Changes to immigration rules post-Brexit have seen Bristol Bears lose one of the brightest talents in the club’s championship-winning U18s side, Lucas Berti Newman.
The Bears picked up Berti Newman despite the explosive 18-year-old centre coming through the ranks in the Leinster system over in Ireland. At the time it was considered quite the coup.
Bristol signed the centre on a three-year deal on proviso that he was granted a UK passport allowing him to work here, however, the Chilean qualified back who possesses an outrageously good step and even better offloading game, was unable to get one effectively making it impossible for the Bears to keep him.
Bristol Live understands that once the Premiership club understood the complexities of the situation and there was no way around the issue, significant lengths were taken to ensure Berti Newman and his family were able to find a new club and relocate together.
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French Top 14 champions Montpellier are the lucky beneficiaries and earlier this week they confirmed Berti-Newman has signed a three-year contract with the club.
Montpellier youth coach Anthony Floch said: “At 18 he was already training with the pros where his talent stood out to everyone.
“Lucas can play in all positions in the three quarter line.
"He runs great support lines and can throw extraordinary offloads, all complemented by a great knowledge of the game!
“It is with the MHR that he has chosen to continue to develop and we are very happy about that.”
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