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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
John Evely

Bristol Bears confirm key playmaker will depart for Premiership rivals

Will Porter's stay at Bristol Bears will conclude at the end of the 2022/23 season the club have confirmed.

Porter joined Bristol Bears from Wasps in October as a medical dispensation for Harry Randall until the end of the season, earning rave reviews during his seven appearances so far.

Porter, 24, will join Harlequins ahead of the 2023/24 season where he will compete for the number nine jersey with Danny Care who has signed a contract extension ahead of next season. Porter, it seems, may be lined up as Care's long-term successor.

READ MORE: Bristol Bears player ratings from Zebre win: 'A devastating attacking force'

Prior to Porter's arrival at Ashton Gate following Wasps administration, the Bears had already confirmed a three-year contract extension for Bristolian Andy Uren who has increasingly become a back-up to England international Randall, along with Tom Whiteley and Oscar Lennon.

Six cap England international Randall, 25, signed a contract extension with Bristol last February.

Porter previously represented England at U17, U18 and U19 level before making his mark on the Gallagher Premiership for Wasps against Bristol Bears in 2018.

Born in Philadelphia before moving to the UK at the age of one, Porter represented Wasps on 58 occasions, helping the side reach the 2019 Premiership 7s final.

Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “It’s been great to work with a player of Will’s calibre, especially during the long-term injury to Rands (Harry Randall).

“He’s contributed really well to the group on and off the field during his short time here and I know he will continue to do so until the end of the season.

“Will’s family and partner are based in London, so we are pleased he has an opportunity to finally return home and we wish him well for his journey ahead.”

Harlequins head coach Tabai Matson said: "Will is a great operator who has excelled with two top Premiership sides in Wasps and Bristol.

"He will add further quality depth at scrum-half for us and we’re looking forward to seeing how he fits in this summer. We feel that his skills will suit our way of playing well and it will be exciting to see what he can do within this Quins side."

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