Transfer News: Bristol Bears confirm 12 departures, including player suspended by club

Their match tomorrow against Bath at Ashton Gate will provide supporters with a final home game in which to celebrate the players' achievements.

Fullback Rich Lane will depart after a five-year spell with Bristol Bears, during which he made 69 appearances and scored 12 tries. He joined from Bedford Blues in 2021.

Bristolian James Dun also leaves the club after 68 appearances for his hometown side, concluding an eight-year spell at the club. The hooker will join Harlequins next season.

Argentinian back-row Santiago Grondona departs after two seasons and 31 appearances. He scored six tries for the Bears, including a notable double at The Rec in 2024.

Centre Joe Jenkins will leave for Leicester Tigers after 32 appearances since arriving in 2022, while Argentina international Benjamin Elizalde heads north to Newcastle Red Bulls following 27 appearances.

Loosehead prop Sam Grahamslaw, who made 24 appearances, will exit at the end of the season, alongside scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme, the 2023/24 Team Man of the Season, after three seasons and 20 appearances.

Will Capon has also been confirmed to be leaving the club following his appearance at Exeter Crown Court in March, where he was charged with one count of rape in relation to an alleged incident in Exeter in September 2021.

The club had already announced his suspension, and he will now depart permanently.

Steele Barker, John Edwards, Toby Baker and Raff Weston will also depart at the end of the campaign.

Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “This stage of the season is always a difficult one because we’re saying goodbye to players and people who have made a huge contribution to Bristol Bears both on and off the field during their time here.

“Every one of these players have put their bodies on the line and shown tremendous commitment to our Bears Vision and should be proud of what they’ve achieved at the club. They will always remain part of the Bears family.

“As we have done over the past nine seasons, we’ll recognise and celebrate our departing players together as a group this week, and supporters will also have the chance to show their appreciation at Ashton Gate after the Bath game on Friday, May 29th, when the players will be presented with their Bears matchday jerseys.”