Piutau Extends Bristol Stay
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Charles Piutau will extend his stay at Ashton Gate until 2022, the Bristol Bears have confirmed.
One of the league’s most exciting performers, the 28-year-old agrees a new two-year deal, off the back of a stunning performance in the draw against London Irish.
23 - @CPiutau made 23 carries and 198 metres for @BristolBears against London Irish, the most in either category by any player in a @premrugby game so far this season, while his tally of 11 defenders beaten was also the joint most in the league in 2019/20. Electric. pic.twitter.com/LatAzKpRm0
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) December 2, 2019
In just 11 Premiership appearances in 2018/19, Piutau crossed for six tries to make him the club's joint second highest try scorer in the league. The All Black international beat 55 defenders - 10 more than the club's next highest - as well as making 960 metres.
This season, Piutau tops the league’s metres made charts with 551 in just five games. He has beaten 24 defenders and made six clean breaks.
“Charles is an outstanding team man and a world class talent. He has the ability to create opportunities out of nothing for the team, so we’re delighted that he’s committed to the Bears and our vision,” said Director of Rugby Pat Lam.
“What has been most pleasing is how enthusiastic Charles is about the Bears, his team-mates and the city. He applied for, and was appointed to, the role of community leader in the player leadership group this season, which underlines how much he cares about the community.
Thought he was leaving town? 🛫
— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) December 4, 2019
Think again 😎
Going to be one hell of a ride at @ashtongatestad 🎢 pic.twitter.com/6XGDx24NZy
“On the field, Charles brings an invaluable attacking threat, but also a calm head and a wealth of experience. His game understanding and leadership at the back brings a lot of comfort to his team mates and it has allowed a lot of the young players around him to flourish.
“To be able to select a Bristol backline next season that will combine world class talent such as Charles Piutau, Semi Radradra and Luke Morahan alongside a host of young, English talent shows the exciting direction and growth that we are showing as a team.”
With 17 caps for the All Blacks, Piutau was one of four Bears players to represent the Barbarians in May.
He added: “My family and I are loving our time in Bristol and it was an easy decision to stay. There’s a brilliant environment and a group of boys who are all giving everything for the jersey and the community.
“It’s always an honour to play alongside my brother [Siale Piutau] and to represent the Bears in front of the awesome fans at Ashton Gate. Pat Lam has been a massive influence on my career and I’m loving my rugby here.
“There’s a collective belief that we can win silverware if we continue to keep moving forward and I’m excited about the future at Bristol.”
