Premiership
Bristol Make Loanee a Permanent Signing
Bristol Bears have confirmed that a player they have had on loan has now committed his long-term future to the club
Bristol Bears have confirmed that loan signing Henry Purdy has signed a permanent deal with the Premiership club.
The former Gloucester star joined the Bears from Championship side Coventry last month and has impressed since then and has now penned a two-year deal with Bristol.
The 25-year-old admitted he has been happy since joining and is delighted that they have rewarded his form with a permanent deal.
“I’ve really enjoyed my short time at the club, and I’m very grateful for the welcome everyone at Bristol has given me. It feels like an awesome culture Pat has built here with an outstanding group of players and staff. It’s an exciting time to be a Bear, and I’m really looking forward to what’s to come,” he said.
Purdy can play on the wing, in the centre or at full-back and Bristol’s director of rugby Pat Lam believes this makes him a valuable player to have in the side.
“Henry has made a big impression in a short period of time since arriving at Bristol Bears. He came to the club with a desire to establish himself back in the top flight, and we’ve already seen what he is capable of. Henry is an intelligent rugby player who is a real threat across a number of positions. Our vision is about building a world-class squad with quality depth in every position. Henry is an intelligent rugby player who is a real threat across a number of positions,” he said.
It is a good move by the Bears as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of next season but they will be hoping to continue their impressive form so far this season when they take on Worcester Warriors this Sunday.
Saracens is delighted to announce Scotland international Sean Maitland has committed his future to the club.
The 31-year-old has penned a two-year contract and will remain in north London until at least 2022.
Maitland has played his part in some of Saracens’ biggest moments over the past four years, scoring crucial tries in last season’s Heineken Champions Cup and Premiership final successes.
In total, the winger has crossed the whitewash 29 times in 73 Sarries appearances and feels at home in NW4.
“I’m very happy to extend my Saracens; it was a bit of a no-brainer for me,” Maitland said.
“My family love it here, we’re settled and I wanted to stayed because I love being here and I love what the club is about and the people that are in it.
“We’re one big family. That comes right from the top, from the owner, into the group and the Academy. We’re all aligned, one big family, and for me that’s important.
Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: “Sean has made an outstanding contribution to our club over the last four years both on and off the field.
“He has taken his game to a new level during that time and has had a great influence on some of our younger players. To have a player of Sean’s quality and experience commit his future to the club is a huge boost.”
Gloucester Rugby today announced the departure of Head Coach Johan Ackermann, who will be joining Japanese club NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in July.
Gloucester Rugby Chairman Martin St Quinton said “I’d look to put on record our thanks to Johan for the significant contribution he’s made to the Club over the three seasons he’s been with us. His infectious enthusiasm for the game, as well as his in-depth rugby knowledge, made him not only a fans’ favourite, but a strong leader of our playing department. I wish him every success in his new venture.”
David Humphreys, Director of Rugby, added:
“While I’m sorry to see Johan leave Gloucester Rugby, I fully understand his reasons for doing so. Johan approached Martin and me to say that he had received a number of coaching opportunities which, for personal reasons, he would like to consider and we agreed to his request.
In his 3 years at Gloucester, Johan transformed the way we play the game and his “play to inspire” philosophy will leave a lasting impact from his time at the Club. I know it was a difficult decision for him to leave Gloucester and I’ve no doubt he’ll make a real difference with the Red Hurricanes in Japan.
Ackermann joined the Cherry and Whites at the start of the 2017/18 season, and took the team to the final of the European Challenge Cup in his first season. The following season ended with the Club in third place in the Premiership, thus qualifying for a second successive season of European Champions Cup rugby.
Johan Ackermann had this message for the Gloucester fans, staff and players: “Being Head Coach of Gloucester Rugby has been a tremendous privilege for me, and I have loved every minute of it. Working with such a fantastic group of players and coaches has been a great experience. I would especially like to thank Martin [St Quinton] for the faith that he has shown in me. His support and friendship have meant a lot to me. Gloucester Rugby fans are a truly unique group, and I will always cherish the memories I have of being at Kingsholm. I wish the Club nothing but the best.”
Gloucester Rugby today announce the departure of Head Coach Johan Ackermann, who will be joining Japanese club NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in July.
Gloucester Rugby Chairman Martin St Quinton said “I’d look to put on record our thanks to Johan for the significant contribution he’s made to the Club over the three seasons he’s been with us. His infectious enthusiasm for the game, as well as his in-depth rugby knowledge, made him not only a fans’ favourite, but a strong leader of our playing department. I wish him every success in his new venture.”
David Humphreys, Director of Rugby, added:
“While I’m sorry to see Johan leave Gloucester Rugby, I fully understand his reasons for doing so. Johan approached Martin and me to say that he had received a number of coaching opportunities which, for personal reasons, he would like to consider and we agreed to his request.
In his 3 years at Gloucester, Johan transformed the way we play the game and his “play to inspire” philosophy will leave a lasting impact from his time at the Club. I know it was a difficult decision for him to leave Gloucester and I’ve no doubt he’ll make a real difference with the Red Hurricanes in Japan.
Ackermann joined the Cherry and Whites at the start of the 2017/18 season, and took the team to the final of the European Challenge Cup in his first season. The following season ended with the Club in third place in the Premiership, thus qualifying for a second successive season of European Champions Cup rugby.
Johan Ackermann had this message for the Gloucester fans, staff and players: “Being Head Coach of Gloucester Rugby has been a tremendous privilege for me, and I have loved every minute of it. Working with such a fantastic group of players and coaches has been a great experience. I would especially like to thank Martin [St Quinton] for the faith that he has shown in me. His support and friendship have meant a lot to me. Gloucester Rugby fans are a truly unique group, and I will always cherish the memories I have of being at Kingsholm. I wish the Club nothing but the best.”
In light of Johan’s departure and the implications arising from Covid-19, The Board of Gloucester Rugby has discussed a new coaching structure for the playing department, and will make an announcement about it once the appropriate consultations have taken place.
In light of Johan’s departure and the implications arising from Covid-19, The Board of Gloucester Rugby has discussed a new coaching structure for the playing department, and will make an announcement about it once the appropriate consultations have taken place.
Official Gloucester Rugby Press Release:
Gloucester Rugby is delighted to announce that Jonny May will be rejoining the Club from July 1st.
A product of the Gloucester Rugby Academy, Jonny played 121 times for Gloucester before moving on to Leicester Tigers in 2017.
He is a key part of Eddie Jones’ England set up, and has already earned 53 caps for his country. He is rightly considered by many to be one of the best wingers in world rugby.
David Humphreys, Director of Rugby, was very pleased finally to be able to let everyone know about Jonny rejoining the Club.
“We’ve been talking to Jonny for a little while, and were very close to an agreement before the Premiership was postponed and our discussions had to be put on hold. With the changing landscape in English rugby and beyond, we very much appreciated Jonny’s pragmatic approach to our discussions.
“Our supporters will have watched his performances for England over the last couple of seasons, and will be looking forward to watching him back playing at Kingsholm for Gloucester Rugby. There’s no doubt he’s a world class player, who would be an asset to any side.
“He will not only, I’m sure, be a great player for us again, but also a great mentor to our young wingers like Ollie Thorley and Louis Rees-Zammit. It’ll be a tremendous help for them to have someone with Jonny’s experience to learn from.”
Jonny May was understandably excited about his move.
“Once I had made the decision to leave Leicester there was only ever one club I really wanted to play for. I’m grateful to David Humphreys and everyone at Gloucester Rugby who have found a way for me to rejoin. I’m very excited about being back in Cherry and White playing at Kingsholm again.”
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