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Post by bluetornados on Apr 18, 2024 11:28:37 GMT
Bristol Bears injury latest ahead of Newcastle Falcons: Virimi Vakatawa, Harry Thacker, Santi Grondona..By John Evely, Sports Writer.
Bristol Bears host Newcastle Falcons on Sunday in Round 15 of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership
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Bristol Bears centre Virimi Vakatawa breaks away to score Bristol Bears director Rugby Pat Lam looks set to make minimal changes to his match-winning side of recent weeks as the form team in the Gallagher Premiership aim to take another scalp on Sunday when Newcastle Falcons comes to Ashton Gate. With little room for error with the race for the play-offs tighter than ever Bristol Bears head into the game with a sense of pressure and anticipation on their shoulders, knowing the really need to to come away from the tie with a bonus point win against the league's winless basement dwellers. Discussing the race for the top four, Lam said: "All we can control is the next game. If we win all our games we will get there. We know that, so we are not worrying about the top four we are worrying about the next game, which is Newcastle. We have had a good couple of weeks of preparation for it, we understand what is coming and what we need to do it be right on it as a team. When we play as a team were are pretty good, when we don't we are pretty average." i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/article9062401.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/0_GettyImages-1958102336.jpgBristol Bears' James Williams on his way to scoreLam confirmed in his mid-week press conference French star Virimi Vakatawa, who scored a try of the season contender away at Newcastle back in December, is back in the selection mix having missed the last couple of winning performances against Northampton Saints and Gloucester because of illness. However, with Premiership player of the month nominee Benhard Janse van Rensburg firing on all guns in midfield alongside the reliable James Williams, the Bristol back line has been purring without Vakatawa. Lam said: He is back. He had an illness but he has been back in training with us for a couple of weeks now. But I have had some tough conversations with players, and they say it to me too, it is hard to change a winning team, when the boys are playing so well. But the only reason they are playing well is because the boys are competing so hard in training. Last week we finished Friday with a full on competitive session and if you were looking on you wouldn't have known which team was the strongest, there were just 30 guys competing for places, which is great. There is really good competition at the moment." i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/article8771833.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-1608040638.jpgBenhard Janse van Rensburg of Bristol BearsTalking about the South African centre, who signed a multi-year contract when he signed from London Irish last summer, Lam labelled Janse van Rensburg a coach's dream. He said: "He is class. He is a coach's dream really. He always says to me 'just tell me what you want me to do coach, I will do it.' He is a quality player.." In the pack, it looks too soon to see the return of star hooker Harry Thacker and Argentina International number eight Santi Grondona, the latter of whom is yet to make his Bears debut having suffered an ACL injury in August, but having had three weeks without a game, battered bodies have been able to be rested despite a 'tasty' full bore inhouse training session last Friday. "They are still trucking along. Thacker is out training but again we are just taking care with him because of concussion and Santi Grondona is ahead of schedule, he is tracking nicely in the return to play programme."
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 23, 2024 16:53:52 GMT
Bristol Bears annihilate Newcastle Falcons with record Premiership win to move into the play-offs..By John EvelySports Writer.
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Bristol Bears' Benhard Janse van Rensburg scores a try
Steve Diamond’s description of Bristol Bears as the ‘Harlem Globetrotters’ of rugby in midweek proved to be on point as he watched Pat Lam’s side run in 13 tries against his Newcastle Falcons outfit in a record 85-14 win on Sunday.Bristol’s fifth successive win in the Premiership sees the club move into the play-off places into fourth with just three rounds of the regular season remaining after Harlequins were beaten 37-14 up at Sale Sharks to slip down to fifth. Playing in the late Spring sunshine the Bears, with the handbrake well and truly off, were in the mood to attack from everywhere from the very start and had an attacking bonus point wrapped up inside 15 minutes, becoming the second-quickest side in the history of the Premiership to do so. It was total rugby from Bristol with Siva Naulago opening the scoring after 86 seconds and that set the tone for a one-way parade of Bears scorers with James Dun, Max Malins, Magnus Bradbury, James Williams, Ellis Genge and Benhard Janse van Rensburg all crossing before half time, with the scoreboard ticking at better than a point a minute to go in 47-7 up. Newcastle had just an interception try from Adam Radwan, who is due to switch to rugby sevens this summer ahead of the Olympics, to show for their long trip from the North East. The second half was much the same story as, despite Lam bringing off the majority of his star players early on, the hosts ran in another six tries with Virimi Vakatawa recording a brace and Harry Randall, Kieran Marmion, Jake Heenan and Janse van Rensburg touching down in a complete humiliation of the winless bottom of the league visitors who got a second interception try, this time for Brett Connon. Bristol’s Premiership run-in is not straightforward – Leicester away, Saracens at home and Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop – but they are a team high on confidence and could take some stopping in terms of clinching a top-four place. Going into the game Bears director of rugby Pat Lam made just two injury-enforced changes to his starting XV, bringing in lock Josh Caulfield for Joe Batley and winger Siva Naulago for Noah Heward. Naulago in particular played a starring role in the first half on both sides of the ball as he finished a 95m score for the first try of the game. i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/article9238469.