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Post by bluetornados on Dec 6, 2023 21:19:02 GMT
Investec Champions Cup: Bristol must 'make most' of home start against Lyon, says Pat Lam..
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Fitz Harding scored for Bristol at Ashton Gate in their most recent win over GloucesterBristol must take advantage of a home start to their Investec Champions Cup campaign, says director of rugby Pat Lam. The Bears begin their European season against French Top 14 side Lyon on Saturday at Ashton Gate. The club come into the game on the back a morale-boosting Premiership win over rivals Gloucester last weekend. "For us it's about getting back to work and improving our game," Lam told BBC Radio Bristol. "We've got a home game - everyone who has home games this weekend at the start of the competition has a real advantage if they choose to make the most of it." Bristol are back in Europe's premier competition for the first time in two years. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/9653/production/_131938483_gettyimages-1813252616.jpgDespite finishing ninth in the table last season and initially missing out on a place in the Champions Cup, the loss of London Irish moved the club up from the Challenge Cup. "You've definitely got to win your home games but the first game's the biggest one in the Champions Cup. You get that then you go away with a lot of confidence," Lam said. "We know how big this game is and an opportunity. "The fans were great last week and that's the other thing we do talk about - making sure that we give our fans something to shout about early in the game." Lam dismissed suggestions he would rotate his team with a fixture at Bordeaux to also come next week, and insisted he would field "the strongest team" possible. Flanker Magnus Bradbury is available having not played since the loss to Bath on 17 November, while captain Fitz Harding has also been cleared to play after coming off in the win against Gloucester. "Our experience of playing French teams in Champions Cup or Challenge Cup is they've always have quality individuals, they always bring physicality and when we've been successful it's our same old template. "We play as the Bears, we play as one, then we can put pressure on them."
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 9, 2023 10:13:47 GMT
Ellis Genge: England prop injured but expected to make Six Nations..
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Ellis Genge was named player of the match in Bristol's recent win over GloucesterEngland and Bristol prop Ellis Genge is set to miss a number of weeks because of a hamstring injury. The 28-year-old picked up the injury in training but a Bears statement said he was expected to return "ahead of England's 2024 Six Nations campaign". He has scored tries in the last two Premiership outings for Bristol since returning from the World Cup. Genge, who has won 58 England caps, also captained his country for the first time earlier this year. England begin their Six Nations tournament on 3 February away to Italy. Genge will miss the start of Bristol's Champions Cup campaign at home to Lyon on Saturday along with their visit to Bordeaux Begles on 16 December. Bristol then return to Premiership action with four fixtures through the rest of December and January, along with two more European games. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/DF76/production/_131960275_gettyimages-1826805354.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 2, 2024 22:23:40 GMT
Viliame Mata: Bristol Bears sign Edinburgh's Fiji back-row for 2024-25..
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Viliame Mata played for a World XV in the Killik Cup against the Barbarians at Twickenham in 2023Bristol Bears are to sign Fiji international Viliame Mata from Edinburgh for next season. The 32-year-old back-row - who scored against England in October's World Cup quarter-final - has made more than 100 appearances for Edinburgh. Mata told the Bears website: "I'm truly grateful for the opportunity and excited for the challenge." He was nominated for European club player of the year and named Pro14 Players' Player of the Year in 2018-19. Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said: "Viliame is one of the most powerful and exciting back-row players in the game, so we're delighted to be bolstering our forward pack with a player of his world-class calibre next season. "His performances as a centurion for Edinburgh and at the recent Rugby World Cup in France for Fiji, showcased his experience and ability at the top level." The Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist was the first non-Scottish qualified player to reach 100 appearances for a Scottish club.
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 5, 2024 23:07:07 GMT
Premiership: Sale 14-22 Bristol - Sharks' 12-game winning home run ended..By Adam Lanigan, BBC Sport at the Salford Community Stadium.
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Bristol's Gabriel Ibitoye raced clear to score their second trySale missed the chance to go back to the top of the Premiership as Bristol ended their 12-game home winning run. The Bears were never behind as they became the first team to win a league game at the Salford Community Stadium since October 2022. Harry Randall, Gabriel Ibitoye and Max Malins scored their tries, with Jonny Hill and Agustin Creevy crossing for the hosts. Sale drop to fourth in a tight table, while Bristol stay eighth. Victory means the West Country side are now only seven points outside the top-four spots, with seven matches remaining. i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/article9017831.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-1910563764.jpgJames Williams of Bristol Bears celebrates with team mate Benhard Janse van Rensburg after their victory against Sale Sharks Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam:"I'm really pleased for the boys because we were bitterly disappointed last week (against Exeter Chiefs). I was very annoyed after the game. "This is probably the most difficult place to come when you look at the great work Alex has done, so it's huge for us to be the first team to win here. "We knew we had to be on it as if you're not and you fall behind against Sale, it's a hard day. "Once they get out, they can shut the game down really well, so we knew we had to get in front early and stay ahead." Sale: Carpenter; Roebuck, S. James, Ma'asi-White, Reed; R du Preez, Warr; Harrison, Cowan-Dickie, Schonert, Wiese, Hill, van Rhyn, B Curry (c), JL du Preez. Replacements: Creevy, Onasanya, Harper, Bamber, Dugdale, Thomas, Curtis, Veainu. Sin-bin: Veainu (71), Bamber (73) Bristol: Malins; Heward, van Rensburg, Williams, Ibitoye; MacGinty, Randall; Woolmore, Oghre, Sinckler, Caulfield, Batley, Luatua (c), Thomas, Bradbury. Replacements: Capon, Grahamslaw, Kloska, Owen, Heenan, Marmion, Ravouvou, Lane. Referee: Karl Dickson
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 13, 2024 22:35:54 GMT
Callum Sheedy: Wales fly-half suffers knee injury ahead of Six Nations..
