3 Positions Bristol Bears Need to Strengthen & the Players They Could Sign to Fix Them - Summer 2020

Bloody global pandemic, eh?

So with the season in limbo and teams probably already planning for next season, we look at where Pat Lam needs to strengthen and the players they should target to fill those gaps.

They are in need of another number 10 after it was confirmed Ian Madigan will be leaving the club in the summer.

That leaves Lam with just two recognised number 10s in Callum Sheedy and Tiff Eden.

Max Malins, who joins from Saracens on a season-long loan, is a versatile back who can also play fly-half, but they need a playmaking general if they're going to be serious title contenders.

The 35-year-old Exeter legend is set to be out of contract in the summer after last signing a two year extension in 2018. Steenson has been at the forefront of Exeter’s rise out of the Championship and their subsequent rise to Premiership champions. If Bristol could convince him to delay retirement, he'd bring a controlling presence on the pitch while helping develop and nurture the likes of Malins and Sheedy off it.

This summer he turns 37, and with Ryan Mills being recruited from Worcester Warriors, it means it’s unlikely he’ll stay with Wasps. Another player with an abundance of experience who'd offer as much off the pitch as on it.

The fly-half has something to prove after becoming a bit-part player at Bath in the last year. He has been linked with a move to Top 14 leaders Lyon and also reportedly has offers from Super Rugby clubs. However, if he chooses not to leave the Premiership, the 29-year-old could play a key role in a title-chasing side if he joins Bristol.

The 47-cap Wallaby is an international superstar who is available for the Bears to go sign on a short-term deal.

This is due to Toomua, who was forced to take a huge paycut, being given the green light to take a leave of absence from Super Rugby and secure short term contracts in places such as England and the Japanese Top League before returning in time for the July 2021 Test schedule.

Would be an incredible signing.

The key to a successful team is often an efficient set piece.

Bristol's line-out isn't their strongest aspect of their game, meaning they're in need of a general to run it - and luckily there are two such players available this summer.

The towering 70-cap Ireland international will be available this summer when his contract at Leinster expires.

The 33-year-old, who made his debut for the Blues in 2006, isn’t sure about what he wants to do as he contemplates retirement, according to the Irish Mirror.

A top-class second-row, he'd bring a wealth of experience to the Bears pack.

A decade after his debut for Saracens, the 29-year-old Lion from Guildford is understood to be considering a career move to the Far East, having been there last autumn for the World Cup.

However, if the Bears could convince Kruis to remain in the Gallagher Premiership and come to Ashton Gate, he would make their line-out imperious.

Strength in depth across the front-tow is vitally important across a season, so someone who can play on either side of the scrum would be the perfect addition.

Here are three front-rowers who are available this summer.

A fearsome scrummager, Tongan international Halanukonuka will be a free agent when he departs Glasgow Warriors this summer.

The 33-year-old still has plenty to offer if Bristol could convince him to move to Ashton Gate on a short-term deal.

He is expected to leave Newcastle Falcons at the end of the season.

The Samoan prop, who can play on both sides of the scrum, is now weighing up his options as he looks for a move elsewhere according to The Rugby Paper.

The 33-year-old's versatility, experience and scrummaging pedigree would make him a fantastic addition.

The Northampton Saints and England prop is out of contract at the end of the season and is set to depart Franklin’s Gardens.

Bath is where the 25-year-old will end up, according to The Rugby Paper, but if Bristol could hijack the deal for the 5-cap international he'd be well worth the money.