Bristol Bears lock down 'dynamic' Samoan Alapati Leiua to new deal

Alapati Leiua has committed his future to Bristol Bears. The explosive utility back is an integral member of Pat Lam’s squad, scoring five tries in Gallagher Premiership Rugby so far during the current campaign.

Samoan international Leiua pens a two-year extension, tying him to the Bears until 2021.

“We’re delighted that Alapati [Leiua] has agreed to continue being a big part of the Bristol Bears journey going forward. He’s been a key player for us and a positive influence on and off the field with his experience in the game,” said head coach Pat Lam.

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“Alapati consistently shows that he is one of the most dynamic players in the competition and he will be a major asset for us going forward. He is enjoying his rugby and the team environment – we’re excited to see what he can accomplish in the next two years.”

The 30-year-old – who joined Bristol in the summer of 2017 – has made 24 appearances for Samoa.

Leiua is rated as the Gallagher Premiership’s 11th best centre in the RugbyPass Index, with an RPI of 65 and an impressive line break score of 85.

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Leiua added: “I’m loving my time at Bristol Bears, so it was an easy decision to commit my future. There is a clear vision in place at the club and everybody knows what is expected of them.

“It’s a really positive environment to be a part of and I’m enjoying my rugby under Pat [Lam] and the coaching team. The focus for us now is to keep pushing up the Gallagher Premiership table and working hard to achieve our goals.”

Watch: RugbyPass Originals: The Bear Pit – RugbyPass behind-the-scenes as Bristol Bears prepare for top flight.

Leiua follows fellow-Samoan Chris Vui (RPI – 59) in signing a new deal at the club. The influential lock’s three-year deal was announced on Christmas Eve and keeps him at Ashton Gate until 2022.

Vui was a key part of Bristol’s fast start to the season and has cemented himself into the club’s first-choice engine room pairing, bringing all of the leadership qualities that has seen him made captain of the Samoan national side.