The Upper School

Five Clifton College Pupils Sign Professional Contracts with Bristol Bears

Thursday 23 April 2026

Clifton College is celebrating a landmark moment for its rugby programme as five pupils have signed professional contracts with Bristol Bears ahead of next season. All five were key members of the title‑winning U18 Senior Academy squad and have now taken an exciting step into the professional game.

The boys were welcomed onto the pitch at Ashton Gate Stadium during half‑time of last week’s match against Gloucester, where they received warm applause from the home crowd. It was a proud moment for the players, their families and the entire Clifton College community, reflecting years of dedication, hard work and development.

This achievement highlights the strength of Clifton College’s rugby pathway and its close partnership with Bristol Bears, providing pupils with exceptional coaching, opportunities and support. The College is incredibly proud of the boys’ success and looks forward to following their journeys as they begin their professional careers.

A huge congratulations to all five - from Cubs to Bears.

A group of young athletes on a stadium field holding blue sports jerseys with their names displayed, under bright stadium lights.
A man in a dark shirt and khaki pants walks on a sports field, with an audience and sports equipment in the background.
A person in a navy sports shirt walks past a crowd in a stadium with red seats, smiling.
A man walks across a sports field at Ashton Gate Stadium, with a crowd in the background and people in a tunnel.
Two men exchange a handshake and a shirt on a rugby field, with a stadium full of spectators in the background.
A man in a sports jacket signs a document at a table with a blue bear logo, against a branded backdrop featuring Gallagher Prem and Kaelo.