He may not start many games but when he does he is often captain in a display of his natural leadership qualities
Pat Lam has explained why he has handed back row forward Jake Heenan a new two-year contract extension to extend his time at Bristol Bears
New Zealand born flanker Heenan is something of a Lam favourite having followed the Bears director of rugby from Connacht in 2018, a season after the Samoan took the reins at the West Country club having lifted the Pro14 title together in Galway in 2015/16.
Heenan, now 27, is the former New Zealand U20s captain having led his country at the 2012 Junior World Championships where the Baby Blacks reached the final before losing 22-16 to hosts South Africa.
He has made 29 appearances for the club since his arrival.
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said: “Jake is a versatile player and has made some important contributions in the past two seasons.
“His value to the team is second to none – Jake is consistent, a leader, and has huge respect from the players and staff.
“After recovering from injury at the beginning of his time here, Jake has gone from strength to strength and established himself as a key operator within the group.
“The more he has played, the better he has got, so we’re excited to see how he continues to develop and add more value over the next two years.”
Heenan's best natural position is openside and he has had plenty of high quality competition for the jersey since joining the club with Wallabies legend George Smith at the club in 2018/19 and Welsh dynamo Dan Thomas a key member of the Bears' squad.
This season he has made 10 appearances in the Gallagher Premiership and has been a key figure in the club's European Challenge Cup run with the Bears going unbeaten in the group stages to set-up a home quarter-final against the Dragons on April 5.
At 27 the flanker is entering his peak years as a rugby player as Bristol look to reach the next level in both the league and Europe.
Heenan added: “I’m delighted to have extended my stay at Bristol Bears. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Pat Lam once again and I’m really enjoying my rugby here.
“There’s a really good group here and a real one team culture where everybody contributes on and off the field.
“We are building an exciting squad and I’m looking forward to playing my part in the next stage of the club’s journey.”
