[3] Bates signed professional terms with Bristol Bears in 2019 having graduated through the club's Academy system ahead of the 2019-20 season.
He made his Premiership Rugby debut against Sale Sharks in August 2020.
[4][5][6] This debut, at the age of 19 years and 95 days, made him the second-youngest player to start a game for Bristol in the top-flight since leagues were introduced in 1987.
[7] Bates had a breakthrough season in 2021-22, making 17 appearances in all competitions and scoring three tries.
[8][9] In December 2022, he signed a new contract with Bristol having made 30 appearances for the club.