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Callum Sheedy has won 16 caps for Wales since his debut in 2020Wales fly-half Callum Sheedy's hopes of being named in Warren Gatland's' Six Nations squad have been dealt a blow. Bristol coach Pat Lam has confirmed the 28-year-old suffered a knee injury during their game against Exeter on 29 December. "Callum went in to jackal and they cleaned out his knee. He's got a low grade MCL [medial collateral ligament] from that so he's probably out for three or four weeks," Lam said. Gatland names his squad on Tuesday. The Wales head coach already has a conundrum over the Wales 10 jersey following the international retirement of Dan Biggar. Scarlets duo Sam Costelow and Ioan Lloyd are both front runners, while Jarrod Evans is hoping a possible loophole could allow him to continue his international career after moving to Harlequins. There is still uncertainty over Gareth Anscombe after he had his registration with his new Japanese club cancelled because of a groin injury.
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 20, 2024 10:20:43 GMT
Connacht 27-10 Bristol Bears: Irish side's bonus-point victory ends Bears' last-16 hopes..By Mantej Mann, BBC Sport.
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Jack Aungier scored Connacht's second try in their bonus-point victory over Bristol BearsConnacht ended Bristol Bears' hopes of reaching the Investec Champions Cup last 16 with a comfortable bonus-point win in their final pool game. Shayne Bolton scored the opener before Bristol's Josh Caulfield was sent off for striking Finlay Bealham's head. Bristol struggled to recover as the hosts scored again through Jack Aungier and Caolin Blade before the interval. Andrew Smith added a fourth after the break as Bristol left empty-handed despite claiming a late penalty try. The Bears arrived in Ireland in fourth and occupying the final qualification spot in Pool 1, but defeat for Pat Lam's men sees them drop to the foot of the table and out of the competition, exchanging places with the Irish province. Three-time winners Saracens remain fifth and can leapfrog Connacht, who they trail by one point, with victory or a losing bonus if they are beaten by fewer than 20 points in their meeting with Lyon on Saturday. The Irish province lost their opening three European games this season but Lam, who coached Connacht for four years, would have been all too aware of their threat in front of a buoyant home crowd. Connacht raced into an early lead as Bolton finished off a flowing move following a break in midfield, before a single moment appeared to all but end Bristol's challenge. As Caulfield approached the ruck, his boot made contact with the grounded Bealham's head as he tried to set his footing, but referee Pierre Brousset felt the lock had enough time to adjust his approach to the breakdown. With the visitors down to 14, Connacht appeared to grow in confidence and Aungier powered over from close range. To compound Bristol's agony, Kyle Sinckler was sent to the sin-bin to reduce the visitors to 13 men as the hosts celebrated their second try. It only intensified the Connacht attack and moments after the English prop returned to the field, Blade sniped over to put his side seemingly out of reach. Bristol showed plenty of fight and were unfortunate not to score their first try before the break as David Hawkshaw appeared to make an illegal double tackle to keep the visitors out, but Brousset was not interested in reviewing the footage. Both sides had excellent tries chalked off as Smith acrobatically dived over in the corner despite coming under the challenge of several Bristol defenders, but he was penalised for a toe in touch, and Kalaveti Ravouvou latched on to a neat kick through and powered away from the trailing Connacht defence before losing control of the ball as he dived over. Smith did get his deserved try to seal the bonus point which keeps Connacht's faint hopes alive, before Bristol were rewarded for their perseverance with a penalty try in the closing stages of their Champions Cup campaign.
Line-ups
Connacht: O'Halloran; Smith, Hawkshaw, Aki, Bolton; Hanrahan, Blade (c); Buckley, McElroy, Bealham, Murray, Joyce, Prendergast, Hurley-Langton, Butler. Replacements: Heffernan, Dooley, Aungier, Dowling, Oliver, McDonald, Carty, McNulty. Bristol Bears: Malins; Ravouvou, Vakatawa, Janse van Rensburg, Ibitoye; MacGinty, Randal; Woolmore, Oghre, Sinckler, Caulfield, Batley, Luatua, Harding (c), Bradbury. Replacements: Capon, Grahamslaw, Lahiff, Owen, Thomas, Marmion, Williams, O'Conor. Referee: Pierre Brousset (Fra)
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 24, 2024 0:10:05 GMT
'Inconsistent Bristol Bears are consistent in one area, not making progress'..ByPete Brealey.
