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Jason Woodward will become a Gloucester player as soon as Bristol Rugby’s relegation from the Aviva Premiership is confirmed.

The full-back, who has impressed with five tries in his 16 appearances for Bristol since joining from Hurricanes last autumn, had a relegation release clause inserted into his contract when he signed for the club.

With Ealing Trailfinders and Doncaster Knights either unwilling or unable to take their place in the Premiership should they win the play-offs, Woodward’s clause cannot be activated until it is clear the side winning the Championship meets the top-flight entry criteria.

Both Yorkshire Carnegie and London Irish, who can be promoted, will take significant leads into the second legs of their semi-final ties this weekend.

Carnegie won 34-16 at Ealing in the first leg, while Irish trounced Doncaster 35-3, so Bristol’s relegation could be finalised before their final match of the season against Newcastle on Saturday.

That means Woodward’s move to Kingsholm could be announced early next week, with Gloucester keen to show they still mean business after Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad’s plan to buy a 45 per cent stake in the club was blocked by Premiership Rugby.

Woodward had also been linked with Sale Sharks and Harlequins, while Exeter Chiefs are understood to have made a late bid to lure him to Sandy Park.

But the 26-year-old New Zealander – who qualifies to play for England – has his heart set on Kingsholm, where he has many friends from his time at Hartpury College.

Woodward is the only member of Bristol’s existing squad to have a release clause relating to their impending relegation – and the club had become resigned to his departure as soon as defeat against Wasps left them unable to move off the bottom of the table.