'Outstanding team man' Charles Piutau is going nowhere after agreeing to a Bristol extension

One of the Gallagher Premiership’s most exciting performers has decided to extend his stay at Ashton Gate until 2022.

In just eleven league appearances in 2018/19, Bristol’s Charles Piutau crossed for six tries to make him the club's joint second highest try scorer in the league and the 28-year-old has now agreed to a new two-year deal. 

“Charles is an outstanding team man and a world-class talent. He has the ability to create opportunities out of nothing for the team, so we are delighted that he has committed to the Bears and our vision,” said director of rugby Pat Lam.

“What has been most pleasing is how enthusiastic Charles is about the Bears, his team-mates and the city. He applied for, and was appointed to, the role of community leader in the player leadership group this season, which underlines how much he cares about the community.

“On the field, Charles brings an invaluable attacking threat, but also a calm head and a wealth of experience. His game understanding and leadership at the back brings a lot of comfort to his team-mates and it has allowed a lot of the young players around him to flourish.

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“To be able to select a Bristol backline next season that will combine world-class talents such as Charles Piutau, Semi Radradra and Luke Morahan alongside a host of young, English talent shows the exciting direction and growth that we are showing as a team.”

Already this season, former All Black Piutau tops the league’s metres made charts with 551 in just five games. He has beaten 24 defenders and made six clean breaks. “My family and I are loving our time in Bristol and it was an easy decision to stay,” he explained. 

“There’s a brilliant environment and a group of boys who are all giving everything for the jersey and the community. It’s always an honour to play alongside my brother (Siale Piutau) and to represent the Bears in front of the awesome fans at Ashton Gate. Pat Lam has been a massive influence on my career and I’m loving my rugby here.

“There’s a collective belief that we can win silverware if we continue to keep moving forward and I’m excited about the future at Bristol.”

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