Michael Lipman agrees new two year deal

2 year deal
By Duncan Wood
May 20 2002

Michael Lipman has pledged his immediate future to Bristol by signing a 2 year deal. The former Australia U21 and NSW U21 player has made the breakthrough into the first XV in recent weeks and doesn't look out of place.

Lipman's deal completes a remarkable season for him. For some time during the winter, it looked as though he wasn't going to get a look in. However, the last few weeks have seen an amazing turnaround.

He arrived at the Memorial Stadium in September and made his debut for the United against Harlequins Extras. He was then immediately named in Bristol's European Shield squad but Adam Vander and Craig Short were dominating the number 7 shirt and opportunities were limited.

His break came in a way that he probably regrets in a way. Adam Vander was involved in a car crash and was ruled out for the season. That gave Lipman the chance to stake a claim for the jersey and he hasn't looked back.

He has brought real pace to the back row and his breakaway try against Sale when he managed to outpace Jason Robinson was something to remember. However, he isn't just a flyer and he has tackled his weight as well.

He came to nationwide prominence on Saturday when he played his part in Bristol's famous victory at Leicester and was in the right place at the right time to claim the third try.

He has now signed a 2 year deal and, with Chris Morgan having graduated from the Academy setup this season, Bristol appear to have two talented young opensides on the books.