Seven Academy Players Sign Professional contracts for Bristol

Bristol Rugby have confirmed that seven members of the Academy U18 squad have signed professional terms ahead of the 2017/18 season.

Tom Rowland, James Dun , Iwan Hughes, Dan Thurston, Matt Welsh, Nick Freeman and Tom Hargan have all been signed to the Senior Academy having impressed the coach staff during their time at the club – with five of the seven having been in the Bristol set-up since the age of 15.

“This is one of the strongest age groups to have come through the Academy set-up for a long time and we are really excited to see how these guys adapt to and thrive in a professional environment,” said Academy Manager Mike Hall.

“It’s the club’s largest ever intake of Academy-produced players and that’s a testament to the quality of the players and the coaching that they’re receiving, as well as the mindset that the Club is adopting under Pat Lam.

Tom Rowland:

Rowland, a dynamic loosehead prop, made his senior debut for Bristol Rugby during the Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat to Exeter Chiefs in February. The Bristol Grammar School pupil, who converted from back row just two seasons ago, has represented England at U18 level this season.

James Dun:

The Millfield School second row has impressed in Bristol U18 and England colours this season. The rangy, formidable lock is a lineout specialist and will represent England U18 at the 2017 International Series in Wales during April.

Iwan Hughes:

An exciting and pacey back three player, England U18 international Hughes was in barnstorming form during the Aviva U18 League this season, scoring twice and assisting plenty more. The SGS Filton flyer is currently recovering from a broken leg sustained at the Rosslyn Park Sevens but is well on the road to recovery.

Nick Freeman:

Wales U18 international Nick Freeman is a powerful hooker who has recently converted from the back-row. The skilful Clifton College pupil is also dynamic ball carrier and was another to impress during the Academy U18s’ 2016/17 campaign.

Dan Thurston:

A hard working, strong ball carrier, Thurston has made huge improvements in his technical lineout skills over the course of the season. The SGS Filton back-row forward leads by example and has been in academy programme since the age of 15.

Matt Welsh:

At 6’3” and 95kg, Welsh is an athletic and strong running centre with the ability to beat defenders one-on-one. The Clifton College pupil picks incisive lines from set piece and in open play and is a solid defender.

Tom Hargan:

Hargan is a rangy back-three player, comfortable at full back and wing. Another product of Clifton College, Hargan is a dangerous counter-attacker and showcased his skills throughout the U18s Aviva Academy League campaign.