Tongan star extends Bristol stay

TRANSFER NEWS: Siale Piutau has signed a one-year contract extension at Bristol Bears, the club announced.

The former Tongan international captain, who joined Bristol in 2017, has made 47 appearances for the club.

The 34-year-old centre, one of Tonga’s greatest ever players, announced his retirement from international rugby following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “Siale is a key part of our group. He’s one of the big drivers of our culture and is well respected and valued by all the players and staff.

“It’s not just his personal performances, it’s the leadership role he plays and the clarity he brings to everybody on and off the field.

“We have excellent young players that are growing and learning what being a professional rugby player is from players like Siale, so to keep him for another season is massive for the Bears.”

Piutau added: “I’m delighted to be staying at Bristol. It’s a city that me and my family have a close affinity to, and we are really enjoying our time here and the environment that Pat and the coaches have created.

“I’m hugely excited about the direction and journey this club is on and delighted to continue to be a part of that, alongside my brother.”

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