Bristol Bears Lock In Key Forwards for 2024-25 Season

Veteran prop Max Lahiff and emerging back-row talent Ben Grondona have committed their futures to Bristol Bears, signing contract extensions with the Gallagher Premiership club.

Lahiff: The Centurion's Continuing Legacy

The 35-year-old loosehead-tighthead hybrid has become instrumental to Bristol's pack since joining from Bath in 2019. This season saw Lahiff achieve:

• 104 total appearances (15 this campaign)
• 2 tries scored this Premiership season
• Versatile scrummaging on both sides of the front row

Director of Rugby Pat Lam praised Lahiff's evolution: "From the player who first arrived to now, Max has developed into a complete forward. His impact goes beyond set pieces – he's become one of our most dependable leaders."

Grondona: Argentina's Rising Star

The 20-year-old Argentinian flanker has made rapid progress since his January 2024 arrival:

• 17 total appearances (15 this season across all competitions)
• Recent call-up to Argentina's Pumas training camp
• Recognized for his physicality and work rate

Lam highlighted Grondona's potential: "Ben's hunger to learn matches his physical gifts. His time with the Pumas will accelerate his development – we're seeing a future international in the making."

Bristol's Strategic Retention Policy

The double signing follows last week's contract extensions for:

• Hooker Harry Thacker
• Scrum-half Kieron Marmion

This retention strategy comes as Bristol aims to improve on their current mid-table Premiership standing, with Lam clearly building around experienced heads and promising young talent.

By the Numbers: Bristol's Forward Depth