Author Pete Brealey is the co-host of Bristol Bears fans podcast Bears Beyond the Gate.
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Bristol Bears' Kalaveti Ravouvou is tackled by Connacht Rugby's Andrew Smith ‘Why are you shouting at the telly?’ my other half demanded as yet another bit of possession was butchered in Connacht’s red zone by the 14-man Bristol Bears. ‘They can’t hear you!’ To be fair, she had a point, and I do concede it must have been incredibly annoying to be sitting next to me, but there is an answer - however absurd, irrational and downright irritating my behaviour appeared to be. First, it was borne out of frustration about not being able to understand why, yet again, the team were delivering the most inconsistent of performances in a season that has, yet again, been itself incredibly inconsistent. It comes down to what we are told in advance and what we are told after the event. At the start of the campaign, we were assured that the priority was nailing the fundamentals, the basics, the things that don’t require world-class talent. Passing, catching, kicking, tackling, retaining possession. But against Connacht, almost every single piece of possession we had during the game was turned over in one form or another. Knock-ons, missed kicks, penalties. No-one has a right to win anything by simply turning up, but it was made pretty clear before this match that if we were going to get a positive result we needed to be ‘right on it and accurate’. Of course, going down a man early on didn’t help but we still had chances to score after that and then Northampton Saints managed it ok the following night against Munster. So why was our performance so poor? ‘We made far too any mistakes, didn’t take opportunities, took the pressure off… certainly it wasn’t a great day for us’ was the narrative after the game. And this then leads to the second deeper reason for our frustration and one that has been aired before. That’s not an answer, that’s just confirmation of what we can all see for ourselves. The real question is why? Why are these things happening on a regular basis? Is it mindset? Is it flawed recruitment? Is it game plan? Is it COVID? Is it Putin’s invasion of Ukraine? I don’t know because I’m not privy to anything apart from shelling out a load of money for a season card every year and seeing it happen in front of my eyes. We are out of Europe, out of the Premiership Cup, ten points off the Premiership play-offs with seven games to go and an absolutely MASSIVE sell-out game to come against our oldest rivals on Saturday. What’s the plan now? What are the targets in the short, medium and long term? Don’t get me wrong, the club has come such a long way – more fans, big players, fantastic facilities and one piece of silverware for which I hope everyone is incredibly grateful - but what we don’t have at the moment is a sense of consistent progress. Something has to change even if it is simply the way that things are communicated. That said, we all need to do our bit on Saturday by rallying around the team, shouting our hearts out and hopefully cheering them to victory. A good win against Bath won’t necessarily answer deeper questions but it will give us something about which to feel positive. Up the Bears!
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 25, 2024 14:58:36 GMT
Premiership Rugby: Bristol player to wear microphone during Bath match..
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A Bristol player will wear the microphone during their game with West Country rivals Bath on Saturday at Ashton GateA player microphone will be used for the first time in the Premiership when Bristol play Bath on Saturday. A Bristol player will wear the microphone during the match, with audio broadcast during breaks in play, at half-time and post-match. "Viewers will be able to get unique insight into the physicality of the sport as well as hear about the high-pressure decision making and communication that occurs on the field of play in elite rugby," Premiership Rugby said. A three-person team will monitor the feed throughout the match, which is being broadcast on TNT Sports. Referee Luke Pearce will also wear a camera during Gloucester's match with Sale on Sunday. The camera will be also worn during the pre-game warm-up by a player from either side.
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 28, 2024 2:24:53 GMT
Premiership: Bristol 57-44 Bath - Bears made to sweat in high-scoring thriller..
