Holmes agrees Bristol loan move

By Mark Stevens
26/3/18

Exeter Chiefs forward Ed Holmes has joined Championship outfit Bristol on a short-term loan agreement.

The 22-year-old, who has been on dual registered terms with Plymouth Albion for the past three seasons, has answered an SOS call from Bristol after their options in the second-row became somewhat depleted due to unavailability and injuries.

With Joe Batley sidelined through illness and Joe Latta (shoulder) ruled out for at least the next two games, plus international duo Chris Vui (ankle) and Steven Luatua (knee) both unavailable for the remainder of the campaign, the arrival of Holmes is timely for the Championship leaders.

Head coach Pat Lam said: “We’re approaching a crucial period of fixtures, so it’s important that we have the depth in key areas. “Ed is 22-years-old, English-qualified and has been involved in a really strong environment at Exeter.

“We’re light in the back five, but injuries are the nature of professional sport and we are confident we have the quality to see us achieve our goal this season."

Holmes was part of the Exeter Braves side that featured against Saracens Storm in the Aviva A League on Sunday.