Scrum-half Andy Uren will join Italian URC side Benetton Treviso at the conclusion of the season.
The 27-year-old Bristolian, who has made over 150 appearances for his boyhood club, has been granted an early contract release request to join the Italian side.
Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “Andy came to us with a very significant offer on the table from Benetton to go there as first-choice scrum half and asked us to consider the possibility of a release.
“When you consider the contribution that Andy has made to the club on and off the field, playing more than 150 games, Harry Randall being committed to the Bears long term; and the fact that this is a life-changing opportunity for him and his family, it was an opportunity we felt Andy deserved and he leaves with our full support.
“Andy can be very proud of what he has achieved at Bristol Bears to date – and at just 26 years old, the plan is for him to return an even better player and person from the incredible experience of playing in a different country and competition.”
Uren said: “It’s been such a difficult decision to leave Bristol, but the opportunity in Treviso was something that I had to take for the next stage of my career. I’ve been at Bristol for a long time and I’m looking forward to broadening my rugby knowledge and life experience overseas.
“I’m hugely grateful to Pat and the club - not only for their support during my 13 years at Bristol - but for granting me an early release at the end of the current season to take up this opportunity in Benetton. The culture and environment that has been created here are second to none and I have no doubt the club will continue to go from strength to strength.
“I’m really excited by what we can achieve at Bristol Bears in the final period of the season and hope to finish my time here on a high.”
FOUR OTHER PLAYERS LEAVING BRISTOL BEARS
#1. Semi Radradra to Lyon
Radradra, who joined the Bears from Bordeaux-Begles in July 2020, has made 46 appearances for the club, helping them to a maiden European title in October 2020 and a first-place finish in the Gallagher Premiership in 2021/22.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “We’re very grateful to Semi for his dedication and commitment to the Bears during his time here. Semi was very instrumental in our Challenge Cup success in 2020 and in helping the team finish top of the Gallagher Premiership in the 2021-22 season.
“Semi is not just a world class talent but an outstanding team man. He has made a significant impact for our team on and off the field helping and inspiring a lot of our people, especially the younger players, showing them through his actions what being a true professional is all about. These qualities have enabled him to battle back from two serious knee injuries which will allow him to continue to have a positive impact for us in our run-in for the rest of the season.
“It has been a real pleasure to have him at the Bears and we all wish him and his family well for his next chapter.”
Radradra said: “I can’t thank the club enough for all they’ve done during my time here.
“It’s a fantastic club, with great supporters and I will miss it. I’m extremely motivated to finish the season strongly and put in some memorable performances, particularly at Ashton Gate.”
#2. Sam Bedlow to Sale Sharks
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.”
#3. Will Porter to Harlequins
Porter joined Bristol Bears from Wasps in October as a medical dispensation for Harry Randall until the end of the season, making seven appearances so far.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “It’s been great to work with a player of Will’s calibre, especially during the long-term injury to Rands (Harry Randall).
“He’s contributed really well to the group on and off the field during his short time here and I know he will continue to do so until the end of the season.
“Will’s family and partner are based in London, so we are pleased he has an opportunity to finally return home and we wish him well for his journey ahead.”
#4. Joe Joyce to Connacht
he 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.