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Bristol had the edge on rivals Bath, but had to wait until the final stages to seal the winBristol Bears held on to edge a thrilling, free-scoring Premiership derby against rivals Bath, in which both sides earned a bonus point. Pat Lam's side ran in eight scores, including Rich Lane's game-decider, picking off Finn Russell's speculative kick to put the game beyond doubt. Bath had to show bottle to fight back after Bristol pulled clear. They finished with six tries, but Russell's undercooked kick lost them a losing bonus as the Bears pounced. This was a full-throttle, thrill-a-minute points-fest of a game which banished any thoughts of a tight, tense affair, as the pre-match excitement of a Royal Marines ball delivery from the roof and pitch-side pyrotechnics was more than matched by the on-field action. It had everything, including beautifully executed skill and precision, bruising physicality, drama with the Television Match Official ruling on a number of try/no try calls, and four sin-binnings - two apiece - as both sides spent a period down to 13 players. From the first minute this game fizzled with energy, played at a frenzied tempo with quick ruck speed and dynamic football on both sides, and a standard was set when Russell sent a cute dink wide that Cokanasiga turned into points with a sideline-straddling run of brawn and pace inside three minutes. It was a score which also roused the hosts, they sharpened up their attack with AJ MacGinty ducking and diving with menace, unlocking the Bath defence with a variety of clever plays, and the 26,000-strong crowd responded. Sin-binnings for Bath's Jaco Coetzee and Louis Schreuder helped, but there there was variety to Bristol's flood of points, from Will Capon and MacGinty dotting down from close range to Joe Batley finishing off a diamond-saw of a linebreak, and Noah Heward crossing after a clever kick to space. Bath were not quelled, notching when Tom Dunn burrowed over from a classic maul set-up, but James Williams finished off the first-half scoring for the Bears when he ran a peach of a line behind his pack to scoot through a gap and touch down under the posts. Tries were traded like football stickers in the playground after the break; Bath crossing as Tom de Glanville finished a short side break and Coetzee bashed his way across, while Bristol replied with close-range work of their own from Fitz Harding and Magnus Bradbury. It was at this point where Bristol's discipline gave the Blue, Black and Whites their hope of a comeback, as Steven Luatua and then Heward spent time in the bin. Thomas du Toit kept up his prolific form by powering in with Bristol short-handed, while a penalty try came when an offside Heward made a tackle on a try-bound Dunn to bring up a penalty try and practically end his afternoon. MacGinty and Russell exchanged penalties as the under-the-pump Bears wobbled, yet the clock was against Bath as they dug away. Trapped in their own end, Russell reached into his bag of magic tricks to deliver a grandstand finish, but could only hand the game on a plate to Bristol as full-back Lane accepted the gift of a flat cross-field kick which fell short of its target and dashed in from close in to spark scenes of celebration and no little relief around a packed Ashton Gate.
Bristol boss Pat Lam told BBC Radio Bristol:"I'm very proud, what a great game. Bath are flying, we knew it would be tough, but one thing we talked about was not losing to Bath at Ashton Gate. "Since I've been here we've had some wonderful clashes here and won them all, so we knew it was a real big one for our fans. "[Owner] Steve Lansdown had a quiet word to me about playing the Bears way, he wanted to be excited about the way we play and I said I'd see what we can do. I think he will have been excited by that performance. "Credit to Bath, that was a great game. The big thing was the attitude of both teams. I know we haven't managed some of these games near the end where we've lost. "That's what I'm most proud about, people might have said Bristol would struggle here but we got through. We learned. We knew what was coming and we had to dig deep."
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 28, 2024 2:32:11 GMT
Fitz Harding: Bristol Bears captain says season is not 'tick box' for team..
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Bristol exited the Champions Cup last weekend and sit eighth in the Premiership with seven games remainingBristol captain Fitz Harding says there is still a lot for the team to achieve this season despite a struggle for consistency in results. The Bears exited the European Champions Cup at the group stage last weekend after losing to Connacht. They are also eighth in the Premiership and 10 points away from the top four with seven games of the season remaining. "Consistency is always a problem for a team," Harding told BBC Radio Bristol. "I don't like the term 'in a period of transition' because I think it implies a lot of things that we're not, but we're certainly a team that's learning all the time. "I think this season, even though we've had a lot of results that haven't gone our way on paper, the actual performances have definitely been a step up from where they have been in the last couple of seasons. "If you look at our fixture list now, our run-in to the season, we believe we can gather a lot of momentum. "There's a real belief in the squad that this season isn't just a tick box for us, there's still a lot we feel we can achieve."
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 29, 2024 8:36:10 GMT
James Dun: Bristol forward signs new 'long-term' deal..
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James Dun has been a regular for Bristol this season playing in 15 games and scoring one tryBristol Bears forward James Dun has signed a new "long-term" contract extension with the club. The 24-year-old joined his hometown club's academy aged 13 and went on to make his Premiership debut in 2017. Dun, who can play in the second row and back row, has made 27 appearances for the Bears in total. He spent last season on loan with Championship side Jersey Reds, where he was part of the team that won the league title. "The environment here is perfect for my development and progression as a player and I'm learning all the time from the coaches and players around me," Dun said. Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said that "homegrown players" like Dun were a "key pillar" of the club. "He has brought real physicality, work rate and skill to our team through his standout performances. I'm genuinely excited by how far he can continue to grow as he has a strong personal motivation to make the most of every opportunity in front of him," Lam said. "Dunny epitomises what we're trying to achieve at the Bears with young, hungry players with huge potential."
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 29, 2024 8:39:27 GMT
Gabriel Ibitoye: Bristol Bears wing signs new 'long-term' deal..
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Ibitoye has been one of the best finishers in England this seasonBristol wing Gabriel Ibitoye has signed a new long-term extension to his contract with the Bears. The 25-year-old, who has scored eight tries in all competitions this season, said it was "a very easy decision" to stay with the club he joined in 2022. "I feel my game has developed massively since arriving here," said the former England Under-20 international. "I love the environment, the attacking philosophy and the brand of rugby that we are striving to play." Ibitoye, who started his career at Harlequins and had spells in France with Agen and Montpellier before a season with Tel Aviv Heat in Israel, leads the Premiership for defenders beaten (43) this season and is fourth for metres made (660). "Our dynamic style suits my game and I feel like I am continuing to grow and develop as a player," he added. "I'm hugely ambitious and I aspire to play for my country - I believe Bristol Bears is the right club for me to achieve that." Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam described Ibitoye as "one of the most exciting attacking players in the Premiership". "His pace, power and explosiveness is a perfect fit for the exciting way we play at the Bears," he added. "He has developed hugely since arriving here two seasons ago and at just 25, still has room for growth and development and I believe his potential has a very high ceiling. "Gabs has the ability to create opportunities out of nothing and is fast becoming one of the most potent finishers in the country, as demonstrated on multiple occasions already this season. "We are all really pleased that Gabs has committed his future with us as he's also an excellent team man and is very popular in our group."
