Bristol Bears have broken their silence over contract renewals for next season and beyond by confirming new deals for six of the club’s homegrown player.
Hooker Will Capon extends his stay with the club, while up-and-coming backs, centre Joe Jenkins and winger Deago Bailey – who have both made their Premiership debuts this season – also sign extended deals. Jenkins is considered one of the most promising talents in the country and only injury has stopped him featuring more this season.
James Dun, who can operate in the second row and back row and has impressed during a season-long loan spell at Championship side, Jersey Reds, is another to extend his stay with the Bears.
Former England U20 loosehead prop Andrew Turner also signs an extension with his boyhood club, as does exciting back row forward Aaron Tull, who has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam, said: ‘When I first started here, we talked about homegrown players being an important part of our vision, which is why we restructured the Academy in 2019 to improve the pathway of quality players coming through.
“As a result, we’ve seen the performance of U18s in the past three years going to another level and culminating in a title win and a fourth-place finish this season.
“I’m really pleased with how well these six players have progressed, particularly over the past 12 months. Their progress really highlights the success of our programme and the drive and desire of these lads.
“The challenge for the guys now is to keep learning, remain coachable and be the best versions of themselves.”
In addition to the six contract renewals, Bristol have already confirmed the signings of Fijian international centre Kalaveti Ravouvou from Super Rugby Pacific side Fijian Drua and Saracens and England full-back Max Malins.
WILL CAPON
The 23-year-old hooker has already made 67 appearances for his boyhood club and was named in the England training squad during the summer of 2021. A former Bristol Grammar School pupil, Capon joined the club as a 14-year-old, signing professional terms in 2018 and graduating into the senior squad in 2020.
JOE JENKINS
Highly-rated 19-year-old centre Jenkins made his league debut against Saracens in November 2022, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premiership starter,and has gone on to make five first-team appearances for the Bears so far this season. Jenkins was named in the England U20 squad for this year’s Six Nations campaign.
DEAGO BAILEY
Dynamic wing Bailey is another homegrown star to make his Premiership debut for the Bears during the 2022/23 season and has made nine first-team appearances this campaign. The former England U20 wing scored his first competitive try for the Bears against Bath in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
JAMES DUN
Versatile forward Dun has been in impressive form during his season-long loan spell with Jersey Reds in the GKIPA Championship, helping the Channel Islanders to second place at the halfway stage. Dun has made 13 competitive appearances for the club since signing professional terms in 2019.
ANDREW TURNER
Loosehead prop Andrew Turner represented England U20 during their 2022 summer tour and has enjoyed a strong season on a dual registration deal with Dings Crusaders. Turner has made three first-teamappearances since signing professional terms.
AARON TULL
Dynamic back row forward Tull, who captained the club’s title-winning U18 side in 2022, has impressed during this season’s Premiership Rugby Cup, making four first-team appearances for the Bears in 2022/23.
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