Charles Piutau and Steven Luatua among 33 Bristol…

Charles Piutau and Steven Luatua among 33 Bristol Bears players to sign contract extensions

Bristol Bears are focused on the present day with the visit of Saracens on Saturday and the Premiership restart, as they bid for a place in the top four and possible title success.

But beyond that immediate target, Director of Rugby Pat Lam has safeguarded the bulk of his squad far well beyond the next two months with 33 individuals agreeing contract extensions at Ashton Gate.

Key players including skipper Steven Luatua, Charles Piutau, Nathan Hughes, Chris Vui, Luke Morahan and Kyle Sinckler alongside homegrown players Andy Uren, Joe Joyce and Callum Sheedy all agree extended terms.

It's a second extension for loose forward Luatua, who first arrived in Bristol in 2017 and whose deal was due to expire in 2021, and superstar back Piutau was set to become a free agent in 2022.

Both will undoubtedly have constant interest from clubs in their native New Zealand, Japan and from within France but will remain Bears teammates for the foreseeable future.

Along with Sinckler, the list also includes fellow new arrivals Mitch Eadie and Siva Naulago, who's yet to join up with the Bears as he completes the Super League season with Hull FC.

The club haven't disclosed the precise length of the extensions for any of the 33 players.

"I said from day one at the club that a key part to building a successful legacy will be recruitment and then retention of our key people. Players who want to go on to play over 200 games for the Bears and drive our game, our leadership and the Bears way for the next generation to come," said Lam.

"Having players develop into quality men who can lead themselves and then positively influence others in our environment and community is vital to our success. To offer 33 contracts and have 33 accepted is a massive boost to everyone at Bristol Bears.

"The contract details differ from player to player with flexibility on both sides to allow for what is best for both the player and for the club each year going forward.

"It means that we are able to continue to plan long term at the Bears, knowing that the squad are committed to bringing success to the club as we progress on this incredible journey.

"I’m personally delighted that I will have the opportunity to continue working together with some of them into their fourth, fifth and sixth season at the Bears.

"It’s an exciting time for everybody involved, with our new world class ‘Bears HighPerformance Centre’ adding to the quality of our work on and off the field.

"The squad have absolute clarity from the Lansdown family and the senior leadership about what we want to achieve and it’s fantastic to see them drive that ambition."