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 29, 2024 8:43:08 GMT
Kofi Cripps: England youth flanker signs with Bristol for next season..
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Kofi Cripps made two appearances for England Under-20s during their Grand-Slam winning Six Nations campaign in 2022Bristol have signed England youth international back-rower Kofi Cripps for the 2024-25 season. The 20-year-old, who typically plays at flanker, was formerly part of Wasps' academy and has been playing for fourth tier National League 2 side Clifton Rugby, based in Bristol, this season. Cripps made one appearance for the Bears in September on loan in the Premiership Rugby Cup. He also represented England Under-20s during the 2022 Six Nations. "Kofi is very highly rated within the England age group pathway and I'm sure will make an immediate impact as we build an exciting young squad for the future," Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said. "He is the right age profile, is hungry to learn and improve and we're looking forward to seeing what he can achieve in the Bears environment."
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 8, 2024 23:24:24 GMT
Pat Lam explains why he has handed new deals to nine Bristol Bears players..By John EvelySports Writer.
James Williams, Will Capon and Noah Heward are amongst those to have signed new deals
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Pat Lam, Director of Rugby of Bristol Bears Bristol Bears have announced nine contract extensions ahead of the 2024/25 campaign as director of rugby Pat Lam looks to build a sustainable squad for now as well as the future. Two of this season’s standout performers, James Williams and Noah Heward, sign extensions with the club after impressing during the first two seasons in Bear Country while Bristolian second-row Josh Caulfield, who joined the Bears from London Irish at the beginning of the 2023/24 season, extends his stay at his hometown club. Another midseason arrival, highly rated prop Sam Grahamslaw, also commits his future to the club having moved from Jersery Reds after the Championship club went out of business in the Autumn. Homegrown quartet George Kloska, Will Capon, George Taylor and Harry Rowson all sign extensions with their boyhood clubs, while the talented and versatile Joe Owen is another to commit his future to the Premiership side. The nine players today join forward James Dun, flanker Kofi Cripps and winger Gabriel Ibitoye in singing contract extensions, with the club having also confirmed the signing of Fijian number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata from Edinburgh, and earlier in the year Argentinan backrower Benjamin Grondona moved to the club, making his debut in the win over Bedford Blues on Friday night. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/3BCA/production/_132860351_shutterstock_editorial_13432393bi.jpg
Bristol-born hooker Will Capon joined the club's academy as a teenager and made his Premiership debut in 2019Welsh fly-half Callum Sheedy is currently the only player confirmed as departing, but considerably more movement is expected. Lam, said: “We’re pleased to secure the futures of these nine players as we build our squad for the future. “George Kloska and Will Capon are two young Bristolian front-row forwards who have already amassed 128 Premiership and European caps between them. While both are very young in front-row terms they continue to improve year on year,and we’re excited to see what they both can achieve. “Sam Grahamslaw is another young prop with huge potential and a big future in the game. He has impressed in his first taste of Premiership Rugby since arriving from Jersey at the start of the season. He’s a genuinely big man in our forward pack and we believe his potential and growth has a very high ceiling. “Joe Owen continues to grow and develop in our environment and his debuts in both the Premiership and the Champions Cup this season demonstrates the growth he has made. At just 22-years-old, Joe has shown his ability both at lock and in the back row and we’re confident that he will be play a key part of our exciting squad moving forwards. “Noah Heward and James Williams have quickly established themselves in our first team squad and have been virtually ever-present in our matchday squads this season. “Noah is a versatile, skilful back-three player, very comfortable on the wing and at full back and fans would’ve seen his ability on numerous occasions this season. We believe he is only going to get better, and we’re pleased that he has committed his future here. www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/images/e-031755/20220727_bears_training_rt0609.jpgJames Williams“Jimmy has worked extremely hard for his opportunities at the top level and continues to showcase his ability and consistency. His rugby journey demonstrates how hard he has worked, and he is now seeing the fruits of his labour. Jimmy’s ability to play both 12 and 10 means his leadership and understanding of our game plays a big part in driving the game on the field. We’re pleased that he’ll continue to grow with us next season. "Harry Rowson and George Taylor have been part of our BUCS University programme, playing regularly in BUCS Super Rugby and in the National Leagues at Loughborough University. Every time they have returned during their university breaks, they have shown their growth and maturity from being away from home in an excellent programmeat Loughborough. Now they return to the Bears with that experience under their belt and a desire to push for a starting berth. “As we build our young and exciting squad for the future, we’re pleased to continue to provide opportunities for four Bristolians who have graduated all the way through our Academy pathway (George Kloska, Will Capon, Harry Rowson and George Taylor), another who has returned home to represent his boyhood club and has made an immediate impact (Josh Caulfield), two who have shone in the second tier and risen from the Championship (James Williams and Sam Grahamslaw), one standout from National League Two (Joe Owen) and one who has grasped his opportunity following the collapse of Worcester Warriors (Noah Heward).” Bristol Live understands there is still more contract renewals to come
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 20, 2024 22:28:16 GMT
Bristol Bears injury and availablity latest ahead of Northampton Saints: Ellis Genge, Harry Thacker, Gabriel Oghre, Max Malins,,By John Evely, Sports Writer.
