Samoan star commits to Bristol

TRANSFER NEWS: Samoan international Alapati Leiua signed a two-year contract extension with Premiership side Bristol Bears.

The 30-year-old utility back – capped 24 times since making his Test debut in 2013 – has impressed for the Bears on their return to the Premiership this season scoring five tries.

“Alapati consistently shows that he is one of the most dynamic players in the competition and he will be a major asset for us going forward,” Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam told the club website.

“He is enjoying his rugby and the team environment – we’re excited to see what he can accomplish in the next two years.”

Leiua, who joined Bristol from Wasps in 2017, said his decision had been a simple one given the atmosphere round the club and its ambitions.

“I’m loving my time at Bristol Bears, so it was an easy decision to commit my future,” said Leiua.

“There is a clear vision in place at the club and everybody knows what is expected of them.

“It’s a really positive environment to be a part of and I’m enjoying my rugby under Pat [Lam] and the coaching team.

“The focus for us now is to keep pushing up the Gallagher Premiership table and working hard to achieve our goals,”

Leiua will be expected to produce more of his try-scoring magic as Bristol are far from safe, lying 10th in the 12-team table, seven points clear of bottom side Newcastle.

Agence France-Presse

📝| Explosive Samoan international @alapatz commits his future to #BristolBears as another key player agrees new deal 👌

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/znAfZbcVGo pic.twitter.com/4y9dxZGHnC

ADVERTISEMENT

— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) January 8, 2019