16th July 2005
Issued on behalf of Bristol Rugby

Bristol openside flanker Joe El Abd committed his future to Bristol Rugby this week as he signed a new two year contract with the Premiership newcomers.
 
Joe signed a two year deal at the end of the 2003-4 season but Richard Hill was taking no chances with El Abd's long term future and offered the flanker improved terms after a 2004-5 campaign in which he made 30 starts.

Joe explained why he was happy to put pen to paper when he spoke to the club's website this week.

"I'm really happy to sign. I've been with Bristol for two years now and I've throughly enjoyed every minute. It's brilliant to know that I'll be here for another two years."

"The club have shown great faith in me when they offered me this new deal and I couldn't be happier. The coaches, Richard Hill and Martin Haag, have been great and really helped my game. Now Paul Hull has arrived and I'm looking forward to working with him as well."

"After missing so much of my first season, 2004-5 was brilliant. It's a fantastic club and the fans have been superb even though they've been through some tough times in the past few years."

"To play so much last season was great and I felt as though I repaid a little of the faith that everyone showed in me. Promotion was fantastic and the icing on the cake."

"It's an exciting time at Bristol at the moment. The Premiership is amongst the best leagues in the world and we can't wait to pit ourselves against the best teams week in and week out."

"We've had 14 or 15 new players arrive and there's some great talent and experience there. They're settling in well and Richard Hill has recruited on personality as well as talent."

"We've had a great team spirit these past two seasons. The new arrivals are fitting in great and that spirit is intact."