OFF: Bristol Bears game cancelled

A statement from Cardiff Rugby said: 

'Cardiff Rugby can confirm their friendly against Bristol Bears scheduled for Friday, February 24, has been cancelled. 

However, with both clubs progressing in the European Challenge Cup, a West Country derby rescheduled for February 25, and a busy calendar of commercial events at the Arms Park, the club have decided to forgo the fixture. 

All tickets will be automatically refunded with credit to Ticketmaster accounts, while Season Members will be given further Bring a Friend opportunities.'

The Bears currently sit rock bottom of the Premiership, and big improvement will be expected for the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season.

Due to the constraints of the salary cap, they'll have to let a number of stars leave the club in a bid to refresh 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 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

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.

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.