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-2147985190.jpgBristol Bears' Ellis Genge in actionA Newcastle side hit by injuries were chasing shadows all game as the Bears relentlessly broke the line. Following another long-range break, James Dun then powered his way over. Two England stars combined for the third, with Genge hitting Malins on a killer line to slice through the green-shirted defence and round the full-back. Falcons were repeatedly blown away by the intensity of game, but did conjure a score from nowhere when the elusive Radwan gathered and finished impressively on a 40-metre dash to the line, with Brett Connon converting. A quickfire bonus-point try was inevitable and it duly arrived after Randall took a quick penalty before the supporting Bradbury touched down. Newcastle secured pockets of possession that briefly helped stem the tide, but Bristol’s dominance was overwhelming and try number five came when Williams capitalised on weak defence and MacGinty kicked his fourth conversion. The one-way traffic continued towards half-time as Genge helped himself to a solo score, then player of the match Van Rensburg touched down wide out, with MacGinty adding two more conversions. i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/article9238396.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-2149533496.jpgJames Williams of Bristol Bears dives over to score Inevitably, there weas no let-up after the break, with Randall sprinting clear to score Bristol’s eighth try – Williams converted – then replacement scrum-half Marmion crossed, with Williams’ extras taking the home team past 60 points. Newcastle responded through an interception try for Connon from Malins' pass, which he also converted, but Heenan then added Bristol’s 10th touchdown before Van Rensburg and Vakatawa’s late brace completed the rout to hand Bristol their biggest-ever win in the Gallagher Premiership, surpassing last season's 62-8 thrashing of Northampton. Bristol Bears: 15. Max Malins, 14. Siva Naulago, 13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12. James Williams, 11. Gabriel Ibitoye, 10. AJ MacGinty, 9. Harry Randall; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Gabriel Oghre, 3. Kyle Sinckler, 4. James Dun, 5. Josh Caulfield, 6. Steven Luatua, 7. Fitz Harding (c), 8. Magnus Bradbury. Replacements: 16. Will Capon, 17. Jake Woolmore, 18. Max Lahiff, 19. Joe Owen, 20. Jake Heenan, 21. Kieran Marmion, 22. Virimi Vakatawa, 23. Rich Lane. Newcastle Falcons: 15 Ben Redshaw, 14 Adam Radwan, 13 Oli Spencer, 12 Tom Penny, 11 Iwan Stephens, 10 Brett Connon, 9 Sam Stuart; 1 Adam Brocklebank, 2 Jamie Blamire, 3 Richard Palframan, 4 Tim Cardall, 5 Sebastian de Chaves, 6 Philip van der Walt, 7 Sam Cross, 8 Callum Chick (captain). Replacements: 16 Bryan Byrne, 17 Mark Dormer, 18 Eduardo Bello, 19 John Kelly, 20 Freddie Lockwood, 21 Max Pepper, 22 Rory Jennings, 23 Matias Moroni. Referee: Luke Pearce
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 23, 2024 16:57:56 GMT
Bristol Bears player ratings from Newcastle Falcons demolition - 'The best in the league'..By Anna Wash & John Evely, Sports Writer.
15. Max Malins - 8
Max Malins showed all of his skills in his performance with really good ball-handling as he had to catch some tricky pass The full-back worked really well with Gabriel Ibitoiye as on multiple occasions they made so much ground on the wings by passing between the two of them. He scored a fantastic try where he received a flat pass from Genge and danced around multiple Falcons defenders to secure the points under the posts. However, he did have a flat pass intercepted for their second.
14. Siva Naulago - 8
In just his second league start of the season the Fijian scored the opening try of the game as he bumped off a defender before carrying a decent distance up the wing. He then offloaded to Randall allowing the space for him to receive it back again and take it over the line. He showed his strength on multiple occasions, an unbelievable, textbook, hit on Tom Penny forced him off and there were multiple big bump-offs. On a couple of occasions, he had more opportunities but did drop a few balls but still finished with 133m in attack and eight defenders beaten.
13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg - 9
Yet another player of the match performance for the centre. Benhard Janse van Rensburg beat more defenders than any other player in round 14 of the premiership, and he most definitely increased his defenders beaten statistic again today with another seven men beaten as he made 106m in attack from five clean breaks. His first try was a big team try as the ball went through the hands of nearly every player in the team but it was a solid finish out on the wing. He went on to score a second which was practically a walk in as Bristol had three men unmarked on the left side of the pitch and William found him with a wide pass. Janse van Rensberg also showed the strength and power of his passing as he made lots off well-timed long balls out the wing. Towards the end, he had to take over conversion duties as AJ MacGinty and James Williams were both off the pitch. Both kicks were right on the touchlines, he slotted the one from the right but sent the one from the left went slightly wide. A serious contender for the league's player of the season award as he is hands down the best centre in the Premiership.
12. James Williams - 8
James Williams was so crucial within the backline, receiving lots of quick balls from MacGinty allowing the centre to carry hard into contact. He managed to squeeze his way through a Newcastle double tackle due to the pace he ran onto the ball. He had a direct line under the posts and dived over to score another 5 points. Williams also secured three successful conversions.
