Alapati Leiua signs contract extension with Bristol Bears

Bristol Bears have confirmed that Samoa centre Alapati Leiua has signed a contract extension with the Gallagher Premiership club.

Leiua made his professional rugby debut with provincial side Wellington in 2009 with his Super Rugby debut for Hurricanes coming a year later.

The 32-year-old moved to Wasps ahead of the 2014/15 season before making a switch to Bristol Bears in 2017 and has gone on to make 66 appearances for the club including 47 Premiership games.

“I’m really happy at Bristol Bears – we have come a long way in a short space of time and we know that there is still more to come," said Leiua to the official website of the club.

“Personally, I’m really enjoying my rugby and how my game is developing. We have massive team goals here that we are focused on achieving and I’m pleased to be contributing to the Bears vision.”

Leiua made his international debut for Samoa in June 2013 and has gone on to make 31 Test appearances including four in the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam is delighted with Leiua extending his stay with the club.

“Alapati has been on our journey from the beginning and we’re pleased to see him extend into his fifth season at the club. He is well respected in our team and it’s great he will continue to add value on and off the field for the Bears,” said Lam.

“His experience at the highest level and his versality across the backline has been invaluable for the team. While he is renowned for his physicality and power, it’s his ability to use his skills and experience to create space and opportunity for his team-mates which is invaluable.”

Bristol Bears currently hold the top place in the Gallagher Premiership table with 13 wins from 17 games and will face Bath Rugby next on the 18th round at Recreation Ground on 8th May.