Bristol Bears sign scrum-half Tom Kessell on short-term deal

Bristol Bears have confirmed the signing of scrum-half Tom Kessell on a short-term deal with immediate effect for the remainder of the 2019/20 season.

Kessell had already played for Bristol on a loan stint during the 2014/15 season of RFU Championship and now will head to Ashton Gate as an injury cover for Chris Cook, who has been sidelined until September due to a back injury.

The 30-year-old started his professional rugby career with Cornish Pirates in 2011 and switched to Northampton Saints ahead of the 2015/16 season and helped Wanderers lift Premiership Rugby Shield title.

He made a return to the Championship ahead of the 2018/19 season when he joined Coventry.

“With the unfortunate injury to Chris Cook, it’s good to be able to bring somebody in of Tom’s experience to give us depth at the scrum half position,” said Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam.

“With nine regular season games in a short turnaround, depth and rotation is going to be critical to ensure we are ready and prepared for the challenge that awaits.

“Chris will be working hard with the medical team to get back to full fitness and in the meantime Tom will provide competition alongside Harry Randall, Andy Uren and Integrated Academy player Blake Boyland.”

Bristol Bears are positioned third at the Gallagher Premiership table with eight wins from 13 games and will face Saracens at Ashton Gate on 15th August when the tournament resumes following the suspension in March due to the pandemic coronavirus.