Bristol Bears could potentially be light at hooker, if and when the Premiership season resumes after it was confirmed that Shaun Malton will leave the club at the end of his contract.
Malton's two-year deal expires on June 30 and there is no prospect of it being extended, even in the short-term, meaning he will be unable to feature for the Bears if any matches for the 2019/20 campaign are re-scheduled after that date.
The 30-year-old, who moved to BS3 from Exeter Chiefs in 2017, has made six starts in the Premiership this season and is set to sign for Ealing Trailfinders.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Bristol – it’s a great city and a fantastic group of players and coaches," Malton said.
“I’d like to wish everybody at the club well for the next step and I’m pleased to have contributed to the Bears’ journey. Now, I look forward to a new opportunity next season in London.”
With the league in shutdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, it's unclear when competitive action will return and if the 2019/20 season can be completed.
Should games resume after June 30, which appears to be the most likely scenario, that will leave the Bears with five first-team hookers: Harry Thacker, who's status is unclear after sustaining a neck injury in January, Tom Lindsay, Will Capon, George Kloska and loanee Bryan Byrne.
However, Lindsay is also out of contract this summer and Byrne's loan is due to expire at the end of June. Thacker is understood to be undergoing rehab on his injury and would, of course, be first-choice once he returns to match fitness.
Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “Shaun is a great character and despite missing a few games through injury, he has made a big contribution to our culture and environment over the past two seasons.
“Shaun has given his all for the team as a Foundation Bear and has been a positive influence off the field too.
“We wish Shaun and his young family the very best of luck for the future and thank him for his efforts in a Bears jersey.”
