Big names among 33 to sign new deals with English club
NEWS: On the eve of the Premiership’s resumption, Bristol Bears announced that 33 first-team players have committed their futures to the club by signing contract extensions.
Key players including skipper Steven Luatua, Charles Piutau, Nathan Hughes, Chris Vui, Luke Morahan and Kyle Sinckler alongside homegrown players Andy Uren, Joe Joyce and Callum Sheedy all agree extended terms in a major boost to the Bears.
Pat Lam’s men return to league action on Saturday (August 15th) against Saracens at Ashton Gate, sitting third in the table with nine rounds left to play - and Director of Rugby, Pat Lam says the news is a testament to the Bears culture fostered at the club.
"I said from day one at the club that a key part to building a successful legacy will be recruitment and then retention of our key people. Players who want to go on to play over 200 games for the Bears and drive our game, our leadership and the Bears way for the next generation to come," said Lam.
"Having players develop into quality men who can lead themselves and then positively influence others in our environment and community is vital to our success. To offer 33 contracts and have 33 accepted is a massive boost to everyone at Bristol Bears. The contract details differ from player to player with flexibility on both sides to allow for what is best for both the player and for the club each year going forward.
"It means that we are able to continue to plan long term at the Bears, knowing that the squad are committed to bringing success to the club as we progress on this incredible journey. I’m personally delighted that I will have the opportunity to continue working together with some of them into their fourth, fifth and sixth season at the Bears.
"It’s an exciting time for everybody involved, with our new world class ‘Bears HighPerformance Centre’ adding to the quality of our work on and off the field. The squad have absolute clarity from the Lansdown family and the senior leadership about what we want to achieve and it’s fantastic to see them drive that ambition.
"With the season resumption against the reigning champions tomorrow, this news is a real boost to the players, staff and to our unbelievable community who have backed us throughout this challenging period."
The full list of the 33 squad players is: Jake Woolmore, Yann Thomas, Harry Thacker, Will Capon, Bryan Byrne, Kyle Sinckler, John Afoa, Max Lahiff, Jake Armstrong, Dave Attwood, Ed Holmes, John Hawkins, Chris Vui, Joe Joyce, Steven Luatua, James Dun, Dan Thomas, Jake Heenan, Nathan Hughes, Mitch Eadie, Andy Uren, Harry Randall, Callum Sheedy, Tiff Eden, Siale Piutau, Sam Bedlow, Piers O’Conor, Siva Naulago, Alapati Leiua, Luke Morahan, Charles Piutau, Henry Purdy, Toby Fricker.