Pat Lam: Bristol Future Confirmed by Club Chief
- The Bristol Bears are trimming their rugby roster for the 2025-26 season, reducing the squad to 31 players, a decrease of seven from the current season.
- Versatile back Tom Jordan, winger Max Pepper, and second row Pedro Rubiolo headline the new acquisitions.
- This strategic realignment emphasizes a commitment to nurturing talent from within, providing opportunities for homegrown players to step up and contribute to the first team.
Bristol Bears are intentionally downsizing their rugby squad for the 2025-26 season, a move that prioritizes youth advancement and homegrown talent. The team will field a smaller roster of 31 players, down from the current season, while bolstering their senior academy with 19 additional players.Key signings like Tom Jordan, Max Pepper, and Pedro Rubiolo reflect a strategic shift towards nurturing talent from within the club structure. This bold strategy aims to create a enduring and competitive squad, capable of challenging for top honors. According to News Directory 3, the Bristol Bears are committing to a future built on developing young prospects and providing them with opportunities. Discover what’s next for the bears as they forge ahead with this innovative approach.
Bristol Bears Intentionally Downsize Rugby Squad for 2025-26
Updated June 09, 2025
The Bristol Bears are trimming their rugby roster for the 2025-26 season, reducing the squad to 31 players, a decrease of seven from the current season. An additional 19 players are in their senior academy, signaling a strategic shift toward youth advancement and homegrown talent.
Versatile back Tom Jordan, winger Max Pepper, and second row Pedro Rubiolo headline the new acquisitions. However,according to a team spokesperson,the clubS decision reflects a broader strategy to prioritize young players and academy prospects.
This strategic realignment emphasizes a commitment to nurturing talent from within, providing opportunities for homegrown players to step up and contribute to the first team. The Bristol Bears believe this approach will foster a sustainable and competitive squad capable of challenging for a top-four finish.
“We’ve intentionally gone with a smaller squad, we’ve trusted in our academy and those young players,” a team spokesperson said.
What’s next
With a streamlined squad and a renewed focus on youth development, the Bristol Bears aim to build a team capable of competing at the highest level of competition. the organization is confident that its blend of experienced players and promising youngsters will create a dynamic and successful rugby program.