11. Gabriel Ibitoye - 9
Gabriel Ibitoye was doing everything he could to get stuck into the high-scoring frenzy. The winger was constantly working off the wing and making multiple speedy carries, one included an impressive handoff on Oliver Spencer, sitting the centre on the floor. He was always looking for the offload to keep the ball alive which often paid off and was successful but occasionally he forced it a little, in one instance he threw the ball to Malins’ feet. Despite the score Ibitoye didn’t manage to get himself on the scoresheet, however, he assisted Randall brilliantly. A show-and-go opened up buckets of space for him to exploit before shipping the ball out to the scrum half. Finished with a stunning 198m in attack.
10. AJ MacGinty - 8
The fly-half did well to control the tempo of the attack and make the right decisions to suit the game in front of him. His offloads were consistent, and he also displayed a fantastic show-and-go. The fly-half was solid off the tee as well scoring six conversions.
9. Harry Randall - 9
The scrum-half spent the game searching for the support lines. He assisted Naulago’s opening try as he supported the wingers’ break, received the pass, drew in the defence and then shipped it back out for Naulago to go over the line inside two minutes. The scrum-half assisted another as he took a quick penalty in the 22, before swerving around the defenders and popping it up off the floor to Bradbury to crash over After multiple assists, he earned himself a try as he supported an Ibiotye line break and found the space to score. He also applied brilliant pressure on the opposition nine as he was quick to tackle Sam Stuart when Bears were 5m from the try line. The number nine was pace the setter of the match and Newcastle couldn't come close to living with the energy and tempo he brought.
1. Ellis Genge - 9
The England international had a fantastic performance. Genge assisted a Max Malins’ try as he made the correct decision to quickly offload instead of carrying to put the full-back through a gap. Scrummaging was pretty good as the hosts were awarded a couple of scrum penalties in the first half. The prop showed all his skills at once to score an outstanding try. He leg-drove his way through the tackle of the first defender and showed fantastic footwork to step around the full-back before diving under the posts.
2. Gabriel Oghre - 8
Gabriel Oghre appeared very hungry for contact today with outstanding line speed. He was so quick out the line outs hunting down the player with the ball. His throw-ins at the lineouts were also spot on every time. A brilliant running display as well.
3. Kyle Sinckler - 8
Sinckler was very physical and made lots of strong carries, including one where he managed to step a defender. The two props were so in sync on multiple occasions. Sinckler assisted Ellis Genge’s try with a pop pass. The two England internationals started moving the ball like a back line as Sinckler passed to Genge and looped around him to revive the ball out the back but he got a little carried away and had an ambitious miss-pass picked off and run in by Radwan.
4. James Dun - 8
The second row scored a nice try with a determined effort to pick and drive over the line after Bristol spent a few phases struggling to get over. Dun was also always looking for the charge down on Newcastle box kicks. Successfully applied good pressure and he managed to get his fingertips on one. He set up a line break nicely for Luatua as he timed his pass perfectly.
5. Josh Caulfield - 7
A physical effort from Caulfield on his return from suspension. He was a crucial piece of Bristol’s defence, particularly at the breakdowns. He spotted the gap to pick and go from the back of a ruck and showed incredible pace to carry roughly 20m. However, the try that followed was disallowed as he was narrowly judged to be offside at the breakdown.
6. Steven Luatua - 7
Steven Luatua was another player who was a key part of Bristol’s defence, he was quick to the breakdowns and made some really solid tackles. The majority of the home team made line breaks in this fixture and Luatua made a very strong one, gaining some good ground and thought he had a try just before going off onto to see the TMO scrub it off for an earlier infringement.
7. Fitz Harding (c) - 7
The captain led his team to a very convincing victory. Bristol’s well-drilled set pieces contributed to their domination, and Harding was an important part of them, particularly the lineouts. He also showed some really good ball-handling skills as he managed to catch a ball that was at his feet.
8. Magnus Bradbury – 8
Bradbury made the most dominant carries in round 14 and he certainly made many more against Newcastle. He showed brilliant intent to get to Harry Randall who was on the floor with no support and Bradbury arrived just in time to receive a pass off the floor and dive over the line.
