Nailsea & Backwell head coach Tony Hill said everyone at the club are "are all very proud" with Yann Thomas after the loosehead prop recorded his 100th appearance for Bristol Bears v London Irish on Sunday.

The 32-year-old's big day was sadly marked with a 23-7 defeat to the Exiles in the Gallagher Premiership's bottom of the table clash.

Thomas came through the junior section with the Ravens before moving on to Weston RFC at Colts level. 

Thomas was then offered a contract with Gloucester, where he made over 100 appearances before he signed a contract to play in France with Stade Rouennais. 

A move to Bristol came in 2018 to sign or Bears, the same year where Hill immediately approached him about joining his coaching team.

“When I heard Yann was coming back to Bristol, I gave him a call and asked if he’d like to join me coaching the Ravens," he said.

"He didn’t hesitate. Some of his old mates still play including Ravens captain Luke Sharp and I new he would be the perfect fit for us.

Hill added: "The players, supporters and committee are all very proud to be associated with Yann and to reach this milestone just shows how much the Bears rate him as well’. 

“It’s also great that PureComms, who sponsor the club and sponsor Yann as well, so there’s some great continuity throughout."