Scrum-half JB is heading for Hartpury
» SCRUM-HALF Jean-baptiste Bruzulier is to join Hartpury for the 2021-22 Greene King IPA Championship season.
Bruzulier, whose mum is Welsh and his dad French, will join the club from the Cornish Pirates, where he has been since the summer of 2019.
He was in the Pirates side that racked up an impressive half-time lead over Hartpury in last weekend’s fixture between the two clubs at the Mennaye Field and made 18 appearances for the club.
He played his early rugby in and around his home town of Cardiff, appearing in age-grade rugby for both the Blues and the Dragons at various times.
He moved to Filton College in 2011, before signing an academy contract with Saracens.
During his time with the London club, he had game-time with Old Albanians as well as being selected into the Wales Sevens squad.
He later moved to France to play with Pays D’aix and it was during this period that he spent a month on a trial with the mighty Toulon.
During this spell he was able to witness first-hand such talents as Johnny Wilkinson – who mentored him during his time there – and Matt Giteau, among others.
A return to the UK in 2014 led to a successful spell with Worcester Warriors, during which time he played a full part in their dramatic Championship play-off win over Bristol, as well as captaining the side which won the British and Irish Cup.
Moving back to France to play for Nevers in 2016, Bruzulier once again got the opportunity to spend a loan spell with another giant of the French game, in the form of Clermont Auvergne, and it was from Nevers that he returned to the Championship ahead of the 2018-19 season.
He made his competitive debut for his new club, Yorkshire Carnegie, in a 16-5 opening day defeat at Hartpury.
Director of rugby John Barnes said “JB is moving back to the area for personal reasons and we are very glad to have picked up his signature.
“He is an experienced player, in a key position, who will add to our much-improving back line.”
“Having competed against JB whilst he was at Old Albanians, Worcester, Yorkshire and Pirates, we know what he can bring on the field and we look forward to seeing that talent in a Hartpury shirt next season.”
Bruzulier said: “Before I depart the Pirates, I want to say a massive thank you to the club. It has been an amazing two years and I have absolutely loved being here, as have my kids, which is awesome.
“The coaching staff and the players will be missed, as it’s a big family who all look after each other, and my thanks are also expressed to Dicky for his amazing support during the tough times and what he does for the Cornish Pirates.
“Wishing the club all the very best, I will always fondly remember the times I’ve had in Cornwall with the Pirates.”