Pat Lam's vision of keeping the core of his squad together for a prolonged period is coming into focus with the Bristol Bears confirming just six players will depart and the end of the 2020/21 season.
Impressively over 65 percent of the players in the first team squad are now heading into at least their fourth season under Pat Lam as the Bears retain a large majority of their squad.
As announced earlier in the week Tongan legend and long-term Bears’ servant, Siale Piutau will depart at the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign, after five seasons at the club.
Loanees Ben Earl and Max Malins will return to parent club Saracens.
Prop Peter McCabe also departs, alongside scrum-half Tom Kessell (Cornish Pirates) and Argentinian international Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro will join Italian side Benetton.
Meanwhile, triallist scrum-half Stephen Kerins (Ealing Trailfinders) and hooker Tagdh McElroy are set to depart in the summer.
Alasdair Dickinson leaves the coaching staff for Glasgow Warriors, with John Afoa taking on a dual transition role as scrum coach and first team player.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “We are grateful to all of our departing players and staff for their contribution to the Bears. They can always look back fondly and know that they contributed to our journey and the team growth.
“All of these guys have played their part and, for somebody like Siale – who is a Foundation Bear – he leaves in the knowledge that he has helped shaped the Bears culture for years to come.
“It’s been a real pleasure to have Max [Malins] and Ben [Earl] involved with the Bears. It’s a credit to them as people and players that they have fully invested their time and energy to us to be successful.
"We’d like to thank Mark [McCall] and Saracens for making it possible.
“When I arrived, one of the clear objectives was to change the make-up of the squad; younger demographic, more English and Academy players and quality depth in every position. We are continuing to strive towards that and I’m delighted that the large majority of the group will be in at least their fourth and fifth season with myself and the management team.”
Bristol have already confirmed two new signings ahead of the 2021/22 season with French centre Antoine Frisch joining from PRO D2 club Rouen and scrum-half Tom Whiteley from Saracens.
This week the Bears also confirmed talented backrower Sam Jeffries will return from nearly two years out with a knee injury to rejoin the playing squad.
