Kyle Sinckler pens new deal at Bristol Bears

England and British and Irish Lions tighthead Kyle Sinckler has signed a one-year extension to his deal at Bristol Bears, the club has confirmed.

The 52-cap front-row forward, who joined from Harlequins in July 2020 and has made 38 appearances for the Bears, will remain at Ashton Gate until the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “It’s fantastic for the Bears to retain someone of Kyle’s calibre. For him to re-sign with the Bears is a huge positive for the club.

“He is an outstanding professional with a wealth of experience in a crucial position and has added real value on and off the field for us. I’m pleased for everyone at the Bears that he will continue to contribute to our journey.”

Sinckler added: “It was an easy decision for me to stay at Bristol and I feel like I’ve got unfinished business here. I’m excited for what’s to come from this group and feel very blessed to play for a club with such incredible supporters.”

He has been part of the last two Lions tours, featuring in all three games against new Zealand in 2017 and South Africa in 2021 as a replacement.

The news comes as a big boost to the Bears as reports linked the tighthead with a move to the French Top 14 post the 2023 Rugby World Cup.