Deep pockets.

Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann has confirmed that former All Blacks and Ulster prop John Afoa is in talks with Pat Lam’s Bristol about a possible move at the end of the current season.

Afoa initially joined the Cherry and Whites back in 2014 from Irish province Ulster, on a deal reported to be worth around £400,000 a year. Bristol have already lured the likes of Steven Luatua and Ian Madigan to the Championship, with Charles Piutau set to join in the summer.

Pat Lam’s side are almost certain to get promoted at the end of the season, after winning 11 from 11 games so far. They currently sit nine points clear of their nearest rivals in second.

“There’s a big possibility (of him leaving), he’s busy talking to Bristol and Bristol is talking with him,” Ackermann told Gloucestershire Live.

“We’re obviously aware of that and we’ll see how that goes.”

Fellow front-row Richard Hibbard is also leaving Gloucester at the end of the season, with Ackermann admitting that reinforcements are needed.

“There are a lot of permutations,” he added.

“If Richard leaves, we have to replace Richard or we’ve got young hookers who still need to develop, and obviously with John Afoa leaving we still need a front row or two.

“That’s up to who’s available and then making the budget work.”