Argentina flanker Santiago Grondona set for France return

Bristol Bears have confirmed that Argentina flanker Santiago Grondona will leave the club at the end of the season after three years.

The 27-year-old joined the Bears from France’s Pau in 2023, and has gone on to make 31 appearances for the club.

While his next destination has not been confirmed, the Bears have revealed that the 26-cap Puma will return to France next season, following his brief stint as a medical joker with Pau in 2023.

Grondona started at No.8 in Bristol’s recent 94-33 shellacking at the hands of Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens, which left the Bears in sixth place in the Gallagher PREM.

With a play-off place looking increasingly unlikely for the Argentine and his team-mates, his final two appearances for the club may come over the next two weeks in the final rounds of the regular season against Bath and Sale Sharks.

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“I’ve absolutely loved my time at Bristol Bears and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent this club,” Grondona said.

“From the moment I arrived, everyone made me and my family feel so welcome and I’ve really enjoyed being part of such a strong culture and environment.

“The coaches and players have been brilliant to work with and I’ve made memories and friendships that I’ll take with me for the rest of my career. Thank you to the supporters for all their backing over the past two seasons – it has meant a lot to me.”

Director of rugby Pat Lam added: “Santi has been an outstanding contributor during his time at Bristol Bears, both on and off the field. He brought quality, physicality and professionalism to our environment every day, and earned the respect of everyone across the club.

“He fully embraced what we are building here, and his attitude and character have had a hugely positive impact on the team and culture. We thank him for everything he has given to Bristol Bears and wish him and Belén every success and happiness in the next chapter of their journey in France.”