Joe Joyce extends Bristol stay

Bristol have confirmed that Joe Joyce has committed his future to Bristol Rugby until 2020.

The homegrown lock – who graduated through the Academy system – made his fiftieth first-team appearance in Saturday’s victory over Rotherham Titans.

A proud Bristolian, Joyce represented Clifton RFC, St Mary’s, Southmead RFC and Dings Crusaders in the Bristol Combination.

The 23 year-old signed professional terms with the Academy in 2012, having graduated from SGS Filton.

Joyce said: “Playing for Bristol Rugby is a privilege and it’s a great honour for me every time I get selected. I’ve been at the club a long time and I really feel under Pat [Lam] and the coaching team that I’m starting to push on and fulfil my potential.

“I’m enjoying my rugby and the fantastic group of boys that we have here. It’s a really positive environment to be a part of and everybody can see the direction that the club wants to go.

“Bristol is my hometown club, it’s the team I supported on the terraces as a boy, so to have made fifty appearances and to now be part of probably the most exciting chapter in our history is a great feeling.”