Transfer News: Bristol Bears confirm departing players - Ruck

Transfer News: Bristol Bears confirm departing players

Jack Lam will depart Bristol Bears at the end of the 2018/19 campaign, following five seasons with the club.

The Samoan international – who has made 79 appearances – is one of eleven players to leave Ashton Gate Stadium.

The departures of Jack Tovey (Ealing Trailfinders) and Nick Haining (Edinburgh) are already confirmed, with homegrown Tovey having made 192 appearances, the 6th most for the club since leagues were introduced in 1987.

Experienced utility back Tusi Pisi leaves after three seasons and 50 appearances, while first team quintet Nick Fenton-Wells (50 apps), Joe Latta (18 apps), Sione Faletau (11 apps), Reiss Cullen (10 apps) and Jordan Lay (5 apps) also depart.

One of the most decorated players in the history of the sport, George Smith, leaves Bristol following the conclusion of his one-year deal.

Academy lock Ehize Ehizode departs the integrated Academy following two seasons with Bristol Bears.

Meanwhile, team manager Gareth Delve and head of S&C Paul Bunce will depart the Bristol Bears backroom staff. The club will confirm the new appointments to these roles in due course.

LISTS

Head coach Pat Lam said: “It’s the nature of professional sport that, at the end of the season, we see some players move on to new opportunities.

“As always, we are grateful to these men who have put their bodies on their line for the club and committed to the Bristol Bears vision.

“We wish them and their families well for the next chapter and, like we do each season, will recognise the guys with a post-match presentation on the pitch after the Sale Sharks game and give our supporters an opportunity to thank them for their efforts.”

DEPARTING PLAYERS:

Jack Tovey – 192 appearances, 37 tries

Jack Lam – 79 appearances, 22 tries

Nick Fenton-Wells – 50 appearances, 6 tries

Tusi Pisi – 50 appearances, 6 tries

Nick Haining – 33 appearances, 8 tries

George Smith – 23 appearances

Joe Latta – 18 appearances, 2 tries

Sione Faletau – 11 appearances

Reiss Cullen – 10 appearances, 2 tries

Ehize Ehizode – 6 appearances

Jordan Lay – 5 appearances