MacGinty and Luatua both sign extensions to stay at Bristol Bears

Bristol Bears have tied down fly-half AJ MacGinty and captain Steven Luatua on contract extensions, the Gallagher Premiership club announced, with both players pledging at least one further season at Ashton Gate.

MacGinty, who joined from Sale Sharks in 2022, has made 56 appearances and accumulated 369 points for the Bears and will now remain at the club through to the end of the 2026/27 season. The USA international has dealt with injury this year but director of rugby Pat Lam highlighted his broader value to the squad.

“AJ has been outstanding both on and off the field since joining the Bears, and we’re thrilled to have him remain with the club for another season,” Lam said. “His leadership, professionalism and commitment to the group have been exceptional throughout. The influence he has on our younger players and the standards he sets every day are invaluable.”

MacGinty expressed his own enthusiasm for continuing in Bristol. “My family and I have loved our time in Bristol and I’m excited to continue being part of this group,” he said. “There’s a strong culture here, a lot of ambition within the squad and I believe there’s still plenty more we can achieve together.”

Luatua’s extension is perhaps the more striking of the two announcements. The New Zealand-born back-row forward will enter a tenth season in Bristol colours, having already made 160 appearances and captained the side on 90 occasions. Lam made clear that winning the Premiership title before Luatua departs remains a shared ambition.

“Stevie has been hugely important to everything we’ve built here at Bristol Bears over the past nine years,” Lam said. “He continues to lead through his actions every single day. Stevie cares deeply about this club and he desperately wants to achieve the big goal he had coming to Bristol — to win the Prem before he leaves.”

Luatua echoed that sentiment, describing Bristol as home. “I’ve loved being part of this club’s journey and I’m keen to contribute both on and off the field,” he said. “We’ve got a great group of players and staff here and an exceptional environment, with a lot of potential and ambition for what’s ahead.”