From Top 14 official FB

Bristol Bears have completed the signing of highly-rated young Samoan forward Totoa Auvaa.

The 21-year-old, a powerful young back five forward with exciting physical attributes and significant potential, joins the Bears following his departure from Saracens to continue his development under Director of Rugby Pat Lam.

Director of Rugby and former Samoa captain, Pat Lam, said: “Totoa is a big, physical young man with enormous potential, who unfortunately has made some mistakes since arriving from a small village in Samoa to the massive city of London.

“His agent reached out to me, to see if I would be willing to help him and give him a second chance. I’ve always believed that young people deserve the opportunity to learn from those experiences, grow and become better people.

“Having spent time with Totoa, I feel confident that we can provide him with the mentorship, guidance, support and structure to give him the best possible opportunity to succeed, not just as a rugby player, but as a person. Someone his parents and family all the way back in Samoa will be proud of.

“He has a huge amount of ability and we’re looking forward to helping him develop, make the most of this opportunity and become a valued member of the Bears family.”

“Eddie is a player we’ve been tracking, and we’re really pleased to get his signing over the line. He’s got tremendous speed and footwork that makes him a real handful for any defence, and we believe he’s got all the raw tools to become a weapon for us out wide.

“What excites us most is his potential – he’s still developing as a player, and we can’t wait to see how he grows within our environment as he takes the next steps in his career,” said Quins boss Jason Gilmore.

Louis Bielle Biarrey to stay in Bordeaux until 2029. Posting coz I'm loving the visuals tbh.

Our army grows yet further. The league isn't ready for Argentoona 2

Bristol Bears have added English-qualified hooker Bryn Gordon to their squad with immediate effect as injury cover for Harry Thacker.

The 25-year-old has arrived from North Harbour following the conclusion of his National Provincial Championship campaign in New Zealand, where his side lost to Taranaki in the quarter-finals, and gives Pat Lam another option at No.2 as Bristol prepare to balance domestic and European commitments.

This will be the Kiwi’s second stint in the Gallagher PREM having joined Newcastle Red Bulls in January until the end of last season.

His arrival is part of a wider reshuffle in the Bears’ front-row, with Andrew Turner committing his future to the club while academy loosehead Louie Trevett has been allowed to leave temporarily in search of senior rugby.

Turner, who first joined Bristol at the age of 13, returned to the club ahead of the current campaign and has now agreed fresh terms to extend his second spell at Ashton Gate.

Trevett, meanwhile, has joined the Ospreys on loan. The Wales U20 prop will remain under contract with Bristol but will get the opportunity to pick up URC minutes with the Welsh region.

“It’s great to welcome Bryn into the group,” director of rugby Pat Lam said. “With Harry Thacker currently sidelined, it was important for us to strengthen our options at hooker, and Bryn is a talented and hungry player who will add competition and depth to the squad.

“We’re also pleased to have Drew continuing with us. He’s worked hard since arriving as a 13-year-old and has been a positive addition to the group, so we’re looking forward to seeing him continue his growth.

“This is a great opportunity for Louie to get some valuable game time back home in a strong URC competition.

“Playing senior rugby at that level will be hugely beneficial for his development, and we’re looking forward to seeing him make the most of the opportunity.”