Former York RUFC minis/juniors and colts player Steele Barker has been signed by Premiership club Bristol Bears for the forthcoming season.
Steele started playing at York when he was 5 and continued through all age groups, playing in national and county finals. He won the senior Colt of the Year award in the 2018/19 season. During his time at York he was also selected for Yorkshire Carnegie and England academies.
He then attended Exeter University and played for Penryn and Redruth. On completion of his studies he was signed on a professional contract by championship club Cornish Pirates where he spent two seasons helping them to their highest ever league position of 2nd in 2023/24.
Confirming the signing to the BBC, Bristol Director of Rugby Pat Lam said,
"Steele is a hungry second-row who is eager to learn and get better. He's emerged as one of the standout forwards in the Championship with Cornish Pirates with a high ceiling of potential.”
Everyone at York RUFC wishes Steele the very best for the coming season and will keep an eye on his progress.