Alapati Leiua to leave Bristol Bears

Bristol Bears have confirmed that utility back Alapati Leiua will leave the Club at the end of the 2021/22 season.

The Samoan will join PROD2 side RC Vannes next season. 

A Foundation Bear and one of Pat Lam’s first signings, Leiua joined Bristol in 2018 and has made 101 appearances over five seasons, scoring 26 tries.

Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: "Alapati has truly been a fantastic servant to the Bears and a leader for our culture and environment. He has made an immense contribution on and off the field, laying the foundations for the next chapter of the Bears’ journey.

“We are delighted for Alapati, his wife Carmel and son, Manu about the opportunity that has come up to play in France and to experience a different culture. He can be proud of what he has achieved and the standards that he has set.

“He departs with our love and best wishes and will be recognised, as we do with all our leavers, on the final home game of the season versus Exeter Chiefs.”

Vannes are currently ranked 12th overall in the PROD2 and will look to get back to the highs of last season where they finished second overall but lost out on promotion to the TOP14 to Biarritz.