Bristol Bears set to part ways with 12 players

Bristol Bears have confirmed that 12 players will leave the club at the end of the season.

Among the headline departures is hometown product James Dun, who will join Harlequins after making 68 appearances across eight seasons for the Bears. Full-back Rich Lane also departs following a five-year stint in Bristol, during which he scored 12 tries in 69 appearances after arriving from Bedford Blues.

Argentina international Santiago Grondona is another notable exit after three seasons with the club.

Centre Joe Jenkins will leave for Leicester Tigers, while fellow back Benjamín Elizalde is set to join Newcastle Red Bulls. Scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme, Bristol’s Team Man of the Season in 2023/24, has agreed a move to Exeter Chiefs.

Loosehead prop Sam Grahamslaw will continue his career with Ealing Trailfinders, while Steele Barker is set for Cornish Pirates.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Bristol

11:45

29 May 26

Bath

All Stats and Data

Will Capon also departs after falling one appearance short of a century for the club, with academy trio Toby Baker, Raff Weston and John Edwards among the younger players leaving Ashton Gate.

The departures come as Bristol continue to reshape their squad ahead of next season, with director of rugby Pat Lam paying tribute to the contribution made by the outgoing group.

“This stage of the season is always a difficult one because we’re saying goodbye to players and people who have made a huge contribution to Bristol Bears both on and off the field during their time here,” Lam said.

“Every one of these players have put their bodies on the line and shown tremendous commitment to our Bears vision and should be proud of what they’ve achieved at the club. They will always remain part of the Bears family.

“As we have done over the past nine seasons, we’ll recognise and celebrate our departing players together as a group this week, and supporters will also have the chance to show their appreciation at Ashton Gate after the Bath game.”