Max Pepper

Max Pepper is a forward at Bristol Bears, where he operates in the engine room of the pack. Born on 9 May 2001, the England-qualified lock is built for the tight exchanges, bringing physicality in the collisions and a presence at the lineout that adds an option to his side's set-piece. Pepper's game is rooted in the fundamentals of second-row play: contesting restarts and lineouts, clearing rucks, and putting in the high-volume tackle and carry work that a forward pack demands. At a club known for its ambitious, fast-paced style under Pat Lam, the ability of the tight five to provide a stable platform is essential, and Pepper contributes to that foundation. Now in his mid-twenties, he is at the stage of his career where sustained involvement can convert physical potential into a defined role within a deep Bristol squad. His combination of size, athleticism and appetite for the unseen graft makes him a useful squad forward, with set-piece reliability and work rate the cornerstones of his contribution in the Gallagher Premiership.