The Bristol Bears are expected to recruit flanker Ethan Staddon from nearby Bath to Ashton Gate for the upcoming season, as Pat Lam intensifies his player acquisition strategy.
Staddon, a 23-year-old former England Under-18 and Under-20 international, whose Bath team secured the PREM Rugby Cup in 2025 with a 48-14 victory over Exeter Chiefs, will see his contract expire when the current season concludes.
Staddon, who hails from Dorchester, first appeared for the Blue, Black and White against Worcester Warriors in December 2020, accumulating 37 appearances for the team, including 21 in cup competitions.
This former standout from Hartpury, capable of playing at blindside or openside flanker, extended his contract by one year last February and represents the most recent talent Lam has expressed interest in.
According to a weekend report from RugbyPass, the Bears are reportedly keen on Matthew Dalton, Ulster’s former Ireland Under-20 lock, whose agreement with the United Rugby Championship side expires at the close of the season.
Dalton, who returned to Ulster for his second stint in January 2025, has previously played for Utah, Newcastle Falcons, and Soyaux Angoulême, and has featured five times for Ulster.
Furthermore, we also previously disclosed that the team had pursued Cornish Pirates hooker Sol Moody, who has distinguished himself as one of Champ Rugby’s top players since his dual registration arrival from Exeter Chiefs.
Moody has managed to score 11 tries across 10 matches for the Pirates, notably contributing four in their victory over Ampthill and achieving a hat-trick during their win against London Scottish last weekend.
In December, we additionally disclosed that Lam has secured an agreement for Ealing Trailfinders’ highly-regarded full-back Tobi Wilson to join the club when the next season commences.
Moreover, it is believed that they are nearing success in their bid to sign Worcester Warriors’ No.8 Khalik Kareem, who is yet another athlete who has impressed with his performances in the Champ during the current season.
