Flanker Sam Jeffries will depart Bristol Bears at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season to take up an opportunity overseas, the club have confirmed.
The 30-year-old back-row forward, who has made 59 appearances for Bristol, leaves after seven seasons at Ashton Gate.
The Academy graduate took a prolonged break from the professional game in 2019 due to a knee injury, joining the club’s backroom staff on secondment as Professional Development Manager, while continuing to rehabilitate. He made his return to first-team duties in 2021 and was called up to England’s tour of Australia in the summer of 2022 however did not earn a cap.
Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Sam was all set to sign an extension to remain at the Bears when at the last minute he received a life-changing opportunity from overseas and unfortunately, with the nature of the salary cap reduction in the Premiership, it was one we were unable to compete with."
The Premiership salary cap for the 2023/24 season will be £5m, with allowance scheduled to increase to £6.4m in 2024/25 although discussions over whether that will happen are reported to be ongoing with a number of clubs still facing financial difficulties having seen Wasps and Worcester Warriors go into administration in the Autumn.
Lam continued: “Sam’s comeback from a career-threatening injury to being called up to an England squad has been inspirational and is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and professionalism.
“He has made a significant impact on the Bears on and off the field and we wish him and his fiancé Suzie all the very best for their next chapter together.”
Jeffries said: “It has been an amazing experience being part of Bristol Bears over the last seven years. Whilst I wish I could have played more games for the club over this time having the opportunity to contribute to an administrative role whilst injured for two years was a fantastic experience.
The flanker's 2022/23 season has been badly disrupted by injury having suffered a serious hamstring injury in the second-round win away at Wasps and then picked up a shoulder injury last month in the victory over Northampton Saints.
Jeffries continued: “I'm glad I had the chance to come back and play some of my best rugby for this incredible club. It speaks volumes to the value that Pat Lam and the Lansdown family put into the people at Bristol Bears. It has been a place I hold very dear to my heart, and I wish the club all the success in the future."
Jeffries' future club has not been confirmed yet.
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