Callum Sheedy to leave Bristol Bears at end of season

Bristol Bears have announced that Wales international Callum Sheedy will be leaving the Premiership club at the end of the ongoing campaign.

Born in Cardiff, Wales, Sheedy qualified for Ireland through his parents and England through residency but decided to represent Wales making his international debut in 2020. He has won 16 Test caps to his name.

The 28-year-old made his Bristol debut in 2014 and has 178 appearances to his name. He has racked up 1165 points for the club and is sixth in the club's leading points scorer. Sheedy is the club’s all-time leading points scorer in league matches (812), Premiership (696), Europe (235) and the Champions Cup (76).

“When I signed for Bristol at 18 years old, never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I would be privileged enough to play 164 times and score over 1000 competitive points for the club – but more importantly to be a part of two promotions, winning the Challenge Cup and topping the Premiership after the regular season," he told the club's official website.

“I will always be so grateful to Pat for continuing to support me over the years and giving me the opportunity to live my dream. To the Lansdown family and Chris Booy, you have always been absolutely incredible, not only for me personally, but for this great club through thick and thin.

“I’d also like to thank the Bristol fans for making me feel like one of your own from day one. I have always appreciated the incredible love and support you have shown me.

"Running out at Ashton Gate is an incredible feeling that I can’t describe and one I will cherish forever. You are the most passionate, loyal supporters and I will miss you enormously.”

He will now move to Welsh province Cardiff at the end of the ongoing season and director of rugby Pat Lam lavished praises on Sheedy's contribution to the club.

“Callum leaves as one of Bristol’s modern greats – the club’s leading Premiership points scorer and a vital part of the club’s success and growth over the past decade.

“His move back home to Cardiff, where he was born and grew up, ensures he remains eligible for the national side as he bids to win more caps for Wales, following the conclusion of his Bristol contract.

“It has truly been a blessing for me to work with Callum these last seven years – to see him work his way from fourth choice fly half to first choice for the Bears and then being rewarded for his performances by being capped for Wales is definitely a highlight.

“While he has been a special player for us, he’s been an even better team man that we all love and will miss. Callum and his partner Charlotte depart with our blessing and best wishes for the future, which I know will be hugely successful for both of them on and off the field.”