Bristol Bears' fan favourite Joe Joyce will leave Bristol Bears at the end of the 2022/23 season to join Irish United Rugby Championship province Connacht, the club have confirmed.
The Bristolian, who is widely and warmly often referred to as 'The King of Southmeade' - the area he is from in the city, will move on from the club after more than eleven years having made 151 appearances since graduating through the Academy.
Joyce, 28, has strong family ties in Ireland and previously played U20s international rugby for the country and has signed a three-year deal with Connacht. Bristol Live understand move has been announced a year early at the request of Joyce to avoid any speculation or rumours around his future building during the upcoming season.