Bristol confirm three new signings, including recruit from Leicester

Pat Lam has bolstered Bristol for the 2024/25 season with the confirmation of three new signings, a scrum-half from Gallagher Premiership rivals Leicester as well as a hooker and a second row from the Championship.

A recent renaissance in results has fired the Bears into the end-of-season play-off positions, but they also believe they have recruited well with a view to next season. A statement read: “A trio of exciting young players will be joining Bristol Bears ahead of the 2024/25 season.

“Steele Barker, Tom Doughty and Sam Edwards will link up with the club ahead of the new campaign, as Pat Lam continues to build a highly talented squad for the 2024/25 season.

“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. The former Cornwall U20 forward has made 17 appearances for the Pirates 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.

“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.”

Lam said: “Steele is a hungry second row who is eager to learn and get better. He has 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.”