Peter Thorburn has predicted that Zurich Premiership fall-guys Bristol Shoguns will come out fighting next season - despite losing their millionaire backer and several top players.

Wealthy businessman Malcolm Pearce yesterday reaffirmed that he is unable to make any further financial commitment to a club he rescued from oblivion five years ago.

And the predictable break-up of Bristol's relegated squad has already started, with Garath Archer (Newcastle), Phil Christophers (Leeds), Alex Brown (Gloucester) and Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks) all on the move.

More departures are expected huge speculation surrounds the future of Shoguns' Argentine half-backs Agustin Pichot and Felipe Contepomi but Pearce has at least announced that Bristol will play in National League One next season at their current Memorial Stadium home.

A local business consortium is the likely financial replacement for Pearce albeit on a probably greatly reduced scale and an announcement could be made within two or three weeks.

Pearce, meanwhile, was last night tight-lipped about any suggestion linking him with Bristol's fierce west country rivals Bath in a major shareholding capacity.

Pearce refused to comment about a Bath connection, and even terminated his own Memorial Stadium press conference when faced with repeated questions on the subject.

It is understood that Pearce could secure an involvement with Bath next season, but both parties are currently giving nothing away.

"As previously stated, Bath Rugby prefer to hold their confidential discussions in private," said Bath general manager Bob Calleja.

"We are still considering a proposal, but we get many proposals that deserve our attention throughout the year."

While Pearce ponders his next rugby move and Bristol contemplate life without him Shoguns coach Thorburn has delivered an upbeat message, barely 72 hours after relegation was confirmed through a 41-21 defeat at London Irish.

"The greatest thing that has come out of the last few days is that Bristol will survive, playing in National League One, out of Bristol," said the 64-year-old former All Blacks selector. "After everything has shaken around and settled, there will be a strong side that plays out of Bristol in division one next season."

Pearce revealed that there had been a number of approaches from people interested in making a possible financial commitment to Bristol.

And he said: "We are in discussions with various interested parties, including Bristol businesses and former players who have expressed a desire to keep rugby in the city."

Bath's Tom Voyce has left the club to sign a two-year deal with Wasps.

The winger, 22, is one of three new signings by Wasps.

LAST NIGHT'S RESULTS

Wildcard Semi-Finals, First Leg: Saracens 57 Leeds 21; Harlequins 26 Leicester 23.