Centre Williams extends Bristol contract

Bristol Bears inside centre James Williams has signed a new deal to remain at the club beyond this season.

The 28-year-old, who can also play at fly-half, joined Bristol in 2022 from Championship side Hartpury and has gone on to make 56 appearances for the club, scoring 12 tries.

Director of rugby Pat Lam described Williams as "the glue" which he hopes will keep his midfield together, following his first appearance this season in last weekend's 46-12 win against Northampton after a spell out with an ankle injury.

"The boys find he's probably one of the best communicators under pressure in driving our game so whenever Jimmy plays there's always really good clarity for the forwards and where they need to be and the way that we play attack and defence," Lam told BBC Radio Bristol.

Williams said his game had "improved massively" in his three-and-a-half years at the club.

"That's down to the coaching, the standards we set and the trust we have in each other," he said.

"I'm ambitious and I want to win silverware here. The belief in this group is huge and I'm excited for what we can achieve together."

The news comes a week after fellow Bears centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg committed to the Bears by agreeing a new deal.