Bristol confirm 16 players that have re-signed for club

Bristol Bears have released the names of sixteen players who have committed their future to the Gallagher Premiership side.

The news comes after the Bears were forced to release a number of players earlier in the year after a number of contract extensions kicked in, putting Bristol at risk of breaching the salary cap.

Bath bound England international Dave Attwood was maybe the biggest name that left the club as a direct result. Nathan Hughes, Antoine Frisch, Alapati Leiua and John Afoa are also all set to leave.

Despite the off-field issues and a difficult season for the Bristolians, the club are still been active on the recruitment front with some big names heading west. Ellis Genge will join from Leicester, while AJ MacGinty and Magnus Bradbury join from Sale and Edinburgh respectively.

The club had also already confirmed that internationals Chris Vui and Harry Randall have re-signed.

"We've always talked about bringing a core group through as we progress and we are seeing that in our squad retention," said DoR Pat Lam. "We're pleased to see a talented and experienced group of guys commit to the Bears, the majority of whom have been with us since the beginning of our journey.

"That world class talent is blended with homegrown talent who are making the step up - we've seen that in the way that the young players have made their mark during the current campaign.

"These players join the guys who remain in contract for next year and, as always, we'll release a full retained list ahead of the final home game of the season against Exeter Chiefs on Friday night."

RE-SIGNED PLAYERS:

Dan Thomas

Piers O'Conor

Luke Morahan

Yann Thomas

Harry Thacker

Jake Heenan

Will Capon

Sam Jeffries

Max Lahiff

John Hawkins

Jake Armstrong

Bryan Byrne

Jake Kerr

Charlie Powell

Siva Naulago

James Dun