Pat Lam has added a lock and a full-back to his squad ahead of the 2025/26 season
Bristol Bears’ Fitz Harding (Photo by Bob Bradford – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Bristol Bears have once again cast their recruitment net wide to land two of the standout players in BUCS Super Rugby university league ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Bristol have signed Cardiff Met full-back Josh Carrington and University of Nottingham lock Will Ramply on professional deals at the Premiership club having already featured for the Bears in the exhibition match against Queensland Reds back in January.
Carrington scored four tries during the 2024/25 season for Cardiff Met, while Ramply crossed three times for Nottingham.
Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “The progress and development of our club captain Fitz Harding, as well as other players in the Gallagher Premiership, has shown us the talent that can be found and developed in the BUCS Super Rugby competition.”
Backrower, Harding was picked up by the Bears in 2020 following his exploits for Durham University, helping them win the BUCS Super Rugby title on his way to earning a nomination for the BUCS Super Rugby player of the year award.
“A key part of the Bears recruitment strategy is to find the players who have been missed through the conventional Academy pathways – we believe there are good opportunities to recruit mature young players who can make the step up.
“Josh and Will have enjoyed fantastic seasons in BUCS Super Rugby and impressed us with their performances against Queensland Reds, and they have both earned their opportunities to continue their development as full-time professionals with the Bears.”
The new additions come with Bristol expected to see departures at both full back and lock this summer, with England star Max Malins confirmed as moving on to return to Saracens – although versatile back Tom Jordan is arriving to fill his void – and second row Josh Caulfield reported to be joining Championship winners Ealing Trailfinders. Argentina international lock Pedro Rubiolo has already been added from Newcastle Falcons to add size and power in the engine room.