Suspended Capon among 12 leaving Bears
Will Capon made his first senior appearance for Bristol in 2018
- Published
Bristol Bears have confirmed that hooker Will Capon is one of 12 players who will leave the Prem club this summer.
The 26-year-old has been suspended since March after being charged with rape, an accusation he denies.
The club confirmed back in March that Capon had been "suspended from all club activities pending the outcome of an ongoing legal matter".
After appearing at Exeter Crown Court earlier in the year, Capon was granted unconditional bail.
His last appearance for the Bears came in May 2025, as he was injured in pre-season ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
He first joined the club's academy in 2014 and made his senior debut in 2018, helping his side return to the Premiership.
Full-back Lane among dozen to depart
The Bears have also confirmed the departure of full-back Rich Lane after five years with the club, in which time the 32-year-old has scored 12 tries in 69 appearances.
Loosehead prop Sam Grahamslaw, John Edwards, Toby Barker and Raff Weston will also depart when the current campaign draws to a close.
Lock James Dun confirmed a move to Harlequins at the end of last year, while it was announced in March that centre Joe Jenkins would join Leicester.
Argentine international Santiago Grondona will explore playing opportunities in France from next season, joining Ben Elizalde (Newcastle) Sam Wolstenholme (Exeter) and Steele Barker (Cornish Pirates) on the list of those to depart.
The club have said it will use Friday's final home game of the season against Bath at Ashton Gate to allow fans to say farewell to the group.
