Matt Protheroe, Dan Thomas & Sam Bedlow join Bristol

Bristol Rugby has further strengthened their side for the 2017/18 season by signing three highly rated young players with Matt Protheroe, Dan Thomas and Sam Bedlow signing for the club. 

20-year-old fullback Mat Protheroe and 23-year-old back rower Dan Thomas arrive from Gloucester.

21-year-old centre Sam Bedlow joins from Sale Sharks, where he made eight first team appearances since graduating through the Club’s Academy system.

Protheroe has represented England at U18s and U20s level, while Thomas previously captained Wales at U20s level. Bedlow featured from the replacements bench when Sale Sharks visited Ashton Gate in October 2016.

Head Coach Mark Tainton commented on the signings:


"We’re delighted to beat off the interest of a number of other clubs to capture the signings of these gifted young players,”

“Mat is a hugely exciting player with bags of natural talent. He’ll bring some flair and energy to our attacking game and – under the tutelage of Pat [Lam]’s attacking philosophy – we expect Mat to make a significant impact in a Bristol jersey."


“Dan is a physical, openside flanker who has really impressed us every time he has played for Gloucester. He’s got Premiership experience and an excellent attitude to keep improving – it’s great to have him onboard and contributing to what we are we trying to achieve."

“Sam is a technically gifted centre who can distribute and read the game well. He’s coming to Bristol hungry to prove a point and establish a first team spot, so we’re creating healthy competition in every position on the field and a squad with real balance and energy.”

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