Bristol Bears have added another former Worcester Warriors player to their ranks with the signing of versatile young back Noah Heward on a two-year contract.
Heward, who came through the ranks at Sixways, can play on either winger or at full-back and has made three substitute Premiership appearances for the Warriors this term.
The 22-year-old has represented England at U18 and U20 level and follows lock Joe Batley and tighthead Jay Tyack to have made the journey from the Midlands to Ashton Gate, although the latter has been signed on a “trial period”.
Worcester players have been free to leave the stricken club since their suspension from the league earlier this month amid administration and an unpaid tax bill.
“Noah is a talented player who is equally at home at full-back or on the wing,” said Bears director of rugby Pat Lam. “He is a fiercely ambitious young man with a great attitude and willingness to improve, and we’re pleased to be able to offer him this opportunity.”
Heward has 23 appearances to his name so while he will be a long-term project to an extent for the Bears, can also be expected to challenge for a place in the squad this season as well.
With Max Malins also joining at the end of this season, it appears Lam is increasingly planning for life after Charles Piutau with the New Zealand superstar out of contract next summer.
Malins is likely to be Bears’ No1 full-back for 2023/24 and beyond, with Heward acting as deputy while also providing depth on the wing.
Heward said: “I’m really excited to be joining Bristol Bears and I can’t wait to get started. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited for the future at Ashton Gate.”
