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'Legend of the game' John Afoa signs new one-year deal with Bristol
By Ciarán Kennedy
Bristol Bears have confirmed that John Afoa has put pen to paper on a new one-year extension with the club. The legendary All Blacks prop joined from Gloucester in 2018, and has made 52 appearances for the Bears to date.
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The 37-year-old has been named in the Premiership Team of the Season every year since signing for the club.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “John is a legend of the game and his impact at the Bears has been immeasurable.
“On the field, to be one of the most consistent standout players in one of the toughest physically demanding positions – for so many seasons at the highest level – is a testament to his professionalism and mental toughness.
“Off the field, John is a massive leader in our group. He initiated and drives our Bears Mentor Programme bringing on the young and new players and ensuring connections and real clarity to our game and our Bears culture.
“John has been a huge part of our growth since our promotion back to the Premiership and him committing to another year is a major boost to our players, our staff and our fans.”
Afoa said: “I’ve loved my time in Bristol so far, so from that perspective, it was an easy decision to make. The way the medical and athletic performance guys manage me has been awesome and it helps me be at my best every time I get on the grass.
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“We’ve got a good bunch of boys here and there’s a huge amount of ambition.
“What is important for me also is that it’s an enjoyable place to be, the lads get a lot out of the rugby we are trying to play and it’s a great environment to be a part of.”
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What a load of nonsense. They tried to give him the job in August but Ellis Park and the backing of the senior players made it impossible.
Go to commentsHere's the thing. We have belt tightening conversations due to financial worries in both England & Wales. Most seem to be going to France which has the most stable domestic game. But France can't support everyone. I know that certain other unions & domestic leagues are worried that living within their means will lose them players. To an extent, they're right. But again, there are only 14 top flight clubs in France and plenty of good French players. At a certain point the market for professional domestic rugby can't support all the players who want to make more, which will ultimately allow for the necessary belt tightening. Who knows maybe a few more can go to Australia, make Super Rugby not so lopsided towards NZ (really just Blues & Crusaders). At the end of the day, if the revenue isn't there, in Wales or in England, it's not there. England can't support 14 clubs at the top, probably not even 12, should be at 10 with a better TV deal spread between fewer clubs. Who knows maybe Wales should be cut back to 2 like Scotland?
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