The Scarlets have made an exciting signing ahead of the 2023-24 season, securing the services of Ioan Lloyd from Bristol and Wales.
The 22-year-old fly-half, who is also comfortable playing across the backline, returns to Welsh rugby after four years with Bristol.
Lloyd is a talented player who has already been capped twice by Wales, having been given his chance by former coach Wayne Pivac in 2020.
His ability to read the game and make decisive decisions has already been recognised at the international level, and he is seen as a player with a bright future ahead of him.
"I feel the Scarlets' game-plan will suit my style of play and I'm excited to get stuck in," said Lloyd. "I'm looking forward to joining up with the squad and helping the team achieve success on the field."
Lloyd's rugby journey began with the Cardiff Blues pathway, but he joined Clifton College where he was scouted by Bristol.
He made his debut for Bristol at the age of just 18, becoming the club's youngest player in the English Premiership, and made an immediate impact by scoring a try off the bench in a derby against Bath.
Bristol Bears sign five players, including England speedster
#1. Max Malins from Saracens
The 25-year-old, who has 14 caps for England, enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Ashton Gate between 2020 and 2021, scoring 18 tries in 19 matches and helping the Bears to a maiden European title and top spot in the Gallagher Premiership.
Last season’s leading try scorer in the Gallagher Premiership with 16, full-back Malins signs a two-year deal at Ashton Gate.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said:
“Max is already one of the top players in the Gallagher Premiership and he made a huge impact during his loan spell with us at the Bears. We are all looking forward to welcoming him back into our team again.
Malins added:
“I’m delighted to have signed with the Bears. During my loan period, I was made to feel very welcome by the fans, thoroughly enjoyed my rugby and made some good friends. I look forward to returning and hope to carry on where I left off.”
Max Malins of England goes over for a try during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#2. Kalaveti Ravouvou from Fijian Drua
The 24-year-old Fijian centre, who burst onto the scene during the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, made his international debut during the Autumn International Series, scoring against Ireland in Dublin.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said:
“Kalaveti is a hugely exciting signing for the club who is comfortable at both inside and outside centre. At only 24 years of age, he will fit nicely into our team as he brings his powerful, destructive ball-carrying and a well-rounded skillset that really took Super Rugby and international rugby by storm in 2022.
“He is dangerous on both sides of the ball, and we’re excited to help him fulfil his potential and ambitions up here in Europe. I’m confident our supporters will enjoy watching him represent the Bears in the coming seasons.”
Ravouvou added:
“I’m delighted to have signed for Bristol Bears for the next few seasons.
“They play an attractive brand of rugby which I think will suit me and get the best out of me as a player.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in at the club’s World Class training facilities and contribute to their aspirations and ambitions as a club.”
#3. Kieran Marmion from Connacht
The 31-year-old, who has 28 caps for his country, links back up with Pat Lam having won the Pro 12 title together in 2016. Marmion has made 222 appearances for Connacht during an 11-year spell at the province.
Marmion made his international debut against Argentina in 2014 and was Ireland’s starting scrum half when they edged out the All Blacks in Dublin in 2018.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said:
“Once Andy Uren had requested an early release, we began the search for a possible replacement – someone with experience who would be the right fit for our team.
“I’m really pleased to be able to bring in Kieran Marmion - an international scrum half with vast experience who will bring huge value to us on and off the field.
“Having worked closely with him in the past, I know he is exactly the perfect replacement to fill the void following the release of Andy to Benetton Treviso at the end of the season.”
Marmion added:
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to represent the Bristol Bears on and off the field.
“I’ve followed them closely over the last few years and I’m really looking forward to working with Pat again and being part of the exciting brand of rugby that the Bears look to play.”
#4. Gabriel Oghre from Bordeaux
The 24-year-old, who made 66 appearances for Wasps before joining Leicester Tigers and then Bordeaux-Begles on short-term deals, will head to Ashton Gate next season.
Oghre made his Premiership debut in 2018/19 off the bench against Saracens and soon made the step up to the Wasps' first-team squad for the 2019/20 season. In January 2018 he was named in England Under 20s squad for the 2017/18 season.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said:
“Gabriel is a very talented young English hooker who has a strong desire to succeed. He has good experience of playing in the Premiership and more recently, the Top 14.
“With his dynamic style, with and without the ball, and the way he plays the game, I know he will add real value to the Bears on and off the field.”
Oghre added:
“Joining the Bears is a new challenge and one that I’m really excited for.
“It’s a club with big aspirations and with a range of youth and experience to help reach them. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Gabriel Oghre of Wasps during the Gallagher Premiership match between Wasps and Northampton Saints at The Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry on 9th October 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#5. Sam Wolstenholme from Leicester Tigers
Wolstenholme attended Oakham School before furthering his studies at Loughborough University, while still a member of the Yorkshire Academy, and spent time on loan with Hull Ioanians while playing for Carnegie.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said:
“I’m really pleased to be able to bring someone of Sam’s quality and experience to the Bears. As another young English player with huge ambition and desire to succeed, he will fit into our group perfectly.
“Competition is vital within the squad for us to grow and I believe we have genuine competition at scrum half for next season, with Sam, Harry Randall, Kieran Marmion and Oscar Lennon all competing for selection.”
Wolstenholme said:
“I’m really looking forward to joining Bristol Bears. They’re a club with exciting players, great facilities and play a good brand of rugby. I’m excited to see what next season brings.”
Wasps player Sam Wolstenholme during the warm up before European Champions Cup Match between Wasps and Munster at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on December 12th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
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