Bristol bolster squad with three short-term signings

David Skippers
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Bristol Bears have bolstered their senior squad after signing Peter McCabe, Niyi Adeolokun and Keiron Assiratti on short-term contracts.

Former Connacht duo McCabe (prop) and Adeolokun (wing) pen short-term deals with the Bears until the end of the 2019/20 season, while Cardiff Blues prop Assiratti signs on loan with immediate effect.

McCabe and Assiratti arrive as front-row reinforcements following injuries to Jake Armstrong (ankle), Max Lahiff (head) and John Afoa (calf), while Irish international wing Adeolokun comes in as cover for Toby Fricker (groin).

McCabe made 37 appearances for Connacht having made the switch to the Galway-based outfit from Munster in 2017, while former Wales U20 prop Assiratti has made 39 appearances for the Blues.

Adeolokun, who made 94 appearances for Connacht and has one cap for Ireland, was a try scorer for Pat Lam’s title-winning Connacht side in the 2016 PRO14 final and links back up with the Bears director of rugby at Ashton Gate. The flyer represented the Barbarians under Lam and faced England alongside Semi Radradra, Charles Piutau, Afoa, Chris Vui and Steven Luatua.

Lam said: “With the unprecedented playing schedule in the Premiership that we face, it’s important to ensure we have plenty of depth and cover in key positions, especially with the midweek fixtures.

“Losing Max [Lahiff] and John [Afoa] on Tuesday has left us light in the front row, especially with Jake [Armstrong] already unavailable, so we needed cover immediately.

“The guys come straight into our environment and will be working quickly to learn our system and the Bears Team Culture. I’d like to thank John Mulvihill at Cardiff for his co-operation in agreeing Keiron’s loan deal.”

 

Bristol