According to Diamond, Pepper – who can operate as a winger or scrum-half – was offered a greatly improved deal at Newcastle.
“I got a phone to say he was not taking up the offer and that he was leaving, so I’m pretty disappointed about it,” Diamond said.
“The problem Newcastle have is you give these lads opportunities and they jump ship.
“These young lads are influenced by their agents, promises of what they can get elsewhere. But what they can’t promise them is will they get the game time at these clubs that have squads of 60, 70 players.”
After his move was confirmed by Bristol, Pepper said he was “incredibly grateful” for the opportunity Newcastle had given him, but that he believed the Bears’ “brand of rugby will suit my skill set, whether I get opportunities playing at nine or on the wing”.
He continued: “Since leaving school with no contract, playing in New Zealand through Covid and the three years I spent at Durham University playing in BUCS Super Rugby, I have strived to be the best player I can be. I am looking forward to the next few years of my development with Bristol.”
Pepper was the BUCS Super Rugby Player of the Season for Durham University in 2023/24 before joining the Falcons, for whom he made his Gallagher Premiership debut against Bristol at Ashton Gate last April.
