Bristol Bears confirm 17 departing players with some negotiations still ongoing

Bristol Bears have today confirmed that 17 players will leave the club at the end of the 2023/24 season, with starters including flanker Dan Thomas and Ed Holmes, who have both made more than 100 appearances for Pat Lam’s side.

Negotiations with other players remain ongoing and the full retained list for 2024/25 will be confirmed in the final week of the season. BristolLive understands that one of those players not involved in the negotiations is dynamic forward Harry Thacker, who is under contract with the Bears for another season, with a section of fans fearing he could move on.

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Several of the 17 departing players have already been confirmed by the Bears, with Bristol Premiership top scorer Callum Sheedy joining Cardiff Rugby after 10 years at the club, while fellow centurions Piers O’ Conor leaves for Connacht, England international Kyle. Sinckler will join French side RC Toulon after more than 50 appearances for Bristol Bears, while Scotland number eight Magnus Bradbury will join his hometown club Edinburgh after two seasons in the West Country.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said: “This time of year is always difficult as we say goodbye to some great people who have contributed significantly to the club, on and off the pitch, over the years spent with the Bears.

“We thank them for their hard work and commitment to our vision and they can all be very proud of their efforts and achievements here. Once a bear, always a bear.

“As we have done for the last seven seasons, we will honor these players this week as a team and there will be an opportunity for supporters to show their appreciation at Ashton Gate after the Saracens game on Saturday 11 May.”

Confirmed dplayers leaving:

Callum Sheedy (164 apps) – Cardiff Rugby

Dan Thomas (144 apps)

Piers O’Conor (131 apps) – Connacht

Ed Holmes (102 apps)

Kyle Sinckler (59 apps) – RC Toulon

Magnus Bradbury (43 apps) – Edinburgh

Charlie Powell (17 apps)

Jono Benz-Salomon (14 apps)

Fred Davies (13 apps)

Jay Tyack (12 apps)

Harry Ascherl (9 apps)

Oscar Lennon (9 apps)

Aristotle Benz-Salomon (3 applications)

Confirmed Academy departures:

Macenzie Duncan (9 apps)

Charlie Rice (6 apps)

Tom Sims (4 apps)

Matty Jones (3 apps)