Cornish Pirates sign Bristol forward Rice

Cornish Pirates have signed Bristol lock Charlie Rice for the 2024-25 Championship season.

The 21-year-old played one game for Pirates last season while on loan from the Premiership club.

The former England Under-20 player made one Premiership appearance for the Bears as a replacement against Exeter in April 2023 and also featured in Bristol's Premiership Rugby Cup campaigns.

Rice also spent time playing for New Zealand side Sumner last season.

"Charlie is a talented forward who has played a good amount of senior rugby, and we are particularly delighted to welcome him on board," Pirates joint-head coach Alan Paver told the club website., external

"Still very much a young man, and one able to play that physical role, he is another player with a great profile.

"Having gained experience playing in New Zealand since he was last here was good both for him and us, as he returns with the bit between his teeth, which is fabulous.

"His aim now will be to play regularly, and show expected determination and a hunger to progress, as such young men do."