Replacements:
16. Will Capon - 8
17. Jake Woolmore – late change for Yann Thomas due to illness. - 7
18. Max Lahiff – won a scrum penalty when he came on – 7
19. Joe Owen - 7
20. Jake Heenan - 8
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 23, 2024 18:29:00 GMT
Pat Lam provides injury update on Bristol Bears’ key midfield cog James Williams..By John Evely, Sports Writer.i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/article9238396.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-2149533496.jpgBristol Bears finished their 85-14 victory against Newcastle Falcons with 14 men on the pitch after key back James Williams left the first four minutes from time in discomfort. Williams has emerged as an unexpected vital cog in Bristol’s reemergence as play-off contenders as the glue that sticks the backline together. The inside centre is keeping out French superstar Virimi Vakatawa having built a symbiotic midfield partnership with Benhard Janse van Rensburg who was once again named player of the match having narrowly missed out on the March Premiership Player of the Month award. While the South African, who grabbed two of Bristol’s 13 tries on Sunday, is grabbing the headlines, it is the almost error-free Williams who is providing the stability and fluency for the flair players in the backline around him to shine, and shine they did at Ashton Gate with Siva Naulago, James Dun, Max Malins, Magnus Bradbury, Ellis Genge, Harry Randall, Kieran Marmion, Jake Heenan and Virimi Vakatawa joining Janse van Rensburg and Williams on the scoreline. So there was significant concern in the Bears coaching box when he was forced off with an injury late in the game, with a stern test away at Leicester Tigers to come next Saturday. Providing an update post-match, Lam provided reassurance. He said: “He's had a bit of a banter. When he went down, the medics came back and said he couldn’t play so I said let's play 14 men, it’s only four minutes left. Let’s test that scenario. That means keep the ball, fellas, keep the ball. And then when I saw him after, he said he was winded. I said ‘Seriously? Just winded.’ So I gave him a bit of banter but he is fine.” Despite talking to the press just minutes after the final whistle of the win over Newcastle, Lam already had his sights set on the trip to Welford Road next weekend. He said: "What a challenge. I love going to Leicester. Always have as a player because it's a traditional stronghold. It is intimidating for people. It's full-on. and If you get a win there, it doesn't matter what time, it's always cherished because of how tough it is to win."
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 23, 2024 18:49:49 GMT
Bristol Bears confirm the immediate release of record-breaking winger..By John Evely, Sports Writer.
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Charlie Powell of Bristol Bears attacks against Worcester Warriors in the Premiership Rugby Cup back in 2021Bristol Bears have confirmed the immediate release of 24-year-old winger Charlie Powell who came through the club's academy system but has failed to break his way into the club's first team on a regular basis. The former Bristol Grammar School and Thornbury Castle School pupil got tipped as one to watch as a teenager after he became the youngest player to represent Bristol in European competition, at the time, when he came off the bench against Zebre aged just 18 years and 356 days, back in 2018. Powell has since lost that record to Welsh international Ioan Lloyd who made his European bow aged 18 years and 228 days, but the achievement will never be taken away from him. Six months later Powell, who can play on the wing and in the centre, made his England U20s debut, but earning first-team playing time in the Bears' star-studded backline has proven a tough task. Powell has spent much of the last few years out on loan with Championship sides, featuring for Hartpury and then Jersey Reds as they claimed the second tier title in 2022/23. He signed a contract extension with Bristol last season with the intention of being sent back out on loan to the Channel Island club but their financial collapse ended that plan. Now the club have granted power an early release from his contract after six seasons at the club. He scored three tries in 17 senior appearances for the Premiership side.
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 23, 2024 18:51:48 GMT
Bristol Bears Players' Player of Year to depart at the end of the season..By John Evely, Sports Writer.
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Bristol Bears' Magnus Bradbury in action against Cambridge.Pat Lam has paid tribute to the contribution Magnus Bradbury has made at Bristol Bears over his two years at the club as the Scottish international's departure was confirmed. Backrower Bradbury, 28, will return to his former side Edinburgh Rugby at the end of the season with Fijian number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata heading in the opposite direction from the United Rugby Championship side. Before moving to the West Country Bradbury spent eight years at Edinburgh, making over 100 appearances, and captained the club. Since arriving at Ashton Gate the Scotland international number eight has made 42 appearances for the club, scoring nine tries so far this season. Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Magnus has made a massive contribution on and off the field during his two seasons here, which includes winning the prestigious Players’ Player of the Year award last season. He has also been an excellent team man on and off the field and he can be very proud of his impact at the Bears. Magnus maintains a desire to represent his country and his return to Scotland will certainly help him to achieve his ambitions. We wish him and Eve all the very best with the move and for the future. I know along with the rest of the squad Maggie is determined to make this season a big success before he leaves.” Bradbury added: “It’s been an enjoyable two years in Bristol and I’ve built some great relationships on and off the field. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bristol. It’s been a great move and it’s allowed me to grow and develop as a player in a new environment – and we can still achieve great things this season, which I’m fully focused on. It’s a special group of boys and I wish them every success for the future. I’m focused on ending this season on a high and giving my all for the club to achieve success.
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 25, 2024 8:14:46 GMT
Bristol Bears confirm trio of new signings: Leicester Tigers 9, former Bath hooker and Championship lock..By John Evely, Sports Writer.
