Bristol Bears sign Elliott Stooke as injury cover

Bristol Bears have announced the signing of second row Elliott Stooke as an injury cover with immediate effect.

Stooke made his professional rugby debut with Gloucester in 2014 and also had a loan stint with London Irish before heading to Bath Rugby in 2016.

He joined Wasps in 2021 and his contract has been made redundant since the club entered into administration last month.

The 29-year-old has featured in 147 Premiership games between 2014 and 2022.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam is delighted to bolster the second row options with the signing of Stooke.

“Following the injuries to Ed Holmes and Joe Joyce, we needed some cover in the second row and we’re pleased to bring in a player of Elliott’s quality and experience," he told the club's official website.

Bristol are at 10th place in the Gallagher Premiership table with two wins from eight matches.