Back rower Sam Jeffries to leave Bristol at end of season

Bristol Bears have confirmed that back rower Sam Jeffries will be leaving the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the ongoing season.

A product of Bristol Academy, Jeffries made his senior debut for the club in 2016 and has 59 appearances for the club since then.

He took a prolonged break from the professional game in 2019 due to a knee injury, joining the club’s backroom staff on secondment as Professional Development Manager, while continuing to rehabilitate and rejoined the squad as a playing member in 2021.

The 30-year-old was called up to England’s tour of Australia in the summer of 2022 and now is reported to move overseas.

“It has been an amazing experience being part of Bristol Bears over the last seven years," he told the club's official website.

"Whilst I wish I could have played more games for the club over this time having the opportunity to contribute to an administrative role whilst injured for two years was a fantastic experience.

“I'm glad I had the chance to come back and play some of my best rugby for this incredible club.

"It speaks volumes to the value that Pat Lam and the Lansdown family put into the people at Bristol Bears. It has been a place I hold very dear to my heart, and I wish the club all the success in the future."