Bristol Bears sign Henry Purdy on short-term loan

Bristol Bears have confirmed the signing of former Gloucester utility back Henry Purdy on short-term loan deal with immediate effect.

Purdy will bolster the midfield options after the Ashton Gate outfit had tough time with injuries of Siale Piutau (knee), Piers O’Conor (knee), Charles Piutau (knee), Will Hurrell (head), Luke Daniels (shoulder) and Charlie Powell (ankle).

The 25-year-old started his professional rugby debut with Leicester Tigers in 2012 and has represented Gloucester and Otago before joining Championship side Coventry in 2019. He has featured in 49 Premiership games for the Tigers and Gloucester combined and has scored 16 tries in it.

“We’re light in the centre position, so it’s good to be able to bring somebody of Henry’s quality and experience in right away,” said Director of Rugby Lam in the official website of the club.

“Henry knows a lot of the boys in our environment and he comes with a desire to establish himself back in the Premiership. He’s been a standout performer in the Championship and also benefitted from a spell in Otago during the Mitre 10 Cup.

“Henry passed his medical assessment on Monday, so he’ll be straight into contention for Saturday’s Premiership Shield game versus Saracens Storm.”

Bristol are positioned fifth in the Gallagher Premiership with three wins from eight games while they have already qualified for the quarter-finals in the European Challenge Cup after winning all their five matches.