Pat Lam's reaction to Kyle Sinckler's Bristol exit

England prop Kyle Sinckler will join Toulon from Bristol at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old has made 55 appearances since joining from Harlequins in 2020 and helped them to their first European title during his debut campaign.

Bristol’s director of rugby Pat Lam told the club website: “Kyle has been a big part of our Bears journey on and off the field, during his four seasons here.

“He has dealt with his fair share of setbacks along the way, and I believe he is playing his best rugby which is a testament to his resilience and determination.

“Like everyone’s journey, there will always be a time it comes to an end and I know Kyle is desperate to finish his time at the Bears on a high and continue his impressive form until the end of the season.”

The move will effectively end Sinckler’s international career with current rules preventing coach Steve Borthwick from selecting players based abroad.

He won the most recent of his 68 England caps at last year’s Rugby World Cup in France, missing out on selection for the recent Six Nations.

Sinckler said: “I just want to personally thank the Bristol community, the Lansdown family, Chris Booy, Pat Lam and all the support staff for my time at Bristol. Four years has flown by.

“As we all know, I have had some difficult times and it probably took me longer to adjust than I would have liked, but I’m eternally grateful for the continued support the club and the fans have always shown me.

“I’m honoured to have played for a club that has such a close bond with the community.

“We have experienced some huge success – winning the Challenge Cup, finishing top of the Premiership, and reaching the play-off semi-finals two years consecutively.”