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Sam Edwards of Leicester Tigers passes the ballBristol Bears have confirmed a trio of new signings ahead of the 2024/25 season, adding lock Steele Barker, hooker Tom Doughty and scrum-half Sam Edwards. Scrum-half Sam Edwards makes the switch from fellow Gallagher Premiership side Leicester Tigers, where he has made four appearances in the top-flight. The talented 21-year-old, who represented England at U20 level, has spent the majority of the 2023/24 season on loan at Championship side Cambridge. Dynamic second-row Barker joins from Championship side Cornish Pirates where the 23-year-old has been one of the standout players in the competition this season having made 17 appearances for the club in 2023/24. Hooker Tom Doughty has been a key figure for Doncaster Knights in this season’s Championship campaign having previously made 24 appearances for Premiership side Bath during a four-year spell at The Rec. The 27-year-old has scored twice for Doncaster this season in 15 appearances. Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Steele is a hungry second row who is eager to learn and get better. He’s emerged as one of the standout forwards in the Championship with Cornish Pirates with a high ceiling of potential. “Tom is a well-rounded hooker with Premiership experience from his time at Bath. He is a solid set-piece operator, with good skills on both sides of the ball, who has impressed in a good Doncaster Knights side in the Championship this season. “Sam is a scrum half with a lot of potential who has already featured in the Premiership during his young career. He has had a good season in the Championship with Cambridge and will be a positive addition to our scrum half ranks.” The trio join Fijian international number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata and Harlequins tighthead prop Lovejoy Tinotenda Chawatama as being confirmed new signings at the Bears ahead of the 2024/25 season.
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 27, 2024 17:29:10 GMT
Leicester Tigers 19-21 Bristol Bears LIVE reaction and highlights from vital away win..By John Evely, Sports Writer.
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Ellis Genge of Bristol Bears runs with the ball Bristol Bears came back from the dead at Welford Road to overturn a 19-point deficit and beat Leicester Tigers 21-19 thanks to a Magnus Bradbury try in the 80th minute. Bristol cemented their place in the play-off positions with a three-try smash-and-grab job on the road, exploiting a second yellow card for Tigers winger Mike Brown which saw the hosts go down to 14 men for the final eight minutes of the game. Brown was penalised in the first half for a cynical playing off the ball on the ground and then late in the game for an unfortunate head-to-head collision with Benhard Janse van Rensburg. The Bears replacements made a huge impact in the tie, with Harry Thacker exploding off the bench, after the starters had tenderised Leicester without benefitting on the scoreboard. Max Lahiff touched down for a brace of short-range tries before Bradbury finished a free-flowing attacking move that started deep in the visitors' own half, stretching out a long arm to level the scores at 19-19 with AJ MacGinty's second successful conversion winning the tie. James Williams also scored a conversion. Leicester had built what looked like a comfortable lead with a brace of tries for winger Ollie Hassell-Collins before replacement loosehead Francois van Wyk touched down for what at the time looked like a killer blow, with Handre Pollard scoring two of his three conversion attempts. But having seen multiple passes go to deck in the first 69 minutes, Bristol discovered their ruthless streak just in time to salvage a famous win on the road. i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/article9251252.ece/ALTERNATES/s510b/0_GettyImages-2150431671.jpgJames Williams of Bristol Bears runs with the ball as Hanro Liebengerg of Leicester Tigers attempts to tackle
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Post by bluetornados on May 6, 2024 19:47:42 GMT
'A vital part of our journey' - Irreplaceable Bristol Bears forward signs new deal with the club..By John Evely, Sports Writeri2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/article8949539.ece/ALTERNATES/s1176b/0_GettyImages-1826794275.jpgBristol Bears have announced that one of the club's greatest players of the professional era, Steven Luatua, has put pen to paper on a new contract to extend his stay at Ashton Gate. The 15-cap All Black, who has also represented Samoa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup having switched international allegiances, has made 126 appearances for the Bears over seven seasons, captaining the side 90 times during that period – the 15th most in the club’s history. The 32-year-old, who can operate across the back row, joined the club from Super Rugby side the Auckland Blues in the summer of 2017 and has since established himself as one of the Premiership’s best players. Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Stevie’s contribution to this club since he arrived with me way back in 2017 has been incredible. From the Championship to the present day, he is a vital part of our journey and the Bristol Bears story. “As we build a young and exciting squad for the future, Steven’s experience, leadership and world-class ability will continue to be crucial to the development of the next group of youngsters, setting an example of what it takes to be a Bear at the highest level. “Stevie is a Bears centurion and loved and appreciated by the Bristol fans, who along with his wife Olivia and their Bristol-born children have definitely made this city their home away from home.” Luatua added: “The opportunity to stay at the club was an easy decision to me. I’m proud to represent this club and I know how much it means to the city. "I’m grateful to Pat, Chris and the Lansdown family for the faith they show in me and also to the community who have made me and my family so welcome here. I think of how far we have come during my time here and I believe we have so much more to achieve. I’m excited by the potential of our young and hungry squad next season and excited to see what we can accomplish.”
