Bristol Rugby reveal all 9 signings as Lam bulks up pack

Bristol Rugby revealed nine new signing as part of a bumper ‘Signed Up Saturday’ reveal – but Wasps flanker James Haskell was not one of them.

Many had speculated that the club would announce Haskell as one of the nine, but fans will have to wait to find out whether not the England backrow will indeed join the club.

Fans however have a raft of new players to evaluate, with a split of seven to two in favour of forwards suggesting Pat Lam is keen to significantly strengthen his pack.

The list of 9 does not include a host of players who have already been officially announced, including the man touted as rugby’s highest paid player – Charles Piutau.

3⃣ props
2⃣ hookers
1⃣ lock
1⃣ back rower
1⃣ scrum half
1⃣ fly half#SignedUpSaturday: ✅ pic.twitter.com/C3NauDH8c1

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 20, 2018

The list of nine signings

The first to be officially unveiled is former All Blacks prop John Afoa.

3⃣6⃣ @AllBlacks caps
🏆 @rugbyworldcup winner
🔝 One of the best front rowers in @premrugby
🤝 Links up with former coach Pat Lam once again@John_Afoa signs from @gloucesterrugby 🙌 #SignedUpSaturday pic.twitter.com/qMMnagxBBl

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 20, 2018

The second annoucement is Exeter Chiefs hooker Shaun Malton.

2⃣7⃣ years old
🏆 @premrugby winner
✍️ makes switch from @ExeterChiefs

Hooker @shaunmalton agrees deal with #BristolRugby on #SignedUpSaturday. 👏 pic.twitter.com/EMQ1Ed8AlS

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 20, 2018

The third annoucement is Nick Stirzaker from the Melbourne Rebels.

2⃣6⃣ years old
💪 @SuperRugby captain in 2⃣0⃣1⃣6⃣
👶 Youngest player to make 5⃣0⃣ apps for @MelbourneRebels
🇬🇧 English-qualified

Scrum half @nicstirz is coming to the West Country! 😍 #SignedUpSaturday pic.twitter.com/oGwSkOV2AP

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 20, 2018

Yann Thomas returns to the club from Gloucester.

2⃣7⃣ years old
🏠 Bristol-born
1⃣0⃣0⃣ Over a century of top flight caps for @gloucesterrugby.

Prop Yann Thomas is coming back to the West Country on #SignedUpSaturday 👊 pic.twitter.com/6Juj6qVrLk

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 20, 2018

Experienced lock Aly Muldowney signs from Grenoble.

🏅 PRO12 champion with @connachtrugby
🏆 European Cup experience with @ExeterChiefs and @GlasgowWarriors
🤝 Links up with Pat Lam once again

Abrasive lock @AlyMuldowney agrees switch. #SignedUpSaturday ✌️ pic.twitter.com/kzAfjTLFsT

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 20, 2018

Flyhalf Tiff Eden signs.

2⃣3⃣ years old
1⃣2⃣5⃣ points in @Champrugby this season
🔝 flight experience with @WorcsWarriors
🇬🇧 Exciting English talent

Fly half @tiff_eden bolsters squad for coming season. #SignedUpSaturday 👍 pic.twitter.com/wiDmVS0L91

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 20, 2018

As revealed by RugbyPass several months ago, Harry Thacker joins from Leicester Tigers.

2⃣3⃣ years old
6⃣0⃣ + caps for @LeicesterTigers
👶 Voted Young Player of the Year in 2⃣0⃣1⃣6⃣

Hugely talented hooker @harry_thacker is coming to the West Country. #SignedUpSaturday 🙌 pic.twitter.com/BeHRUR8G7f

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 20, 2018

Jake Heenan, the former New Zealand U20s captain, signs from Connacht.

🏆 PRO12 winner with @connachtrugby
💪 Former @AllBlacks U20s skipper
🤝 Links up with former coach Pat Lam once again

Back rower @HeenanJake agrees #BristolRugby switch 👏 #SignedUpSaturday pic.twitter.com/FwOk36nkex

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 20, 2018

Samoan prop Jordan Lay signs is the final signing.

2⃣5⃣ years old
5⃣ caps for @manusamoa
🏉 Played @Scotlandteam and @EnglandRugby in November

Prop Jordan Lay set for #BristolRugby in 2⃣0⃣1⃣8⃣.#SignedUpSaturday pic.twitter.com/RdMPxYb7lZ

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 20, 2018