BRISTOL BEARS CONFIRM TRIO OF NEW SIGNINGS: LEICESTER TIGERS 9, FORMER BATH HOOKER AND CHAMPIONSHIP LOCK

Bristol Bears have confirmed a trio of new signings ahead of the 2024/25 season, adding lock Steele Barker, hooker Tom Doughty and scrum-half Sam Edwards.

Scrum-half Sam Edwards makes the switch from fellow Gallagher Premiership side Leicester Tigers, where he has made four appearances in the top-flight. The talented 21-year-old, who represented England at U20 level, has spent the majority of the 2023/24 season on loan at Championship side Cambridge.

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Dynamic second-row Barker joins from Championship side Cornish Pirates where the 23-year-old has been one of the standout players in the competition this season having made 17 appearances for the club in 2023/24.

Hooker Tom Doughty has been a key figure for Doncaster Knights in this season’s Championship campaign having previously made 24 appearances for Premiership side Bath during a four-year spell at The Rec. The 27-year-old has scored twice for Doncaster this season in 15 appearances.

Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Steele is a hungry second row who is eager to learn and get better. He’s emerged as one of the standout forwards in the Championship with Cornish Pirates with a high ceiling of potential.

“Tom is a well-rounded hooker with Premiership experience from his time at Bath. He is a solid set-piece operator, with good skills on both sides of the ball, who has impressed in a good Doncaster Knights side in the Championship this season.

“Sam is a scrum half with a lot of potential who has already featured in the Premiership during his young career. He has had a good season in the Championship with Cambridge and will be a positive addition to our scrum half ranks.”

The trio join Fijian international number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata and Harlequins tighthead prop Lovejoy Tinotenda Chawatama as being confirmed new signings at the Bears ahead of the 2024/25 season.

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