sheedy will continue to develop into an established international and be away with Wales for periods of each season, so it’s important to have world-class experience in the fly-half position.

“While we have some very good youngsters coming through, as everyone knows, this is a critical position for the team, so we are pleased to bring in somebody of AJ’s experience and calibre.

“It’s no secret having worked closely with AJ before that I’m a huge admirer of the qualities that he brings to a team, on and off the field.

“I’ve kept an eye on his progress since helping him move to Sale from Connacht in 2016 and there’s always been an ambition to work with him again if the opportunity arose.

“His game management, defensive qualities, kicking ability and all-round understanding of the way I like our teams to play is excellent.”

MacGinty qualified to represent the USA on residency and has racked up 30 caps for the United States.

“It was a difficult decision for me to leave Sale, but Bristol Bears are a hugely ambitious club and their progression under Pat has been very impressive,” said MacGinty.

“He gave me my first opportunity in professional rugby and I am excited to work with him again.”