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Dave Attwood will return to his home club Bristol Bears on a two-year deal this Summer.

The 31-year-old came through the colts there and started his senior professional career at the Memorial Stadium - where they used to play - before joining Gloucester in 2009.

He moved to the Rec in 2011 and has made more than 140 appearances for the Blue, Black and White.

His current three-year deal expires in June. Somerset Live understands there were discussions about a new deal at Bath but he has opted for life at Ashton Gate.

Last season, Attwood went on loan to Toulon for the second half of the season and almost joined them permanently last Summer.

The former England lock said: “It’s a hugely exciting opportunity for me to come back to Bristol, where my rugby education began.

“As somebody who grew up and studied here, my family and I have a close affinity to the city.

"The way Bristol Bears has established a forward-thinking culture and environment has made everybody sit up and take notice – I can’t wait to be a part of that and to contribute to the vision.”

(Image: Ian Johnson/Taking Pictures (Sport) Ltd)

Director of rugby Todd Blackadder said: “This was a really difficult decision for both the club and Dave, but it’s a move that’s the right one for his future.

"Dave has been a great servant to Bath Rugby over the last seven seasons and played a key role in helping the club to the Premiership final during the 2014/15 campaign.

“Not many players hit 150 appearances for a club, so it will be testament to him when he reaches that milestone over the coming weeks.

"There are still four months of the season to play and Dave will undoubtedly play a key role in our push for the top four.

“We know Dave will be missed. However, the recent signings of Lewis Boyce, Christian Judge, Will Stuart, Mike Williams and Josh McNally combined with Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson, Taulupe Faletau, Semesa Rokoduguni and Charlie Ewels all extending their contracts, in addition to Miles Reid and Will Vaughan being promoted to the first team, shows we are building an extremely exciting squad for 2019 and beyond.”

Attwood was born in Bristol, went to Ridings High School in Winterbourne and played some of his junior rugby for Frampton Cotterell and Dings Crusaders, two of the city's amateur clubs.