Thirteen U18 players sign Senior Academy Terms with Bristol Bears
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Thirteen members of the title-winning U18 side have signed their first professional contracts with the Bears ahead of the 2026/27 season, underlining the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent.
The group were central to the historic PREM Rugby NextGen League triumph, producing a remarkable late-season surge after opening the campaign with two defeats. A run of seven consecutive victories carried the young Bears to a dramatic final win over Bath at Kingsholm, sealing the club’s second title in the competition.
Off the back of this hugely successful campaign, Director of Rugby Pat Lam and Head of Academy John Barnes have awarded a record number of professional deals to the class of 2026.
In the backs, centre Will Moore, full back Glen Gammell (both Clifton College), back three flyer Caspar Reeves (Taunton School), centre Bruno Lamb (SGS College) and wing George Williams (Bridgwater College) pen their first Academy deals.
In the forwards, second row Will Papp (SGS College), hooker Casper Wheeler (Hartpury), back row Jake Smith (Clifton College), number eight Noah Williams (Clifton College), Monty Wells (Taunton School), tighthead prop Evan Davies (Clifton College) and loosehead props Kaiden Corbett (SGS College) and Michael Whittaker (Collegiate) will also join the Bears ranks in the summer.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome these young players into the next stage of their Bears journey with selection to our Senior Academy programme. This is a special moment – not just for the group, but for everyone who has supported them along the way – and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
“These 13 players have already shown what they’re capable of. Their NextGen League title win wasn’t just about talent – it was built on resilience, belief and togetherness. After early setbacks, they showed real character to win seven games in a row, finishing with a performance in the final against Bath that truly reflected who they are as a group.
“To offer a record number of professional contracts this year says a great deal about the strength of our Academy and Performance Programme. But more than that, it speaks to the journeys behind each player – years of dedication, early mornings, sacrifices, and unwavering support from their families. This achievement belongs to all of them.
“Now, they step into an environment where their dreams feel closer than ever. Surrounded by world-class facilities, outstanding staff, and senior players who have walked the same path, they have everything they need in front of them.
“But this is just the beginning. The challenge now is to keep pushing, stay grounded, and continue earning every opportunity – with the belief and determination to one day represent Bristol Bears at the very highest level.”
Head of Academy, John Barnes
“To have 13 players stepping up into the Senior Academy is a record for the Club and a reflection of both their individual commitment and the strength of our pathway programme.
“Off the back of the U18s’ success in winning the NextGen League, this group has already shown the standards and mindset required to succeed, and now they face the exciting challenge of pushing towards the senior squad in the years ahead.
“It’s a hugely positive moment for the Bears, with so much homegrown talent continuing to emerge. The Academy exists to identify, nurture and develop players with the potential to perform at the highest level, and this intake highlights the outstanding work of our coaches and support staff across the programme, as well as the clubs and schools involved in their development.
“We are proud of what these players have achieved so far, but more importantly, we are excited to see how they grow and thrive in the senior environment and contribute to the future success of the Club.”
Caspar Reeves – U18 Bear of the Season
Position: Full back / Wing
School: Taunton School
Honours: England U18
More about Caspar
Caspar was born in Taunton, Somerset and started playing rugby at the age of 6.
His first rugby club was Crewkerne RFC and he joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 14.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Jack Nowell. I loved him as a kid growing up.
What is your favourite rugby memory? Winning the academy league with Bristol Bears.
Casper Wheeler
Position: Hooker
School: Hartpury College
Honours: England U18
More about Casper
Casper was born in Bristol and started playing rugby at the age of 13.
His first rugby club was Winscombe RFC and he joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 15.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Dan Sheehan is my rugby hero as he’s a class player.
What is your favourite rugby memory? Winning the Academy league.
Glen Gammell
Position: Full back / Wing
School: Clifton College
Honours: Scotland U18
More about Glen
Glen was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and started playing rugby at the age of 5 at Cargilfield Prep School.
He joined the Bears Academy at 16 after being part of Edinburgh’s Scotland Pathway.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Matt Salter was a huge inspiration to me while at Clifton College and gave me the opportunities which put me in the position I’m in with Bristol Bears now. Also my Dad, who played for Scotland, and has always supported me, rarely missing a game.
