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Bristol Post

Sport

Max Baker

Bristol Bears confirm retained list with 20 players departing

Bristol Bears have confirmed their retained squad list, with 20 players departing as four new faces come through the door at Ashton Gate.

From July 1, 120 of the Bristol players will either retire or move onto pastures new as Pat Lam continues to reshape his squad, welcoming Semi Radradra, Kyle Sinckler, Chris Cook and Mitch Eadie on July 1.

Three more players will join at a later date with Saracens loan duo Ben Earl and Max Malins set to arrive in August and Fijian Siva Naulago expected in the autumn.

Ian Madigan, Lewis Thiede, Nic Stirzaker, Mat Protheroe, Nicky Thomas and Joe Batley's departures have all already been confirmed. Madigan will join Ulster after a three-year spell at the club, Nic Stirzaker has signed for French Pro D2 side Montauban, Joe Batley joins Worcester Warriors,Lewis Thiede drops down to the Championship while Mat Protheroe and Nicky Thomas return home to the Ospreys in the Pro14.

Ryan Edwards, Shaun Malton, Luke Daniels, Sam Graham, Ollie Dawe, James and Jordan Lay, Adrian Choat, Luke Hamilton and Bryan Byrne will all also depart the club.

James and Jordan Lay and Adrian Choat will leave to move to clubs in New Zealand, Ryan Edwards departs after eight seasons at the club.

Jordan Crane, Will Hurrell, Aly Muldowney and Tom Lindsay will all retire.

Luke Hamilton and Bryan Byrne leave after short term deals, Shaun Malton, Luke Daniels, Sam Graham and Ollie Dawe will join Thiede in the Championship

The Bears have also announced a host of young talent who will train with the first team. Six players join the Integrated Academy as Tom Wilstead, Deago Bailey,Andrew Turner, Harry Ascherl, Freddie Owsley and Fitz Harding agree professional terms, while Ben Bamber, Jack Bates, Blake Boyland, Alex Groves, George Kloskaand and Ioan Lloyd make up a 12-man group who will train full-time with the senior squad.

Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: "We had a very emotional online team farewell to honour all our leavers last Friday, but I would like to publicly thank all our departing players for contributing to our journey during their time at Bristol Bears.

"Whether Foundation Bears or with us from last season, all these men have committed themselves to the club and our vision on and off the field – we are extremely grateful for that.

“I believe all those that are moving on leave the programme as better players and better people through the time and commitment they put into their own growth, as well as to the team and the development of this club. They've all played their part and we wish them the very best for the future.

“Although the pandemic means we had to recognise our leavers online compared to what we would do in a normal season, everybody will be welcomed back to celebrate the part they played for Bristol Bears at the conclusion of the 2019/20 season.”