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Post by bluetornados on May 6, 2024 19:50:55 GMT
Devastating 'X-factor' winger signs new contract with Bristol Bears...By John Evely, Sports Writer.i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/article9267792.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-2097725840.jpgExplosive winger Siva Naulago has been rewarded with a return to his top form following injury struggles with a new contract at Bristol Bears, the club have confirmed. The flying Fijian has made 32 appearances for the Bears, scoring 16 tries, including a length-of-the-field effort against Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate in Round 16 of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership. Naulago also made 146 metres against the Falcons, beat eight defenders and made four clean breaks in a typically eye-catching display. Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam, said: “Siva’s return from a long-term injury has been hugely exciting for both him and the team, and his performances since his return have shown exactly what he is all about – pace, power, X-factor, and try-scoring ability. “He has worked hard to overcome some big injuries over the past few seasons and has come back, fitter, faster and stronger than ever, so we’re excited to have him back on the field and committed to the Bears for next season." Naulago, 33, joined Bristol in 2020 after switching codes from rugby league having previously played for Super League side Hull FC. Naulago said: “I’m so thankful to all the staff behind the scenes at the club – the medical team, the athletic performance department, and of course the coaches and my teammates – for helping me through some tough times on the side lines. “I’m enjoying my team with the Bears and can’t wait to repay the faith put in me by everybody at the club. It’s an exciting time to be at the Bears and I’m loving every minute.”
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Post by bluetornados on May 6, 2024 19:54:35 GMT
Bristol Bears hand promising scrum-half a new contract, Sam Wolstenholme joined Bristol Bears in the summer of 2023..By John Evely, Sports Writer.
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Sam Wolstenholme of Bristol BearsBristol Bears have confirmed that 24-year-old scrum half Sam Wolstenholme has agreed a new contract extension with the club to ensure the club have a strong stock of specialist nines heading into the 2024/25 season. Wolstenholme joined the club from Wasps, via Leicester Tigers, last summer. With England international Harry Randall first choice at the Bears and the Ireland-capped Kieran Marmion number two, Wolstenholme and has made just four appearances this season, but has impressed when he played, starting against Bordeaux-Begles in the Investec Champions Cup. Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “We’re very pleased that Wolsty is continuing his journey with the Bears. He has been an excellent addition to our scrum half ranks on and off the field and we’re delighted with the progress and development he has made in is his first season with us. “His attitude and determination to improve and compete as a player has been impressive and I believe the quality performances of our two experienced scrum halves Harry Randall and Kieran Marmion is largely down to Wolsty nipping at their heels.” Wolstenholme said: “I’ve enjoyed my first season with Bristol Bears and feel like I have developed my game significantly during this time. “I’m excited to have signed a contract extension and fully focused on kicking on and the taking my game to the next level.”
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Post by bluetornados on May 17, 2024 8:09:54 GMT
Harlequins v Bristol Bears - The last day of the Gallagher Premiership..By John Evely, Sports Writer.i2-prod.devonlive.com/sport/rugby/rugby-news/article9289401.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/0_GettyImages-1762074130.jpgHarry Thacker of Bristol Bears celebrates scoring a try. Bristol Bears' season is on a knife-edge going into Round 18 of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership, with all to play for on the final day of the regular season. Pat Lam's side take on old foes Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop with both sides bidding for a place in the play-offs with two spots still up for grabs. The Bears suffered a setback last weekend with their first league defeat of 2024, going down 20-41 at home to Saracens. While Quins were beaten 58-26 away at Exeter Chiefs to set up a thrilling final-day showdown, although both clubs require results to go their way elsewhere. i2-prod.devonlive.com/sport/rugby/article9289406.ece/ALTERNATES/s510b/0_Prem-table-pre-Round-18.jpgBristol sit 7th in the table heading into the final weekend of the regular season but still have an outside shot of making the play-offs. However, they need results elsewhere to go their way. The Bears must beat 6th-place Harlequins to leapfrog them. Then need 2nd-place Saracens - who are gunning for a home semi-final - to beat fourth-placed Sale Sharks at the StoneX Stadium.
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Post by bluetornados on May 17, 2024 8:23:33 GMT
Bristol Bears confirm 17 departing players with some negotiations still on-going..By John Evely, Sports Writer.Bristol Bears have confirmed 17 players will leave the club at the end of the 2023/24 season, with headline departees including flanker Dan Thomas and lock Ed Holmes who have both made more than 100 appearances for Pat Lam's side. i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/article9268995.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-1826793749-1.jpgDan Thomas of Bristol Bears runs with the ball against GloucesterSeveral of the 17 departing players have already been confirmed by the Bears, with Bristol's leading all-time Premiership points scorer Callum Sheedy joining Cardiff Rugby after 10 years at the club, while fellow centurions Piers O’Conor is off to Connacht, England international Kyle Sinckler will join French side RC Toulon after more than 50 appearances for Bristol Bears, and Scottish number eight Magnus Bradbury re-joins his hometown club Edinburgh after two seasons in the West Country. Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “This time of the year is always difficult as we say farewell to some great people who have contributed significantly to the club, on and off the field, throughout their time with the Bears. “We thank them for their hard work and commitment to our vision, and they can all be very proud of their efforts and achievements here. Once a Bear, always a Bear.
