England camp attendee Elliott Stooke the latest Wasp to find new club

Former Wasps and England camp attendee Elliott Stooke has been signed by Bristol Bears on a short-term contract.

Stooke was one of over 35 Wasp squad members who found themselves without a job when the club collapsed on October.

Stooke has been brought in as injury cover for the Bears, who currently sit second from bottom in 10th on the Gallagher Premiership table. Stooke has been part of a number of Eddie Jones England camps, but is yet to debut for England.

“Experienced second row Elliott Stooke has joined Bristol Bears as short-term injury cover with immediate effect,” a Bristol Bears statement.

The 28-year-old made 142 Premiership appearances for Bath before joining Wasps during the summer.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Following the injuries to Ed Holmes and Joe Joyce, we needed some cover in the second row and we’re pleased to bring in a player of Elliott’s quality and experience.”

Stooke made 127 appearances for Bath in a five years stint at The Rec before signing for Wasps in 2021.

He began his career at Gloucester Rugby, before moving to West Country rivals Bath in 2016.

The Worcester-born lock was the fastest player to reach 100 appearances in Bath’s history.

The six-foot six-inch forward was called up to England’s Six Nations Squad in March 2019, whilst he also featured in England’s summer fixture against the Barbarians in both 2018 and 2019.

Earlier in his career Stooke appeared for England Saxons, as well as being part of England Under 20s Junior World Championship winning side of 2013.