Fit-again Gabriel Ibitoye targets silverware as he pens new Bristol deal

Bristol Bears wing Gabriel Ibitoye has signed a new long-term deal with the club just days before he is set to make his first start since undergoing hamstring surgery earlier this season.

The 27-year-old made his first appearance since a “complex” hamstring injury in the opening round of the Gallagher PREM season September when he came off the bench in Bristol’s 8-3 victory over the Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.

He is now poised to start against Gloucester in the PREM Rugby Cup on Sunday, fresh from signing a new deal with the club, which will extend his four-year stay at Ashton Gate.

The winger joined the Bears in 2022, and has gone on to score 31 tries in 62 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous carriers in the league. While that has not resulted in Test recognition, he is surely on Steve Borthwick’s radar, and represented England A last season.

With Bristol sitting third in the PREM and with a Investec Champions Cup round of 16 tie with Toulouse to look forward to in April, Ibitoye is eyeing silverware with the club in the “very near future”.

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“I’ve loved my time here and Bristol really feels like home for me,” said Ibitoye. “Since I arrived here in 2022, my game has improved year on year and I enjoy working with the coaches and players here.

“The Bears Way suits my game perfectly and I believe in what we’re building here. I genuinely think this group can win trophies in the very near future and I’m excited to be part of that journey.”

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam added: “Gabs has been a hugely important player for the Bears since joining us nearly four years ago. He has outstanding physical qualities – power, speed and athleticism – but what truly sets him apart is his skill level, work rate and understanding of the game.

“He has a genuine hunger to improve and get better every day. Gabs works incredibly hard both on and off the field, and that mindset gives him enormous potential to continue developing within our programme. We’re absolutely delighted he has committed his future to Bristol Bears.”