Confirmed departing players:Callum Sheedy (164 apps) – Cardiff Rugby Dan Thomas (144 apps) Piers O’Conor (131 apps) - Connacht Ed Holmes (102 apps) Kyle Sinckler (59 apps) – RC Toulon Magnus Bradbury (43 apps) - Edinburgh Charlie Powell (17 apps) Jono Benz-Salomon (14 apps) Fred Davies (13 apps) Jay Tyack (12 apps) Harry Ascherl (9 apps) Oscar Lennon (9 apps) Aristot Benz-Salomon (3 apps) Confirmed Academy leavers:Macenzzie Duncan (9 apps) Charlie Rice (6 apps) Tom Sims (4 apps) Matty Jones (3 apps)
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Post by bluetornados on May 29, 2024 21:18:25 GMT
Harlequins 28-53 Bristol Bears as Bears miss out on the semi-finals..By John Evely, Sports Writer.
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Joe Batley of Bristol Bears celebrates after their final try
Reaction from Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam:“I’m really proud of the boys. We knew all we could do was control what we could do. “To get a record score for a Bristol team here at the Stoop is really pleasing. The type of rugby we played is why I’m really proud of the boys. “Everyone reminds me about ‘Bristanbul’ (the semi-final loss) and what I loved most about that with 20 minutes is that we managed the game, kept the foot on the throat and didn’t allow them back in the game. Hopefully, it’s well and truly buried. “The fact we are in the race after the last two seasons shows the progress. The rugby we have played since we played Bath in January, we’ve played some really good rugby. “I actually believe we are playing better rugby than three years ago when we were top of the table. We’ll continue to grow.” i2-prod.devonlive.com/sport/rugby/article9148960.ece/ALTERNATES/s510b/0_GettyImages-1484124960.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 5, 2024 20:09:20 GMT
The Premiership season to start on 20th September..upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ac/Premiership_rugby_logo_2018.svg/300px-Premiership_rugby_logo_2018.svg.pngThe 2024-25 Premiership season will start on the weekend of 20th-22nd September, with the final to be held at Twickenham on Saturday, 14th June 2025. The final takes place a week before the British and Irish Lions play their first match against Argentina in Dublin, before their summer tour to Australia. The 2024-25 campaign had been described as a "relaunch" of the league, after a turbulent period off the field in which three clubs folded within a year. Next season every Premiership match will be shown live on TNT Sports, after a new broadcast deal was agreed in March.
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 14, 2024 12:05:30 GMT
Bristol Bears: Rich Lane has put pen to paper on a new deal with Bristol Bears..ByJohn Evely, Sports Writer.
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Rich Lane of Bristol Bears is tackled by Louis Rees-Zammit of Gloucester RugbyBristol Bears have confirmed that full-back Rich Lane has signed a new contract with the club ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Lane, 30, scored four tries for the Bears in the 2023/24Gallagher Premiership season, including a hat-trick against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park and a memorable try to seal an emphatic derby victory over Bath at Ashton Gate. The former Bedford Blues man, who joined the Bears permanently in May 2022 following an impressive loan spell, has made 34 appearances for the club. Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Laner is an experienced and accomplished full back with excellent game understanding and leadership. His ability to also play as a left footed left wing gives us real depth and versatility in our back three. “Since arriving from Bedford, he has grown and developed his game and delivered some impressive performances for the Bears. We’re pleased that he’ll continue to improve his game with the club.” Lane added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Bears and I’m very pleased to have extended my stay with the club. After such a strong finish to last season, I’m excited by what we can achieve in 2024/25 and looking forward to contributing to our team goals.”
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 14, 2024 12:09:01 GMT
Released Bristol Bears fans' favourite Welshman Dan Thomas has signed for Cardiff Rugby..By John Evely, Sports Writer.
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Dan Thomas of Bristol Bears scores a try. Welsh flanker Dan Thomas has joined United Rugby Championship side Cardiff Rugby having ended a seven-year spell at Bristol Bears at the end of the season, Thomas, 30, made 144 appearances for the Bears but now follows fellow Welshman Callum Sheedy in moving from Ashton Gate to Cardiff Arms Park ahead of the 2024-25 season. “I am a proud Welshman and to be able to return home to Wales with Cardiff was a big pull in my decision,” Carmarthen-born Thomas told the club website. “Being able to play in the URC is also something that appealed to me given the challenge of going up against so many different playing styles in different countries and environments.” Thomas spent three years at Gloucester before joining Bristol. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said: “I’m really pleased to bring Dan on board ahead of next season and feel he is a really good fit for the club. “He suits our attacking playing style as a fast and dynamic openside, who is effective on both sides of the ball and has a lot of experience from the Premiership.”
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Post by bluetornados on Jul 15, 2024 16:38:18 GMT
2024/25 Investec Champions Cup draw in full: Bath Rugby, Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs discover their pool stage opponents..By John Evely, Sports Writer.
