Bristol Bears have announced the signing of young Irish centre Lucas Berti Newman to the club's academy on what is understood to be a three-year deal.
Berti Newman joins the Bears from Newbridge College in Leinster but is English qualified, making him a highly attractive proposition.
The youngster previously represented Irish province Leinster at youth levels and stands out from the crowd with his trademark red scrum cap, big step and sensational offloads.
The centre's signing appears to be a considerable coup for the Bears with the Irish Independent newspaper describing him as an 'outrageous midfield talent' at schoolboy level.
Last season's Premiership table-toppers have also confirmed that 15 Senior Academy players have been dual-registered for the 2021/22 season meaning they will get a dose of competitive of club rugby.
England U20 duo, Alex Groves and Deago Bailey have joined Championship side Hartpury, with second row Groves making his debut for the club in last weekend’s defeat to Ealing Trailfinders.
Elsewhere, Jac Lloyd has made a promising start to his stint with Clifton RFC in National Two, where he is joined by Scholars Tomas Gwilliam (hooker) and George Taylor (second row).
Ben Bamber (second row) is dual registered with Dings Crusaders, as are Scholars Matty Jones (fullback), who scored in Dings’ round two clash with Guernsey at Shaftesbury Park, Harry Rowson (centre), Dylan Power (centre) and Jamie Collier (back-row).
Ireland U20 back Chay Mullins and second-row Charlie Rice have joined up with National Two side, Taunton Titans.
Scrum-half JJ Williams has joined South West Premier side Weston-super-Mare, with Costa Galatalis (second row) and Tom Sims (prop) linking up with Hornets.
Bears director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our young players to gain valuable game time across the rugby pyramid, alongside their work within the Bears rugby programme on a day-to-day basis.
“These dual registration agreements, alongside our own ‘A’ team schedule, will ensure these players continue to develop, and we are grateful for the strong partnerships we have with clubs across the region and Combination.
Bristol senior academy manager, Gethin Watts, said: “The dual-registration agreements and the programme of fixtures we have planned for these lads are both player-centred and development driven.
“This is the perfect model for our young players, as they will train and play in the Bears Way, whilst also gaining valuable experience in competitive Championship and National League games.”
Confirmed Bristol Bears academy dual-registrations for the 2021/22 season
Alex Groves – Hartpury (GKIPA Championship)
Deago Bailey – Hartpury (GKIPA Championship)
Jac Lloyd – Clifton (National Two South)
Tomas Gwilliam – Clifton (National Two South)
George Taylor – Clifton (National Two South)
Matty Jones – Dings Crusaders (National Two South)
Ben Bamber – Dings Crusaders (National Two South)
Harry Rowson – Dings Crusaders (National Two South)
Dylan Power – Dings Crusaders (National Two South)
Jamie Collier - Dings Crusaders (National Two South)
Chay Mullins – Taunton Titans (National Two South)
Charlie Rice – Taunton Titans (National Two South)
Costa Galatalis – Hornets (SW Premier)
Tom Sims – Hornets (SW Premier)
JJ Williams – Weston-super-Mare (SW Premier)