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Max Malins of Bristol Bears is tackled by Jonny Hill and Sam James Loosehead prop Ellis Genge has returned to club duty with Bristol Bears 'fired up' after a couple of rampaging performances for England in the Six Nations. Genge looks set to come straight back into the starting side to face Gallagher Premiership league leaders Northampton Saints on Friday night as the league gets back up and running after an eight-week break during the Six Nations. Speaking ahead of the game, Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam told BristolLive: “Ellis came back and joined us on Monday and he was fired up to be involved this weekend and is back in the picture for selection." Reflecting on Genge returning to some of his best form with the red rose on his chest, Lam said: “The exciting thing for England is they publicly declared they want to improve their attack and that is right up Ellis’ alley. It brings him into the game and he was superb against Ireland and France and it bodes well for him. “He is in a really good mindset. We had the plan that he would come back and be involved in those games and then he will get a rest during Europe when we are off and he turned up here first thing on Monday morning ready to go.” Bristol went into the break short of senior options at hooker, with fourth choice Fred Davies starting both of the club's friendly games against the touring Crusaders and Championship side Bedford Blues, however, that picture is improving Lam confirmed as his side look to go on a run in the Premiership and fight their way back into play-off contention. Lam said: “Gab Oghre is back available and Harry Thacker and Will Capon are not too far behind. There has been some great work done by our medical team and RTP [Return to Play] group so they are not too far off. Explaining Thacker’s absence, Lam said: “A while back he got concussed at Newcastle so he is making sure that is all good.” In the backline, England international full-back Max Malins is on the verge of a playing return having suffered a knee injury back in the second week of January in the defeat to the Bulls The break in competitive fixtures could not have come at a better time for the versatile back. Providing an update, Lam said: “Max got injured against the Bulls, he hurt his knee. “He has been in that RTP group working his way back, he was back in training last week. He has trained well but we will see how it goes. He is trying to put himself in contention for selection but he has only just got back into training with the full squad so we will have to get the balance right with where he is out.” Despite having good availability within the squad, illness has thrown a spanner in the works this week. Lam said: “Unfortunately, we have got a bit of sickness in the camp, it always seems to strike when we have too much time off from rugby, so there will be a few late checks. “The biggest test will be where are we at mentally. In January we were at the end of a run of 23 games and everyone was pretty weary. Now we are on the other end of the spectrum where everyone is buzzing and wanting to go and play. Selection has been difficult because there are a good number of players available which is good because everyone wants to play rugby.”
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 27, 2024 14:34:40 GMT
Premiership: Bristol 52-21 Northampton: Seven-try Bristol end league leaders Saints' winning run..
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Scrum-half Harry Randall races away to score Bristol Bears' second try, which started inside their own 22Bristol Bears came out firing after the Premiership break, scoring seven tries to end leaders Northampton's 10-game winning streak. Tries from Joe Batley and Harry Randall helped give Bristol an early 17-0 lead. Two replies from Ollie Sleightholme gave Saints hope but Kyle Sinckler and James Dun sealed Bristol's bonus point. Max Malins, Fred Davies and Gabriel Ibitoye then added three more tries for the Bears either side of Jake Garside's Northampton consolation. Bristol: Heward, Naulago, Van Rensburg, Williams, Ibitoye, MacGinty, Randall; Y Thomas, Oghre, Sinckler, Dun, Batley, Luatua, Harding (c), Bradbury. Replacements: Davies, Genge, Lahiff, Owen, Heenan, Marmion, Ravouvou, Malins. Sin-bin: Naulago (35). Northampton: Hendy, Ramm, Odendaal, Hutchinson, Sleightholme, Smith, McParland; Iyogun, Matavesi, Davison, Mayanavanua, Coles, Lawes, Ludlam (c), Graham. Replacements: Langdon, Waller, Hill, Lockett, Augustus, Garside, Dingwall, Litchfield. Sin-bin: Ludlum (51). Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys LATEST TABLE: FOLLOW THE LINKwww.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/english-premiership/tableichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/F561/production/_132971826_shutterstock_editorial_14147582p.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 28, 2024 20:48:05 GMT
Lewis Ludlam & Kyle Sinckler: Toulon sign Northampton flanker & Bristol prop..
