Charlie ‘Buster’ Rice

DoB                          24^th Feb 2002

Birthplace                 Bristol

Height                      6’ 6” (1.97m)

Weight                     18st 12lbs (120kg)

Position/s                 Lock/back row

Honours                   England U18 & U20s

Having the previous season made one appearance for the Cornish Pirates when on a short-term loan from Bristol Bears, it was confirmed in July that Buster had put pen to paper on a full-time contract with the club ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Bristol-born, Buster is a former St. Katherine’s School and SGS Filton College student, and Bristol under 18s player of the season. He represented England under 18s and under 20s and has also previously played for clubs including Gordano Sharks and Hartpury, whilst prior to signing for the Pirates he played for Sumner RFC in New Zealand.

Influences in his career to date have been former rugby playing dad Mark, who played over 400 games for Gordano Sharks and took Buster to his first training session there, and Bristol Bears’ inspirational legend Joe Joyce, a Bristol lad through and through who showed that you don’t have to go to a private school to make it.

Besides rugby, Buster played a lot of sports when growing up, including football, cricket and basketball, and keeping sport in the family his mum Niciola is a black belt in karate.

As for hobbies, Buster likes to play golf and PlayStation – and he also keeps fish in a tank in his room!