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Pat Lam's reaction to Kyle Sinckler's Bristol exit

By PA
Bristol Bears' Kyle Sinckler during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate on March 22, 2024 in Bristol, England.(Photo by Bob Bradford - CameraSport via Getty Images)

England prop Kyle Sinckler will join Toulon from Bristol at the end of the season.

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The 30-year-old has made 55 appearances since joining from Harlequins in 2020 and helped them to their first European title during his debut campaign.

Bristol’s director of rugby Pat Lam told the club website: “Kyle has been a big part of our Bears journey on and off the field, during his four seasons here.

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    “He has dealt with his fair share of setbacks along the way, and I believe he is playing his best rugby which is a testament to his resilience and determination.

    “Like everyone’s journey, there will always be a time it comes to an end and I know Kyle is desperate to finish his time at the Bears on a high and continue his impressive form until the end of the season.”

    The move will effectively end Sinckler’s international career with current rules preventing coach Steve Borthwick from selecting players based abroad.

    He won the most recent of his 68 England caps at last year’s Rugby World Cup in France, missing out on selection for the recent Six Nations.

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    Sinckler said: “I just want to personally thank the Bristol community, the Lansdown family, Chris Booy, Pat Lam and all the support staff for my time at Bristol. Four years has flown by.

    “As we all know, I have had some difficult times and it probably took me longer to adjust than I would have liked, but I’m eternally grateful for the continued support the club and the fans have always shown me.

    “I’m honoured to have played for a club that has such a close bond with the community.

    “We have experienced some huge success – winning the Challenge Cup, finishing top of the Premiership, and reaching the play-off semi-finals two years consecutively.”

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    Bull Shark 2 hours ago
    Salmaan Moerat: 'I’ve not really processed the magnitude of leading the Springboks'

    I like the idea of Elrigh Louw as a long-term option for captaincy. Honestly, it’s hard to say who else could take on that role after Siya Kolisi, as 2027 is still a long way off. In my opinion, Siya will likely go to the Rugby World Cup in 2027 unless injury or a significant dip in form prevents him.


    Between now and 2027, I think the captaincy will be shared among several players as Siya’s playing time is carefully managed—a strategy the Springboks have been implementing for some time. Younger players like Salmaan Moerat might get opportunities to captain in tier-two matches, as we’ve already seen. Other emerging talents like Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could also be considered, though the Boks have traditionally favored forwards for captaincy roles. Damian Willemse is another possibility, but he first needs to play his way back into the team.


    My personal feeling is that there should be an effort to appoint a black captain to replace Siya. His captaincy has been pivotal in broadening rugby's appeal across racial groups in South Africa over the past 7 years. More so than any other period in the last 30 years.


    Form permitting, Moerat is a strong contender, given his leadership qualities and pedigree. However, some might view such an appointment as political, potentially overlooking Moerat's real potential and the broader significance of such a decision.


    Other players with leadership potential have been mentioned in the past, such as Phepsi Buthelezi. However, it remains to be seen whether the former DHS star will secure a permanent spot in the Springbok lineup. The first Zulu captain of the Springboks? Would be nice, but unlikely given the competition for the 8 jersey.


    One positive aspect of the uncertainty around Siya’s long-term successor is the way the Springboks have emphasized shared leadership among senior players. This approach has lessened the pressure on a single captain and allowed the team to thrive collectively.


    When Siya was first appointed, there was skepticism about his leadership credentials. And whether he was the best 6 in the country. The shared leadership strategy gave him the support and platform to grow into the exceptional captain he is today. And he's proven critics wrong about his abilities as a player.


    I find it interesting that he's playing at 8 for the Sharks. Rassie has made a habit of taking 36ers and above to the World Cup, players who bring options to the table like Frans Steyn, Schalk Brits, Duane Vermeulen and more recently Deon Fourie.


    All of SA wants to see Siya win a 3rd World Cup. That's for sure.


    And if he goes, he'll lead.

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