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Who will be replacing Ireland's ageing golden generation if they don't make RWC 2027
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Bristol add 'international experience' in one of two deals in crisis
By Josh Raisey
Bristol Bears have signed Wales scrum-half Ellis Bevan and full-back Mat Protheroe on short-term deals.
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The six-cap Bevan has made the journey across the Severn from Cardiff to help ease the Bears’ injury crisis over the next month as the PREM Rugby Cup resumes.
Pat Lam is without the injured Harry Randall and Max Pepper, and has seen Oscar Lennon return to Hartpury. The 25-year-old has moved to Ashton Gate on a four-week deal to provide options in the No.9 jersey.
His compatriot Protheroe has also joined on a short-term deal to help with injuries elsewhere in the back line.
The 29-year-old will arrive for his second stint with Bristol, having made 35 appearances between 2017 and 2020.
Gallagher Premiership
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
Northampton
5
4
0
1
23
2
Bath
5
4
1
0
21
3
Exeter Chiefs
5
3
1
1
19
4
Saracens
5
3
2
0
17
5
Leicester
5
3
2
0
16
6
Bristol
5
3
2
0
14
7
Sale
5
2
3
0
12
8
Harlequins
5
2
3
0
10
9
Gloucester
5
0
5
0
3
10
Newcastle
5
0
5
0
0
Bristol host Bath this Friday in the cup before travelling to Sandy Park to take on Exeter Chiefs on November 22.
Lam said: “With the current injuries to Harry Randall and more recently, Max Pepper – plus Hartpury having the option of a recall on Oscar Lennon – we were in need of some cover at scrum half, so being able to bring in a player of Ellis’ calibre and international experience is a boost.
“We’re grateful to Cardiff for their support in approving Ellis’ loan, with their coaches keen to get some minutes into him ahead of their return to URC action at the end of November.
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“We’re also pleased to be welcoming Mat Protheroe back into the group. He’s a guy who understands The Bears Way and it’s great to be able to give him an opportunity over the next few weeks.”
In a statement online, Cardiff wrote: “Cardiff Rugby have supported the move to ensure Bevan gains valuable game time ahead of the club’s return to URC action at the end of November.
“Everyone at Cardiff wishes Ellis the best during his time with Bristol and looks forward to welcoming him back to the Arms Park next month.”