What is your favourite rugby memory? Winning my first cap for my country against Wales last year, a proud moment for my family and I.
Noah Williams
Position: Number 8
School: Clifton College
Honours: Wales U18/U19
More about Noah
Noah was born in Swansea, Wales and started playing rugby at the age of 7 with South Gower RFC.
He joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 16 after a stint with Ospreys.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Kieran Reid because he was a great leader and a very consistent player. I also admire his engine and physicality around the park along with his offloading game in the wide channels.
What is your favourite rugby memory? My first Wales cap against Italy.
Will Moore
Position: Centre
School: Clifton College
Honours: England U18
More about Will
Will was born in Swansea, Wales and started playing rugby at the age of 6 with South Gower RFC.
He joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 16 after spending time in the Ospreys Academy.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Beauden Barrett as I always enjoyed watching him as a kid.
What is your favourite rugby memory? Winning the U18 academy league with Bristol Bears.
Will Papp
Position: Back row
School: SGS College
Honours: England U19
More about Will
Will was born in Bristol, England and started playing rugby at the age of 14, with St Bede’s and North Bristol Rugby Club.
He joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 14.
What is your favourite rugby memory: Being selected for England 19s and winning the U18 academy league.
Bruno Lamb
Position: Centre
School: SGS College
More about Bruno
Bruno was born in Grasse, France and started playing rugby at the age of 6 with Keynsham Rugby Club.
He joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 15.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Quade Cooper because I think he’s exciting and one of the most talented players ever..
What is your favourite rugby memory? Winning the academy league.
Jake Smith
Position: Back row
School: Clifton College
More about Jake
Jake was born in Bristol, England and started playing rugby at the age of 5 at Keynsham Rugby Club.
He joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 13.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Growing up it was always Steven Luatua. Just thought he was and is still consistently one of the best players on the pitch.
What is your favourite rugby memory? Winning the academy league with Bristol Bears U18 and Captaining Clifton college 1st XV this year.
Kaiden Corbett
Position: Loosehead Prop
School: SGS College
More about Kaiden
Kaiden was born in Bristol, England and started playing rugby at the age of 11 at Cleve RFC.
He joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 14.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Ellis Genge because we grew up in a similar area of Bristol and I relate to a lot of things he says about his childhood and he is proud to be from Bristol. Also, I have tried to play a similar style of rugby being a physical presence around the pitch making strong carries and dominant shots.
What is your favourite rugby memory? Winning the U18 Academy League.
Michael Whittaker
Position: Loosehead Prop
School: Collegiate School
More about Michael
Michael was born in Bristol, England and started playing rugby at the age of 13 at The Castle School.
He joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 13.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Charles Piutau as he always got people out of their seats which is what sport is all about.
What is your favourite rugby memory? Winning the Academy League with Bears and the Bowl with Collegiate at Rosslyn Park 7s this year.
Monty Wells
Position: Lock
School: Taunton School
More about Monty
Monty was born in Shepton Mallet, England and started playing rugby at the age of 6 at Wells RFC and Chafyn Grove Prep School in Salisbury.
He joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 13.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Maro Itoje becuse of his relentless work rate, physicality and his leadership.
What is your favourite rugby memory? Captaining Bristol Bears to win the Academy League and lifting the trophy with my mates!
Evan Davies
Position: Tighthead Prop
School: Clifton College
More about Evan
Evan was born in Bristol, England and started playing rugby at the age of 4 at Old Bristolians Rugby Club.
He joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 14.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? My granddad David Watt represented Bristol and England and is the reason I started playing rugby.
What is your favourite rugby memory? Winning the man of the match for Clifton College in the Ryan Bresnahan memorial game.
George Williams
Position: Wing
School: UCS College Group
Honours: Scotland U18
More about George
George was born in Taunton, England and started playing rugby at the age of 6 at Bridgwater & Albion RFC.
He joined the Bears Academy Pathway at 14.
Who is your rugby hero, and why? Anthony Watson was my rugby hero growing up, as he’s a player that makes it look effortless with his sharp footwork and pace to beat defenders.
What is your favourite rugby memory? Playing for Scotland Under 18s for first time against Ireland.
