BOSWER BACK FOR 2026

Veteran forward signs fifth consecutive contract extension

We are pleased to confirm the extension of Welsh international Sam Bowring’s contract until the end of the 2026 season.

Sam, 34, first joined the Canes in 2021 during the club’s last season as Coventry Bears. Up until last season the veteran prop combined his rugby league career alongside his full-time roles as Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s Lead Performance Coach (in 2021) and Doncaster Rovers’ Head of Sport Science (between 2022 and 2024). It was therefore incredibly unlucky timing for Sam that he would suffer a near season-ending injury during our 1895 Cup First Preliminary Round victory over Whitehaven, but everyone at the club was delighted to see Sam take back to the field during the final round of the season in front of the home faithful.

Ever since joining the Canes, Bowser has established himself as a fan favourite by combining his serious efforts on the field with his light-hearted and approachable nature off it. That combination saw him earn the 2023 Supporters Club Player of the Year Award, the same year that he would go on to make his official debut for Wales in an uncapped appearance against Cumbria for Kyle Amor’s testimonial year. He would go on to earn his first official cap for Wales in 2024 during their 22-16 win World Cup Qualifying warm-up victory over Jamaica. He then earned two further caps by appearing in Wales World Cup Qualifying win over Serbia (0-48) and defeat to France (48-6).

During his five seasons with the Canes he has made 48 appearances and scored eight tries, with his latest coming as he finished off a Will Brough break during our 58-4 victory over Newcastle Thunder at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Whilst its taken long than he would like, we have no doubt that Bowser will earn his place in the 50+ club during the 2026 season. For now, Sam will be looking to earn his fourth and fifth caps for Wales alongside new signing Owen Restall during this Autumn’s two-match series against Ireland at The Gnoll (on 25 October) and Post Office Road (on 1 November).

Speaking with CanesTV, Mark Dunning discussed retaining Sam for 2026:

“We’re really pleased that Sam has agreed to extend his stay at The Alex for another year.

The 2025 campaign was such a tough one for him on and off the field, with Sam suffering his first serious injury in his career just 30 minutes or so into his first match of the season. At 33 years old he needed to work extremely hard to get his way back to fitness and selection following surgery, but his strength in character - along with the support of everyone at the club and his family - got him through what was a dark period.

With a good pre-season under his belt, we look forward to seeing a fit and healthy Sam in 2026.”

CanesTV also spoke with Bowser about his decision to extend:

“I'm really pleased to have extended my contract with the Canes for the 2026 season.

After a major injury last season, I am very excited to be on the pitch regularly and to battle hard in the Canes first ever season in the Championship. 

Since I first signed with the club back in 2021, the Canes have developed year by year on and off-field, which made it a no-brainer for me to stay. I have a long standing connection with the fans - who have been kind enough to sponsor me for the last few seasons - and their support last year whilst I was recovering did not go unnoticed. I hope to be able to reward them with my efforts on the field next season.

It's an exciting time to be a Cane for the 2026 campaign.”

Bowser represents our 13th piece of off-season news and our fifth piece of retention news following the re-signing news of Todd Horner, Jon-Luke Kirby, Kieran Moran and Josh Jordan-Roberts. We are pleased to confirm we have at least two more retention announcements to bring you in the couple of weeks before we share details of our kits and season tickets for the 2026 season.

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