'It’s a hugely positive moment' - Bristol Bears sign record number of academy contracts Bristol Bears are looking to capitalise on their U18s PREM Rugby NextGen League-winning success Comments Sport John Evely Sports Writer 14:44, 22 Apr 2026 View Image (Image: Getty Images) Bristol Bears have agreed a record number of academy contracts as 13 of the club's title-winning U18 side have signed their first professional deals ahead of the 2026/27 season. Having struggled to translate winning the U18S Academy league back in 2022 into producing first-team players, Bristol is betting on this year's PREM Rugby NextGen League winners to come through and produce a homegrown core for future senior Bears squads. In the backs, centre Will Moore, full back Glen Gammell (both Clifton College), back three flyer Caspar Reeves (Taunton School), centre Bruno Lamb (SGS College) and wing George Williams (Bridgwater College) pen their first Academy deals. In the forwards, second row Will Papp (SGS College), hooker Casper Wheeler (Hartpury), back row Jake Smith (Clifton College), number eight Noah Williams (Clifton College), Monty Wells (Taunton School), tighthead prop Evan Davies (Clifton College) and loosehead props Kaiden Corbett (SGS College) and Michael Whittaker (Collegiate) will also join the Bears ranks in the summer. Brisol director of rugby, Pat Lam said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome these young players into the next stage of their Bears journey with selection to our Senior Academy programme. This is a special moment – not just for the group, but for everyone who has supported them along the way – and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. “These 13 players have already shown what they’re capable of. Their NextGen League title win wasn’t just about talent – it was built on resilience, belief and togetherness. After early setbacks, they showed real character to win seven games in a row, finishing with a performance in the final against Bath that truly reflected who they are as a group. “To offer a record number of professional contracts this year says a great deal about the strength of our Academy and Performance Programme. But more than that, it speaks to the journeys behind each player – years of dedication, early mornings, sacrifices, and unwavering support from their families. This achievement belongs to all of them. Sign up for our South West Rugby newsletter Want to make sure you are on top of all the rugby news in the South West? Then our new newsletter is the perfect place to do so All the latest news, views, interviews, reports, and analysis concerning Bristol Bears, Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby are delivered straight to your inbox. It's completely free and you can sign up HERE “Now, they step into an environment where their dreams feel closer than ever. Surrounded by world-class facilities, outstanding staff, and senior players who have walked the same path, they have everything they need in front of them. “But this is just the beginning. The challenge now is to keep pushing, stay grounded, and continue earning every opportunity – with the belief and determination to one day represent Bristol Bears at the very highest level.” Bristol Bears head of academy John Barnes, who has made an immediate impact since joining the club from Hartpury in 2024, added: “To have 13 players stepping up into the Senior Academy is a record for the Club and a reflection of both their individual commitment and the strength of our pathway programme. “Off the back of the U18s’ success in winning the NextGen League, this group has already shown the standards and mindset required to succeed, and now they face the exciting challenge of pushing towards the senior squad in the years ahead. Article continues below “It’s a hugely positive moment for the Bears, with so much homegrown talent continuing to emerge. The Academy exists to identify, nurture and develop players with the potential to perform at the highest level, and this intake highlights the outstanding work of our coaches and support staff across the programme, as well as the clubs and schools involved in their development. “We are proud of what these players have achieved so far, but more importantly, we are excited to see how they grow and thrive in the senior environment and contribute to the future success of the club.” Bristol Bears on Whatsapp Join Bristol Live's Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol Bears stories sent straight to your phone Bristol Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community. Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol Rovers news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone. 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Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.bristolpost.co.uk