Bristol to lose a stalwart

NEWS: Former Tonga captain Siale Piutau will leave English Premiership side Bristol at the end of the season.

Piutau joined Bristol in 2017 and captained them to victory over Toulon in last year’s European Challenge Cup final.

The 35-year-old centre also led Bristol to promotion from the Championship in 2018.

Piutau, who played in the 2019 World Cup in Japan, has been a key performer during Bristol’s push for a first Premiership title this term.

Bristol have booked a home tie in the play-offs later this month.

“Siale’s impact on the club and our growth has been immeasurable,” Bristol rugby director Pat Lam said.

“He has been an awesome senior leader in the group, driving our game culture and standards, as well as being an inspirational mentor, friend, and father-figure to our players.”

Piutau added: “The vision and culture at the Bears is second to none, one of the best environments I have been a part of anywhere in the world.

“There is alignment across the club and a genuine belief in what we can achieve. It would be an incredible feeling to end this season with silverware after five great years here.”