Centre Vakatawa to depart Bristol this summer

Virimi Vakatawa scored four tries for Bristol this season after joining in September

France centre Virimi Vakatawa is leaving Bristol Bears this summer following the end of his contract.

The 32-year-old signed on a one-year deal last September when he returned following diagnosis of a heart condition, after being barred from playing in France.

He scored four tries in 19 appearances for the Bears - with 13 of those starts.

"V made an outstanding impact on and off the field and repaid the faith the club showed in giving him an opportunity back in the professional game," Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said.

“To do what he has done through the challenges and obstacles following time away from the game shows the mark of the man."

Samoa international Chris Vui has also been left off the club's first-team squad list for the 2024-25 campaign.

The 31-year-old has not played for Bristol for more than a year after featuring for his country at the 2023 World Cup.

Vui has made more than 100 appearances for the club since joining in 2017 and signed a four-year contract extension two years ago until the summer of 2026.