Former Connacht star Niyi Adeolokun has earned himself a new season-long contract at Bristol Bears after making an explosive impression since arriving at the Gallagher Premiership club on a short-term deal in August 2020.
The winger joins scrum half Tom Kessell and prop Peter McCabe in signing one-year contracts with the Bears having joined on short-term deals over the summer as injury cover.
Adeolokun made 94 appearances for Connacht and was a try scorer for Pat Lam’s title-winning Connacht side in the 2016 PRO14 final, beating Leinster 20-10.
He and Lam have a long history and when the winger signed for Bristol back in August, the Bears boss said: “I know their characters and there’s a lot of trust in there.”
That was displayed by the fact Lam named Adeolokun, along with Kessell, in the squad which won the Challenge Cup final against Toulon last month, albeit with the squad hit by a number of injuries.
The winger represented the Barbarians under Lam and played England alongside Semi Radradra, Charles Piutau, John Afoa, Chris Vui and Steven Luatua.
Having not played a game for five months after being released by Connacht, Adeolokun looked rusty at times during his four outings with the Bears but also showed snapshots of his stunning natural talents.
On his debut away at Wasps he went close to scoring a try in the corner but it was at home to Leicester Tigers in the 40-3 victory in Round 21 of the Premiership the one cap Irish international really exploded into life with a league high 167 metres gained in attack, nine defenders beaten and four clean breaks.
The man is grease lightening with the ball in hand and will provide useful depth to the Bears.
Prop McCabe made three appearances in the Gallagher Premiership after arriving in the summer, scoring his maiden try for the club against Wasps at the Ricoh Arena.
Bristol director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “All three of these guys have settled into the Bears culture well and made some positive contributions on the field, so we’re pleased to have them on board for the 2020/21 campaign.
“With another busy schedule ahead of us, and players set to be away on international duty or undergoing rehabilitation at the beginning of the new season, it’s important to ensure we have plenty of depth and cover in key positions.”
