Bristol Bears have confirmed that England international full-back Max Malins will leave the club at the end of the 2024/25 season and re-join his former side Saracens.
Malins, who is currently sidelined by a bad Achilles injury he suffered in training back in January of 2024, has made 36 appearances across three seasons and two stints with the club, will depart at the end of his current contract to return home to the StoneX Stadium. The 28-year-old has scored 28 tries for the Bears, having originally joined on loan in 2020 before making a permanent switch in 2023.
Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “I have really enjoyed working with Max, who has made a significant contribution to our Bears journey on and off the field during his two spells with the club. He was big part of some of our most memorable Bears games, including a star performance when we won our most recent major silverware.
“It’s frustrating for both him and us that his current injury has meant the excellent away win over Bath in the Round Three derby back on October 5 th will be his final game for the club. Despite his injury, Max continues to contribute massively to our leadership group and team, driving standards and ideas to ensure we finish our season in the best possible way.
“I know all his teammates, staff and supporters appreciate firstly the person he is, and the quality he has shown for the Bears during his time here and we all thank him for his efforts over the past two seasons.”
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has have been on the hunt for a top end full-back for some time, with the club close to snaring Gloucester star Santi Carreras before he ended up opting to join Bath Rugby.
Malins added “I have thoroughly enjoyed my two stints at Bristol – this place has become a home away from home for me.
“It’s sad that injury has prevented me from contributing more and knowing I have played my last game in a Bristol shirt. I would have loved to run out with my mates and say goodbye to the fans from the pitch one last time.
“Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing you all down at Ashton Gate for the remaining games and watching what the team can produce for the run-in to the end of the season.”