"Rebuild complete" - Bristol Bears confirm seven new signings for next season

Bristol Bears have bolstered their ranks with the full signing of England winger Max Malins, with the added bonus of securing the star from Premiership rivals Saracens. Bears fans are familiar with Malins, as he signed on loan during the 2020/21 season, and even scored in Bristol's victorious Challenge Cup Final that year.

Malins ended the 2022/23 Premiership season as the joint-third highest try scorer, as he scored 11 tries for Saracens. Malins has previously been crowned the Premiership's top try scorer, as he ended the 2021/22 Premiership season at top spot with 16 tries.

Bristol have certainly signed an undeniable try-machine, in what is an exciting addition for the Ashton Gate faithful. Malins has the added team chemistry of joining up with several England teammates at the Bears, as the likes of Kyle Sinckler and Ellis Genge will make the move a seamless transition for Malins.

Despite England not having a memorable Six Nations by their standards, Malins was impressive on the international stage earlier this year. The 26-year-old scored two tries, and set up a further one for England, whilst making 244 metres with the ball in the process. Bristol fans will have all eyes on Malins at the Rugby World Cup, with the winger ready to showcase his talents once again.

The 31-year-old, who has 28 caps for his country, links back up with Pat Lam having won the Pro 12 title together in 2016. Marmion has made 222 appearances for Connacht during an 11-year spell at the province.

Marmion made his international debut against Argentina in 2014 and was Ireland’s starting scrum half when they edged out the All Blacks in Dublin in 2018.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Once Andy Uren had requested an early release, we began the search for a possible replacement – someone with experience who would be the right fit for our team.

“I’m really pleased to be able to bring in Kieran Marmion - an international scrum half with vast experience who will bring huge value to us on and off the field.  

“Having worked closely with him in the past, I know he is exactly the perfect replacement to fill the void following the release of Andy to Benetton Treviso at the end of the season.”

Marmion added: “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to represent the Bristol Bears on and off the field.

“I’ve followed them closely over the last few years and I’m really looking fo

The 24-year-old, who made 66 appearances for Wasps before joining Leicester Tigers and then Bordeaux-Begles on short-term deals, will head to Ashton Gate next season.

Oghre made his Premiership debut in 2018/19 off the bench against Saracens and soon made the step up to the Wasps' first-team squad for the 2019/20 season. In January 2018 he was named in England Under 20s squad for the 2017/18 season.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Gabriel is a very talented young English hooker who has a strong desire to succeed. He has good experience of playing in the Premiership and more recently, the Top 14.

“With his dynamic style, with and without the ball, and the way he plays the game, I know he will add real value to the Bears on and off the field.”

Oghre added: “Joining the Bears is a new challenge and one that I’m really excited for.

“It’s a club with big aspirations and with a range of youth and experience to help reach them. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Blockbusting centre Kalaveti Ravouvou is known for his powerful carries and tackle-breaking ability. The former Cuvu College student represented Namosi at the 2020 Skipper Cup and Farebrother Trophy where he scored a try in the final which Nadi won by the barest of margins (22-21).

In early 2021, he was named Fijian Drua player #016 for their inaugural Super Rugby season and took the competition by storm, ranking marginally behind All Black centre Jordie Barrett in the list of top performing midfielders (see graphic below).

Ravouvou later starred in the Autumn Nations Series for Fiji, scoring a sensational try against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

The 23-year-old former Wasps number nine, who joined Leicester Tigers on a short-term deal in January, has made 32 appearances in the Gallagher Premiership.

Wolstenholme attended Oakham School before furthering his studies at Loughborough University, while still a member of the Yorkshire Academy, and spent time on loan with Hull Ioanians while playing for Carnegie.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “I’m really pleased to be able to bring someone of Sam’s quality and experience to the Bears. As another young English player with huge ambition and desire to succeed, he will fit into our group perfectly.

“Competition is vital within the squad for us to grow and I believe we have genuine competition at scrum half for next season, with Sam, Harry Randall, Kieran Marmion and Oscar Lennon all competing for selection.”

Wolstenholme said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Bristol Bears. They’re a club with exciting players, great facilities and play a good brand of rugby. I’m excited to see what next season brings.”

The 26-year-old versatile South African midfielder, who can operate at inside and outside centre and also cover fly-half, will join up with Pat Lam’s squad when they return for pre-season training on Monday, June 19^th.

Van Rensburg made more than 50 appearances for the Exiles over two seasons, scoring 11 Premiership tries. During the 2022/23 season, the former Free State Cheetah made six tries assists and beat 33 defenders.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Benhard has been one of the outstanding centres in the Gallagher Premiership over the past two seasons so we’re pleased to be able to bring a player of his quality to the Bears.

“I believe Benhard will add real quality to our squad on and off the field. His experience, versatility and well-rounded skill set on both sides of the ball will make him a superb addition to our team. We’re pleased to welcome Benhard and his wife Eljoné to the Bears family.”

Van Rensburg added: “I’m excited to be at Bristol Bears. It’s been a tough couple of weeks for me, but I’m pleased to be here in Bristol and can’t wait to get started with the Bears.

“The facilities here are incredible and I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates when pre-season starts on Monday. I’m ambitious to grow my game and help the team in any way that I can."

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 , 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.”

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