Bristol Bears confirm three new contract deals

Bristol Bears have confirmed new contract extensions for Steven Luatua, AJ MacGinty and Tomas Gwilliam, securing three important players across the senior squad and academy pathway.

Luatua Extends Bristol Bears Stay

Steven Luatua has extended his time with Bristol Bears into a tenth season, continuing a highly influential spell at the club.

The former All Black joined Bristol from the Auckland Blues in 2017 and has since made 160 appearances for the Bears. He has captained the side 90 times and remains one of the club’s most respected leaders of the professional era.

Director of Rugby Pat Lam said Luatua has been central to what Bristol have built over the past nine years, praising his leadership, professionalism and desire to help the club win the PREM before he leaves.

“Stevie has been hugely important to everything we’ve built here at Bristol Bears over the past nine years, so we’re delighted he’s extending his stay with the club," said Lam to the club's official website.

“He continues to lead through his actions every single day, whether that’s on the field, around the environment or helping develop our younger players. His professionalism, experience and competitive drive remain world class.

“Stevie cares deeply about this club, his teammates and our supporters, and he desperately wants to do everything he can to achieve the big goal he had coming to Bristol - to win the PREM before he leaves.”

AJ MacGinty Signs New Bristol Contract

Experienced fly-half AJ MacGinty has also extended his stay with Bristol Bears until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The USA international arrived from Sale Sharks in 2022 and has made 56 appearances for Bristol, scoring 369 points. Across the PREM and European competitions, MacGinty has made 158 appearances and scored more than 1,000 points.

Lam said MacGinty’s leadership and professionalism have remained outstanding despite a difficult injury-hit period this season.

“AJ has been outstanding both on and off the field since joining the Bears, and we’re thrilled to have him remain with the club for another season.

“AJ is a true professional with a genuine hunger to keep improving and competing, and we’re excited to continue working with him and seeing the impact he’ll have on the group moving forward.”

Tomas Gwilliam Commits Future To Bears

Academy hooker Tomas Gwilliam has signed a new deal after progressing through the Bristol Bears pathway.

The 23-year-old has made 15 first-team appearances since signing professional terms in 2021, scoring four tries.