Cornish Pirates have re-signed lock Steele Barker from Bristol for the 2026-27 Champ season.
The 25-year-old returns to the Mennaye two years after leaving to join the Prem side.
He featured four times in the Prem Rugby Cup for the Bears this season, as well as having a loan spell at Champ side Hartpury.
Barker made his Prem debut for Bristol in January 2024 before playing twice in the Champions Cup later that month.
He returns to Penzance, having previously made 38 appearances for the Pirates in a two-year spell from 2022, scoring one try.
“Steele came on so much with us during his first spell and the by the time he left, was one of the best lock forwards in Champ Rugby,” joint head coach Alan Paver told the club website.
“We didn’t want to lose him at the time, but the opportunity at the top level was the right move for him and we will have an even more accomplished player back with us.
“Steele will bring a great deal to us, not least at set-piece with his lineout calling and we can’t wait to have him back.”