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Lewis Ludlam (left) and Kyle Sinckler (right) will be reunited with former England team-mate Dave Ribbans at ToulonEngland forwards Lewis Ludlam and Kyle Sinckler will join Toulon for next season, say the French Top 14 club. Bristol prop Sinckler, 31, and Northampton back-rower Ludlam, 28, are both to move across the English Channel on three-year deals. The switch to the three-time Champions Cup winners would effectively end the England aspirations of both players. Under existing rules, England head coach Steve Borthwick is unable to select players based with clubs abroad. Toulon, who won the last of their four French titles in 2014, currently sit fifth in the Top 14 with seven rounds of the regular season remaining. "They are two good signings who will complete our forward pack for many years," Toulon club president Bernard Lemaitre told the AFP news agency. Ludlam will link up with former Northampton team-mate Dave Ribbans, who made the same move last summer. "They respond to the profiles we're looking for in our recruitment," added Lemaitre. "We're trying to have higher expectations on mentality, behaviour and lifestyle of players like their impressive compatriot Dave Ribbans." Sinckler, 31, won the most recent of his 68 England caps at the Rugby World Cup in France last autumn. Ludlam, 28, also played in the tournament, winning his 25th cap in the third-place play off against Argentina. But both missed out on selection for Borthwick's squad for this year's Six Nations. Former England great Jonny Wilkinson won the second of back-to-back European crowns with Toulon a decade ago.
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 30, 2024 20:58:13 GMT
Premiership: Gloucester 24-33 Bristol - Bears turn game around after break..
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Fitz Harding of Bristol celebrates scoring his team's first try.In-form Bristol battled back to earn a bonus-point win against Gloucester in a captivating derby at Kingsholm. They shared six tries in a breathless first half, with Josh Hathaway's score, a Santi Carreras interception try and Adam McBurney earning Gloucester a 24-19 half-time lead. Hooker Gabriel Oghre's sumptuous try was the pick of Bristol's five tries. Magnus Bradbury's second try levelled the scores before the excellent Benhard Janse van Rensburg sealed victory. Van Rensburg's score in the corner finally settled a thrilling West Country tussle played in glorious sunshine and was a fitting way to cap an impressive individual display in a team performance full of character and quality. Bristol's fourth league victory in a row takes them up a place to sixth in the Premiership table and keeps them well in the hunt for a top-four finish. The Cherry and Whites contributed fully in the first half, but failed to add to their 24-point interval tally and remain in ninth place, having managed just four league wins this season. They led when Hathaway kicked through and finished off his own good work to touch down. Carreras added the extras and - after skipper Fitz Harding benefited from some van Rensburg brilliance to cross for a converted try for the visitors - the Argentine was soon slotting another conversion. This time Carreras' kick followed his own good work, the fly-half picking off a loose pass and racing from deep in his own half to go over. Debutant McBurney then powered over for a third converted home try. i2-prod.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/article9198028.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-2125200043.jpgGabriel Oghre dived over to score Bristol's second try at KingsholmBut Bristol responded in style, prompted by a stunning sidestep, surprising turn of pace and score by Oghre. AJ MacGinty added his second kick but failed to add the extras after Bradbury went over in the corner. A Carreras penalty ensured a five-point half-time advantage for the hosts, but Bristol bossed things from then on. The relentless end-to-end action was never close to being replicated, as the game took on a far more attritional feel in an increasingly tense contest. The Cherry and Whites stood firm for 30 minutes in the face of strong pressure until Bradbury's simple score levelled matters. MacGinty slotted the kick for a two-point lead and his fifth conversion, following van Rensburg's try, ended the scoring. Bristol head coach Pat Lam told BBC Radio Bristol:"I'm really pleased with the boys. We played as a team and showed good character. "I said to the boys at half-time, 'we have given them tries but keep going, be fearless, don't be worried about making mistakes'. Rugby is not perfect, it is about how you react. "I said, 'let's take them to an uncomfortable situation and keep coming at them. Let's not go into our shells'. "Gabriel [Oghre] is an excellent player and if we play as a team then individuals will thrive. I don't really care who scores the tries. Our consistency comes from everyone doing their jobs for the team."
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 6, 2024 20:44:38 GMT
Lovejoy Chawatama: Prop signs from Harlequins for 2024-25 campaign..
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Prop Lovejoy Chawatama played more than 50 games for London Irish during six seasons with the clubBristol Bears have signed prop Lovejoy Chawatama from Harlequins for the 2024-25 season. The 31-year-old joined Quins last summer and has made seven appearances. He previously spent more than six years with London Irish and played more than 50 games until the club went into administration. Argentine lock Santiago Grondona has also signed a contract extension with the Bears, although is yet to appear for the club due to injury. "Lovejoy was one of the most consistent performers in the Premiership during his time with London Irish and his style of play and skills are well aligned to the way we want to play at the Bears," said Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam. "Lovejoy has shown his quality and durability at the tighthead position and he will be a valuable asset for the continued development of our exciting young Bristolian tighthead props." Grondona, 25, signed from French side Pau in July but suffered a knee injury during a World Cup warm-up game. He is expected to return to the field sometime this month. The forward said it had been a "frustrating start" to his time at the club. "The club have been hugely supportive," he said. "Despite the injury I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Bears."
