Bears can still finish in the top four - Dun

JAMES Dun knew exactly what Bristol’s supporters were going through earlier this season when the Bears became stuck in a losing run.

- PAUL REES

The second row supported the club as a boy and was at the Memorial Stadium in 2010 when they lost the Championship play-off final to Exeter.

“I remember the Chiefs’ fans singing their chants and I was crying in the stand at the end,” said the 24-year old Dun, who joined Bristol when he was 13 and last month signed a contract extension. I can relate to what fans go through. I grew up watching Bristol and I have an incredibly proud feeling every time I pull on the jersey, something I dreamed of doing since the age of nine. I am privileged to be here.”

Dun spent last season on loan, helping the Reds snatch the Championship title from Ealing Trailfinders before being wound up weeks into the current campaign when he had returned to Bristol.

“The move to Jersey came at the right time for me,” said Dun. “I got game time in a tough environment and it was topped off by winning the league. I learned a lot, especially about robustness and dealing with injuries.