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Pool 1: Toulouse, Bordeaux Begles, Hollywoodbet Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers, Ulster Rugby Pool 2: Leinster, Clermont, La Rochelle, Bristol Bears, Benetton Rugby, Bath Rugby Pool 3: Northampton Saints, Munster, Vodacom Bulls, Stade Francais, Saracens, Castres Olympique Pool 4: Glasgow Warriors, Racing 92, Sale Sharks, DHL Stormers, RC Toulon, Harlequins The draw has been made for the 2024/25 Investec Champions Cup groups stage with a series of mouth-watering ties created. Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby have both been drawn in an incredibly tough-looking Pool 2, according to the rules of the competition the two sides will not play each other in the group stages but they will both face beaten Champions Cup finalists Leinster, French giants La Rochelle, Clermont and Italian side Benetton. The good news is 16 of the 24 teams in the Champions Cup group stages will progress, with two wins historically enough for clubs to advance to the last 16 knockout round. Exeter Chiefs, who reached the quarter-finals last season, have been drawn in Pool 1 and will play the reigning Champions Cup and French Top 14 winners Toulouse, beaten Top 14 finalists Bordeaux Begles, Challenge Cup winners the Hollywoodbet Sharks, and United Rugby Championship side Ulster. Leicester Tigers are also in their group but the two sides will not face each other. Fixtures will be announced at a later date, with clubs each playing their pool opponents from different domestic leagues just once in the group stages.
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Post by bluetornados on Jul 15, 2024 16:46:37 GMT
Released Bristol Bears duo sign deals with Gloucester Rugby and Hartpury, The frontrow twins were 2 of 17 players to leave Bristol Bears..By John Evely, Sports Writer.
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Jono Benz-Salomon of Bristol Bears offloads the ball playing against Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership Former Bristol Bears frontrow twins Aristot Benz-Salomon and Jonny Benz-Salomon have signed a dual contract deal with Gloucester Rugby and Championship side Hartpury ahead of the 2024/25 season. The 23-year-olds were born in Spain but grew up in England from the age of 10, coming through the youth ranks at Harlequins before moving to study and play rugby at Hartpury University before then breaking into the senior Championship side who they remained dual registered with after signing for Bristol Bears in the summer of 2022. Released Bristol Bears lock touted as the next big thing finds new club, Charlie Rice has put pen to paper on contract with Cornish Pirates.
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Charlie Rice of Bristol Bears is tackled by Sam Dugdale of SaleReleased Bristol Bears second-row Charlie Rice has signed a full-time contract with Championship side Cornish Pirates having made a single appearance for the club on loan last season. Rice, despite still only being 21 years old, is a towering presence in the second row at 6ft 6in and nearly 19 stones and was tipped for big things at his home-town club Bristol having represented England at U18s and U20s level. But the Bristolian struggled to transition from the academy into the first team and only made six senior appearances for the Bears before being released this summer. He has also run out for local side the Gordano Sharks and for Hartpury in the Championship and ahead of joining the Pirates he played for Sumner RFC in New Zealand. Bristol Bears back with international ambitions attracting interest from URC clubs, Centre James Williams made 25 appearances for the Bears last season.
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Bristol Bears' James Williams on his way to scoreBristol Bears midfield playmaker James Williams is being scouted by several Welsh United Rugby Championship clubs according to the latest reports. Williams, 27, joined Bristol Bears in the summer of 2022 from Championship side Hartpury and has been a huge success at the club having established himself as a key midfield pivot in the 12 jersey. His form towards the back end of the 2023/24 season, which coincided with the Bears exploding into life in attack, saw him keep former French superstar Virimi Vakatawa out of the starting side and earned him a new contract at the club. His ability to also step in a play at fly-half and goal kick has made him an invaluable player for the Bears, with director of rugby Pat Lam highlighting his incredibly low error count as a key superstrength.
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 24, 2024 18:43:11 GMT
Newcastle Falcons 3-24 Bristol Bears - Reaction from bonus-point win at Kingston Park..By John Evely, Sports Writer
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Bristol Bears' James Williams (centre) celebrates after scoring his side's first try Pat Lam hailed a mission accomplished as his Bristol Bears side secured a 24-3 away win against Newcastle Falcons on Friday to open their account in the 2024-25 Gallagher Premiership. A combative and error-strewn first half at Kingston Park finished 5-3 after visitors Bristol were unable to build on an early try from James Williams. Brett Connon knocked over a late penalty at the break after Falcons captain Callum Chick had turned down multiple kicks at the posts in favour for going for the corner. Newcastle’s resolve wilted as the game progressed, with Siva Naulago finishing spectacularly in the corner before full-back Max Malins ran in a brace, plucking the ball out of the sky from a cross-field kick from AJ MacGinty for his second. With Bristol setting their sights on a top-four finish this season having finished fifth last campaign, director of rugby Lam celebrated the vital bonus-point win after his side were dragged into the trenches by the fired-up Falcons. He said: “You can play well or you can play poorly, what is huge is we got the five points from round one. We have come up to one of the hardest places in the league, now we move onto the next one. “I am so pleased for Newcastle. Steve Diamond has done a great job. That was tough, you can see the difference in the side. No one is going to want to come up here and not everyone is going to win up here. I am so pleased we came out of it. “They were committed and dragged us into an arm-wrestle. It was great to get a clean sheet, there was a lot of positive stuff from us and that was a sixth straight away win in the Premiership for us going back to last year.” i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/article9571344.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-2173429409.jpg
Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam speaks to his players after the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Newcastle Falcons and Bristol Bears
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