Fitz Harding named Club Captain and signs long-term extension

Fitz Harding has signed a new long-term contract with the Bears and has been appointed as the new club captain ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The back-row forward, who has made 52 appearances for the club since signing professional terms straight out of university in July 2020, takes over the captaincy reins from legendary skipper Steven Luatua after four seasons at the helm.

The 24-year-old becomes the second youngest Premiership captain in the club’s history after England international Martin Corry in 1996/97.

The 2021/22 Bears Players’ Player of the Season, who made his Premiership debut against London Irish in March 2021, has also committed his long-term future to the club after a meteoric rise through the ranks in the West Country.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Stevie (Luatua) has been an outstanding leader on and off the field for the Bears since we joined the club together six years ago in 2017. When we discussed transitioning the captaincy to someone who could take the role forward for the next part of the Bears journey, we both believed Fitz was the right person.

“Fitz is a hugely respected player within our squad because from the day he arrived, it was clear for all to see, his desire to compete and make the most of every opportunity in front of him to be better on and off the field.

“He is a fierce competitor and his commitment, attitude, and attention to detail have been a great example for others, as it has seen him emerge very quickly as a consistent performer for the team across the back-row.

“I believe we are very fortunate to have some excellent leaders on and off the field, who along with Stevie will play a huge role in supporting Fitz and to continue driving standards as we move forward as a club.”

Harding added: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be appointed club captain ahead of the new season. I’m so proud to represent this club and city on the biggest stage and can’t wait for the new season to get underway.

“I’m blessed to be working with some very experienced senior players in this squad, who lead in other ways than I do, and I see my role as working closely with these guys to drive the team forward.

“We’ve got a very experienced leadership group who I’ll be working very closely with and who will be able to support me, and I’ve had the honour of learning so much from Steven Luatua during my time here and he’ll continue to be an important role model for me.

“My goals and dreams are to win trophies with Bristol Bears, so to have this opportunity is special. It’s been a whirlwind few years since I joined the club and I’m hugely excited for the next chapter in my career.”