Bristol: Seven academy players sign professional deals with Premiership club

Bristol play their home games at Ashton Gate

Premiership club Bristol have given professional contracts to seven academy players ahead of the 2017-18 season.

Prop Tom Rowland, England Under-18 back Iwan Hughes, lock James Dun and centre Matt Welsh have all signed on.

Joining them are Wales Under-18 hooker Nick Freeman, back row Dan Thurston an versatile wing Tom Hargan.

"This is one of the strongest age groups to have come through the academy set-up for a long time," academy boss Mike Hall told the club website.