ALEX Brown is among the top names to lead a player exodus from Zurich Premiership fall-guys Bristol Shoguns joining rivals Gloucester.

England internationals Phil Christophers and Garath Archer have also fled the relegated club.

Christophers has agreed a two-year deal with Leeds, while Shoguns skipper Archer is to rejoin Newcastle.

Brown, Archer's club second-row colleague this season has secured a two-year contract at Kingsholm.

Further Bristol departures are expected later this week young forwards Scott Morgan and Rhys Oakley are being lined up for the new Gwent regional team as a squad relegated from the Premiership last weekend predictably begins breaking up.

Elsewhere, Shoguns' Argentinian half-backs Agustin Pichot and Felipe Contepomi are being courted by several clubs, while former All Blacks centre Daryl Gibson is believed to be a major target for deposed European and Premiership champions Leicester.

Wing Christophers, who made a try-scoring Test debut against Argentina last summer, has won three caps and is a strong bet to make England's World Cup squad later this year.

"Phil is an extremely exciting young player, and I am delighted that he has agreed to join us," said Leeds rugby director Phil Davies.

"His development in the last year, with his performances for Bristol and England, has shown that he has a big future in the game.

"Phil is capable of playing on the wing or at centre, and he will be a key addition to our squad for next season."

Christophers said: "I've enjoyed my time at Bristol Shoguns immensely and have learned so much.

"When you play alongside great players like Jason Little, Daryl Gibson, Felipe Contepomi and Agustin Pichot, it can only help improve your game.

"My best memory has to be qualifying for the Heineken Cup last season."

Bristol, having finished bottom of the Premiership on points difference below neighbours Bath, were resigned to losing several top players.

Club owner, millionaire businessman Malcolm Pearce, is due to reveal his future plans at a press conference today.

Speculation has been rife about a merger with Bath, but it is understood that Bristol could continue as a National League One side next term, although Pearce's connections with the Shoguns would appear to be at an end.