Bristol Bears have confirmed the signing of former London Irish lock Josh Caulfield, ahead of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season.
Caulfield heads back to his homeland in the West Country, having grown up plying his trade for the Taunton Titans in Somerset. The 26-year-old also made over a century of caps for Cornish Pirates, and later joined Exeter Chiefs, starring across the RFU Championship and Gallagher Premiership.
Caulfield took his first steps outside of the South West with a loan move to Wasps in 2020. It is great to see his future remain in the English top flight, after he became a free agent following the financial collapse of London Irish. Caulfield presents great versatility in the pack, as he has previously starred across the flanks in the back-row.
An exciting asset to the Bristol Bears pack, the second rower will join up with the Bears for pre-season.
Bristol Head Coach Pat Lam is excited to have Caulfield on board. Speaking to the Bristol Bears website, Lam said: “Josh is a local lad with a great attitude and desire to improve, so we’re pleased to be able to bolster our second-row ranks and add even more competition for places.
“He is hard-working, versatile and has good experience in the Championship and Premiership, so we’re pleased to welcome him to the Bears family.”