Ben Glynn agrees new deal with Bristol

Posted on Apr 4, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Lock-forward Ben Glynn has committed his future to Bristol Rugby after agreeing terms ahead of the 2011/12 season.

Chief-executive Steve Gorvett made the announcement on the pitch at half-time of Friday’s play-off fixture with London Welsh. Glynn has been ruled out of action since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during the 38-20 defeat to Worcester at Sixways in October 2010.

The 20-year old has made 15 first team appearances, including 5 Championship starts this year, since his debut in 2009.

Glynn, a product of Filton College, becomes the 7th member of the Bristol Rugby Academy to put pen to paper following the announcement that Marco Mama, Mark Davies, Darren Barry, Jack Gadd, Jack Tovey and George Watkins had all signed new deals.

Chief-executive Steve Gorvett commented: “We’re very pleased to confirm the re-signing of Ben, he’s a very talented lock-forward and a player that will make a big difference to our pack next year. Ben’s attitude since his serious injury has been excellent and a new contract is richly deserved.”

Tristan Roberts signs for Bristol

Posted on Apr 4, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Bristol Rugby have announced the signing of fly half Tristan Roberts from Doncaster Knights.

The 24-year old successfully passed a medical this morning and will join the Club at the end of the season. Roberts is the first new face to agree terms as Liam Middleton builds a squad for the 2011/12 campaign.

Roberts, a former Gloucester and Moseley player, finished the Championship regular season as the third highest points scorer with 220 points. During the 2009/10 season, the fly-half was the leading points scorer during the Championship regular season, notching 236 points for Moseley.

Roberts spent one season with Bristol Rugby in 2005/6, making five appearances for Bristol United in the A League.

Liam Middleton commented: “Tristan’s fits the profile of the fly half that I’m looking for. He has a good kicking game which is reflected in the fact that last season he was the Championship’s top points scorer in an 8th placed team, but he also has an exciting running game which is the balance we are after. He still has room left to fulfil his potential and that’s why he is coming to Bristol.”

Fourteen players commit to Bristol Rugby

Posted on Mar 22, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Bristol Rugby is delighted to announce that fourteen members of the current first-team squad have now signed new deals as the Club builds for the 2011/12 campaign.

Props Mark Irish, Wayne Thompson and Darren Crompton, lock-forward Roy Winters, flanker James Merriman and influential captain Iain Grieve have all committed to Bristol ahead of the new season, while centre Junior Fatialofa and full-back Sean Marsden have also agreed terms.

Chief Executive Steve Gorvett and Liam Middleton have been working tirelessly to ensure Bristol’s bright crop of young players remain with the Club for the foreseeable future.

Forwards Darren Barry and Marco Mama, as well as George Watkins, Mark Davies, Jack Tovey and Jack Gadd have put pen to paper and will play key roles during next season.

Bristol also welcome former England U-16 prop Jake Caulfield who joins the club’s academy from London Irish. Caulfield was previously registered with Bristol as part of the Elite Player Development Group.

Steve Gorvett said: “The Club is delighted to confirm the signings of these fourteen members of the existing squad who have affirmed their faith in Bristol Rugby by agreeing contract terms for next season and, in some cases, beyond.

Negotiations with certain other members of the squad are ongoing and we are also looking to recruit some new players over the coming weeks.”

Ollie Hayes signs for Worcester

Posted on Mar 22, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Worcester Warriors have today enhanced the strength of the front row at Sixways by confirming the signing of young hooker Ollie Hayes from Bristol Rugby.

Hayes, who has represented England at Under-16 and Under-18 level, made his debut in the Premiership as an 18-year-old against Bath in March 2009.

The 21-year-old mobile front rower made eight appearances during the 2009/10 season and established himself as first choice at the Memorial Stadium for Bristol this season before suffering an injury.

“Ollie is a young English talent and is a very driven individual,” said Head Coach Richard Hill. “I know he will grasp this opportunity with both hands.

“I have known Ollie for about four years now and seen him rapidly develop and come through the ranks.

“Ollie is technically excellent with his throw and a very athletic ball carrier, who likes to get around the field, and has good footwork for a front row. When he does run he also takes some stopping because he is very powerful.

“He has made himself first choice at Bristol for much of this season and we have been impressed when we have played against him this term. He is a hard worker and extremely dedicated and keen to make an impact at Warriors.”

Bristol Rugby have confirmed Hayes will be moving to Worcester Warriors at the end of the 2010/11 season.

Hayes signed for Bristol in 2008 and made his first team debut as a replacement against Bath in March 2009. The former Bath Academy and England U18 player made thirty-seven appearances for Bristol, scoring one try.

The 21-year-old will now join up with former Bristol coach Richard Hill for the 2011/12 campaign.

Head Coach Paul Hull commented: “Ollie has been excellent in his three years at the club. He has quickly graduated through the ranks and proved himself to be a very capable player at first-team level. I’d like to thank Ollie for his efforts during his time here and wish him all the best for the future.

Hammond: Bristol pose clear play-off threat

Posted on Mar 17, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Nottingham must beware a wounded Bristol, according to Nottingham Rugby captain Craig Hammond.

The kiwi back row player, who last weekend made his 200th appearance as skipper for the Green and Whites, knows that their West Country rivals will provide a formidable test come the weekend.

Having played three times already this season, Nottingham currently lead 2-1 in the head to head stakes, going in to one of the East Midlander’s most crucial matches of the 2010-11 campaign.

Speaking from Nottingham’s Lady Bay training complex, Hammond said: “Bristol have a strong team and despite their finishing position they can knock anyone over on their day. Last year they were very close to getting promoted and just missed out, after finishing in 8th this year they’ll be playing to prove their quality to everyone in the game.

“It’ll be great to be back playing in Nottingham this weekend, we’ve missed the Meadow Lane crowd and that’s something that’s going to drive us. We can’t take anything for granted though, we’re in for a tough battle and it will be a great contest for supporters.”

Last week Nottingham started the stronger against London Welsh, with full-back David Jackson scoring the first try of the game, but a Welsh side rejuvenated by the half time break eventually took the spoils in spite of a late comeback from the Meadow Lane side.

Skipper Hammond knows that improvements will have to be made for this weekend as Glenn Delaney’s men look to build up momentum through their remaining 5 play-off matches.

“After London Welsh we’re feeling frustrated. It was a really good first half and we played some decent stuff, in the second half we lost our concentration and gifted the opposition three soft tries. That’s not good enough and we’ve been working hard on our focus in training this week to learn from our mistakes.”

“Home games are crucial and London Welsh knew that last weekend, just like we know that this weekend. In the play-offs you need to win on your own turf because travelling away from home you know you’ll be facing a top side in every game.”

Fans can get involved in the action by taking advantage of Nottingham’s 4 tickets for £45 (advanced purchase only) offer by calling the club office on 0115 9070070. Tickets on the day will be priced as follows:

Adults: £16
Concessions: £12
Students: £7
Children: £4

Nottingham season ticket holders can also bring a guest on the day for £10!