Matchday programme: Bristol Bears vs Harlequins

BRISTOL BEARS academy news
Highly rated
Fitz Harding pens
senior contract
32
Highly rated Academy back-rower Fitz
Harding has signed a new long-term
contract with Bristol Bears, the club is
delighted to announce.
The 21-year-old, who joined the club’s
Academy from the University of Durham
last summer, pens his first senior deal
with the club.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “I’m
really pleased Fitz has committed his
future to the Bears as we’re very excited
by what he will be able to achieve for
himself and the team.
He has a fantastic attitude, is extremely
coachable and his actions have already
earnt the respect from his teammates.
“Fitz is a great example of the number
of different pathways into professional
rugby, having graduated through the
BUCS system, and also highlights the
detailed recruitment strategy of the
club.”
Senior Academy Manager Gethin Watts
said: “On the back of the recent Senior
Academy announcements, Fitz’s new
contract underlines once again the
alignment and long term planning across
the organisation.
“Bears is a club that gives young
players opportunities and what has
been pleasing is how Fitz has taken
his chance with the first team. He’s an
excellent character and an example to
the Academy of what can be achieved
through hard work and diligence.”
Harding added: “It’s been a fantastic
learning curve at Bristol Bears so far. The
guys have been incredibly welcoming and
my game is developing really well under
Pat Lam and the coaching staff.
“We have everything here at Bristol to
succeed; it’s a fantastic training facility
with world class staff, so I’m excited to
keep pushing hard for first team rugby.”
BRISTOL BEARS VS HARLEQUINS | 2020/21