#5. Joe Joyce to Connacht
The 28 year old will make the move to Connacht after he completes his 11th season at the Gallagher Premiership club, where he has already made more than 150 appearances, including helping his side to win the EPCR Challenge Cup title in 2020.
In 2017/2018 Joyce was named the Bristol Bears Player of the Season, when he played a leading role in his hometown club’s promotion back to the top flight.
While Joyce has consistently been one of the Bears’ best performers over the last number of years, the 2021/22 season has arguably been his best yet. Acting as Captain for parts of the campaign, Joyce’s huge contribution both on and off the pitch was recognised when he was named the club’s Forward of the Season, Team Man of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season.
In addition to his outstanding personal achievements with his club, Joyce was also shortlisted for the Gallagher Community Player of the Season award, in recognition of his community engagement efforts with local charities and programmes
#6. Sam Bedlow to Sale Sharks
Bedlow will depart Bristol Bears at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season to rejoin Sale Sharks, the club can confirm.
The 27-year-old joined the Bears ahead of the 2017/18 campaign and has made 58 appearances for the club during his five seasons in the West Country.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Sam’s progress and development here at the Bears is a real success story for the club. We gave Sam an opportunity in 2017 after he was let go from the Sale Academy. Starting initially in our Senior Academy, Sam has developed massively and worked his way into the Senior Team establishing himself as a very reliable Premiership inside centre.
“For his home club to offer him a very good contract to return six years later is a real credit to Sam for his perseverance and all his team-mates and staff. He heads home to Manchester, where his partner Charlotte, his family and his gym business are based, with our best wishes for the future.”
Bedlow added: “I have had an amazing six years in Bristol – being part of the Bears has made me grow as a player and as a person.
“I would like to thank the fans for all the support they have shown over the past few years – running out at Ashton Gate to a packed stadium will be a feeling I remember forever.
“This season isn’t finished yet and I want to finish my time at Bristol on a high.”