Kyle Sinckler: England prop to leave Harlequins and join Bristol Bears

England prop Kyle Sinckler will leave Harlequins at the end of the season after agreeing to join Bristol Bears.

The 26-year-old has come through the Quins academy to establish himself as an England international and he toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2017.

Sinckler, however, has now cut ties with Harlequins after signing a two-year deal with Bristol that will begin in the summer.

“The opportunity to come to Bristol and play under [director of rugby] Pat Lam was one that I couldn’t turn down,” said Sinckler.

“The Bears are an ambitious club on the up and it was great to visit the city and the facilities that they have.

“There’s a clear plan in place for long-term success and I’m looking forward to contributing.

“I’m grateful to Harlequins for everything they have done for me and my career. I’d like to thank the coaches, fans and my teammates for all their support over the years.”

The signing of Sinckler is a major coup for Bristol, who also have Fiji wing Semi Radradra joining them for next season too.

Sinckler had been attracting plenty of interest from Premiership clubs after it had been revealed he would be open to leaving Harlequins.

Gloucester had also shown an interest in him, but he has now joined Bristol as part of a move that makes him one of the best-paid players in the Premiership.

“Kyle is an outstanding player and it’s fantastic to bring someone of his international calibre to the Bears,” said Lam.