Bristol second row Dun to leave at end of season

Bristol Bears second row James Dun will leave the club at the end of the current season when his contract expires.

The 26-year-old has made 57 appearances since signing a first professional deal with the club in 2017.

"This has been one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make," Dun said. "From coming through the academy to running out at Ashton Gate, the Bears have shaped me as both a player and a person.

"I'm hugely grateful to every teammate, coach, and staff member who's believed in me, and to Pat (Lam) for giving me the opportunity to establish myself in the Premiership.

"Being a homegrown player for Bristol has been a real honour, but I feel it's the right time to embrace a new chapter and test myself in a different environment, until the end of the season, I'm fully committed to giving everything for this team and finishing on a high."

Neither Bears nor Dun have revealed where the player is heading next but the club's director of rugby Pat Lam hinted at what might be next in the club statement.

"He's faced some real challenges on and off the field, but I'm proud of the resilience and toughness he has shown to become the player and person he is today," Lam said.

"While we're naturally disappointed to see him move on, we fully respect his decision to pursue a change of lifestyle in London and take on a fresh challenge at this stage of his career."