Bristol Bears have confirmed the signing of versatile forward Morgan Eames from French Pro D2 side Béziers.
The English-qualified 27-year-old, who can operate in the second row and back row, has also represented Championship sides Nottingham and Doncaster Knights.
Standing at 6ft 7in and weighing in at 126kg, Eames scored two tries in 17 appearances for Béziers during the 2021/22 season.
He comes in primely as a lock option with former England international Dave Attwood leaving the club for Bath Rugby in the summer with the Bears thought to be unable to match the wage offer on the table from their derby rivals.
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said: “Morgan is a big man, comfortable in the second and back row and will suit the way we play. He is a formidable operator and will bolster our depth.
“He’s English qualified and has been one of the standout forwards in ProD2, so arrives at the Bears hungry to take his opportunity in the Premiership.”
The Bears have had significant success in recruiting from the Pro D2 in recent times, landing centre Antoine Frisch from Rouen last summer and bringing him through to really impress once given his opportunity midway through the season. Frisch's outstanding performance against Saracens in March saw him catch the eye of Munster's recruitment team this summer he will switch BS3 for the Irish province on a three-year deal.
Eames added: “I’m hugely excited to be joining the Bears and can’t wait to get started. It’s a great opportunity for me to develop alongside world class players and establish myself in one of the best competitions in the world.”
