Irish international Kieran Marmion to join Bristol Bears ahead of 2023/24 season
The news comes on the same day we're hearing scrum-half Andy Uren is set to join the Italian side Benetton Treviso
Last updated 9th Jun 2024
Irish international scrum-half Kieran Marmion will join Bristol Bears from Connacht ahead of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership campaign.
The 31-year-old, who has 28 caps for his country, links back up with Pat Lam having won the Pro 12 title together in 2016. Marmion has made 222 appearances for Connacht during an 11-year spell at the province.
Marmion made his international debut against Argentina in 2014 and was Ireland’s starting scrum half when they edged out the All Blacks in Dublin in 2018.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Once Andy Uren had requested an early release, we began the search for a possible replacement – someone with experience who would be the right fit for our team.
“I’m really pleased to be able to bring in Kieran Marmion - an international scrum half with vast experience who will bring huge value to us on and off the field.
“Having worked closely with him in the past, I know he is the perfect replacement to fill the void following the release of Andy Uren to Benetton Treviso at the end of the season.”
Marmion added: “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to represent the Bristol Bears on and off the field.
“I’ve followed them closely over the last few years and I’m really looking forward to working with Pat again and being part of the exciting brand of rugby that the Bears look to play.”
Andy Uren heads to Italy
The news comes on the same day we're hearing scrum-half Andy Uren is set to join the Italian side Benetton Treviso.
He's being released from his contract three years early as he moves to the other side of Europe to the team who are currently second in Pool B of the Champions Cup.
The 27 year old Bristolian has made over 150 appearances for the Bears - but is off after what's been called a 'very significant offer' being put on the table.
Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “Andy came to us with a very significant offer on the table from Benetton to go there as first-choice scrum half and asked us to consider the possibility of a release.
“When you consider the contribution that Andy has made to the club on and off the field, playing more than 150 games, Harry Randall being committed to the Bears long term; and the fact that this is a life-changing opportunity for him and his family, it was an opportunity we felt Andy deserved and he leaves with our full support.
“Andy can be very proud of what he has achieved at Bristol Bears to date – and at just 26 years old, the plan is for him to return an even better player and person from the incredible experience of playing in a different country and competition.”
Uren said: “It’s been such a difficult decision to leave Bristol, but the opportunity in Treviso was something that I had to take for the next stage of my career. I’ve been at Bristol for a long time and I’m looking forward to broadening my rugby knowledge and life experience overseas.
“I’m hugely grateful to Pat and the club - not only for their support during my 13 years at Bristol - but for granting me an early release at the end of the current season to take up this opportunity in Benetton. The culture and environment that has been created here are second to none and I have no doubt the club will continue to go from strength to strength.
“I’m really excited by what we can achieve at Bristol Bears in the final period of the season and hope to finish my time here on a high.”