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 11, 2024 9:30:11 GMT
Bristol Bears fans 'fuming' as Ashton Gate forces season ticket holders to move seats..By Ellie Kendall Reporter.
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A general view of Ashton Gate.
Bristol Bears fans are 'fuming' following the latest email from the club regarding season tickets for the 2024/25 season at Ashton Gate. Despite a relatively low price increase for current season ticket holders, especially in comparison to the likes of Bath Rugby and Northampton Saints, some season ticket holders are being forced to move seats many have had for years. In an email to current season ticket holders today (April 9) Bristol Bears rugby club said: "We are proud to launch the best value adult seat in the South West as we celebrate 10 years at Ashton Gate with a bumper 2024/25 package. General sale starts at 10am on Thursday, April 18. With Adults starting from just £17 per game and Under-12s from as little as £5 per game, find out all the key details below." The email goes on to list the 'advance prices', as well as benefits including payment plans, cheaper tickets for young fans, free shirts, and a commemorative wall etch. Further down, in smaller font, the email lists 'key dates' for its fans - including the relocation priority window for fans with current season ticket holders in blocks W7, W8, W9, S18, S19 and S20. For most, this is the first time they have heard of plans to relocate fans to new areas of the ground. This has come as a particular shock to fans in 'S' blocks, which reside in the South Stand at the ground, as this stand offers the cheapest seats, making it most affordable for many supporters. Taking to social media, Bears rugby fans who are being forced to move by the club, shared their anger and disappointment at this latest turn of events, with some describing it as a "way of making more money from supporters". One fan said: "Prices are very fair. I'd be p***** off if I'd had my season ticket in the blocks of the South Stand being uprooted due to the relocation of the family area." A second said: "Price is fine but more fuming that I am one of the ones being forced to move to cr***y seats! More annoyed that they won't let us stay in the area with my one-year-old unless we buy a seat for her!" i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article9214905.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/0_Screenshot_20240409-151948.pngA third added: "Just got the email saying the season ticket I have had for 10 years I cannot have any longer and I am being moved! Anyone in S18/S19/S20 has had an email saying MOVE - it's our new family zone. "So much for loyalty. Got to know a group of supporters over those years, got mates with season tickets next to us. You get an offer to the Dolman Stand at the £290 price which will go up net year." A fourth wrote: "Robbing supporters comes to mind. Maybe small increase but getting their money by moving the adults from the South Stand area." And other supporters were quick to make suggestions with regard to what could have been done to prevent loyal supporters being moved from their much loved seats. One comment read: "Why not put the family section in the Ateyo? The kids would be right there with the players when they score." The Ateyo stand is only opened up to fans when bigger games and local derby matches are played at Ashton Gate. i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article9214910.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/0_Screenshot_20240409-151955.pngFans affected can find out more about the moves by clicking through to the FAQ page via the link in the email. Here Bristol Bears gives information about the move and, with regards to fans in the South Stand, says: "We are asking Season Ticket holders without an Under-12 or Under-19 group member within blocks S18, S19 and S20 of the South Stand to move to another block due to the relocation of the Family Area. "All affected supporters will have an exclusive window to purchase a Season Ticket from midday on Thursday, April 11, four days ahead of Season Tickets going on sale. All affected supporters will be sent details via email on how to purchase their Season Ticket. As part of the relocation of the Family Area we have introduced new entry level pricing in blocks E28 and E34 of the Dolman Stand. "With prices starting from £290 for Adults. There is availability in other areas of the South Stand, for supporters who wish to stay in this stand, all at the same price of £290. There are plenty of options available and should supporters require any assistance in moving to another part of the stadium, please email our Supporter Services team via supporterservices@bristol-sport.co.uk." The Family Area currently resides in the Upper Lansdown Stand (W7,W8 and W) and is being moved, the club says, "to bring our Family Area supporters closer to the action". A Bristol Bears spokesperson said: “We do appreciate that some of our fans in three blocks of the South Stand who do not have an Under-19 or Under-12 in their group will be affected by moving the Family Area to the Lower Bowl and we apologise for the inconvenience. The percentage of young Bears fans is increasing and they now make up 19% of our total Season Ticket supporter base. "We therefore wanted to bring our young fans closer to the action in a great atmosphere with a superb view, as well as helping them to enjoy our usual pre-match concourse activities and making it easier to grab players’ autographs after the match. Our pricing structure and package for 2024/25 offers the best value adult seat in the South West and we are doing everything we can to communicate directly with those affected to ensure they have a suitable alternative seat before Season Ticket renewals begin on Monday, including a four-day priority purchase window from midday on Thursday to give them an opportunity to carry on sitting with their group. “Entry level pricing includes blocks E28 and E34 of the Dolman Stand, with an excellent pitch view, at just £290 for an Adult ticket and Under-12s at £80, including a free youth replica shirt. There is also availability in other areas of the South Stand for supporters who wish to stay in this stand at the same price of £290. “We hope that everyone finds a suitable seat for next season and we thank fans for their loyalty to supporting the Bears.”
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