"Life-changing opportunity" - Bristol Bears departures reach NINE

The Bears have failed to meet expectations in the Premiership, and they are looking to make significant improvements for the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season.

However, due to salary cap restrictions, the team will have to let go of several star players to revamp the squad.

Following the departure of Joshua Tuisova at Racing 92 next season, Lyon wanted a high-level replacement.

According to reports in France, Radradra has accepted an offer of around £500,000 per season for two years.

A total agreement was found between the two parties. A pre-contract has been signed, which means after four seasons in England in Bristol, the Fijian X factor will return to the Top 14.

The scrum-half will join Harlequins at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, the club can confirm.

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.”

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.”

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

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.”

The Scarlets have made an exciting signing ahead of the 2023-24 season, securing the services of Ioan Lloyd from Bristol and Wales. 

The 22-year-old fly-half, who is also comfortable playing across the backline, returns to Welsh rugby after four years with Bristol.

His ability to read the game and make decisive decisions has already been recognised at the international level, and he is seen as a player with a bright future ahead of him.

“I feel the Scarlets’ game-plan will suit my style of play and I’m excited to get stuck in,” said Lloyd. “I’m looking forward to joining up with the squad and helping the team achieve success on the field.”

With the reduced salary cap restrictions coming into effect, it looks highly likely that the highest paid player in the Gallagher Premiership will be moving on when his contract expires at the end of the season. 

Piutau was the best fullback in the world in his prime. But the former All Black and current Tonga international, who has been at Ashton Gate for four years, is no longer as exciting as he used to be. 

Becoming the leagues first £1m per season player when he joined the club, the Bears are paying an awful lot of money for a player who is no longer best in class.

Jeffries will depart Bristol Bears at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season to take up an opportunity overseas, the club can confirm.

The 30-year-old back-row forward, who has made 59 appearances for Bristol, leaves after seven seasons at Ashton Gate.

The Academy graduate took a prolonged break from the professional game in 2019 due to a knee injury, joining the club’s backroom staff on secondment as Professional Development Manager, while continuing to rehabilitate.

He made his return to first-team duties in 2021 and was called up to England’s tour of Australia in the summer of 2022.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Sam was all set to sign an extension to remain at the Bears when at the last minute he received a life-changing opportunity from overseas and unfortunately, with the nature of the salary cap reduction in the Premiership, it was one we were unable to compete with.

“Sam’s comeback from a career-threatening injury to being called up to an England squad has been inspirational and is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and professionalism.

“He has made a significant impact on the Bears on and off the field and we wish him and his fiancé Suzie all the very best for their next chapter together.”

The fly-half is believed to be out of contract this summer, meaning he will have to move to a Welsh club to ensure he can continue to play international rugby.

Following an impressive 2019/20 campaign, Sheedy was called up to the Wales squad for the Autumn Nations Cup and made his debut against Ireland in Dublin in November 2020.

Sheedy joined the Bristol Bears ahead of the 2014/15 Greene King IPA Championship campaign and scored 22 points in a stunning display in the play-off final to help Bristol achieve promotion.

Previously captain of a Millfield School side that have enjoyed considerable success during his tenure as skipper, Sheedy is one of the most promising young fly-halves in the UK.