Bristol Bears

Bristol Bears is a professional rugby union club based in Bristol, England. In this article, we will discuss its history, achievements, and most successful players.

History of Bristol Bears

The club was originally called Bristol Football Club. Its history began in 1888. The name Bristol Bears has been used since 2018.

Since its foundation, the club has participated in the England Rugby Championship. It quickly gained a reputation as one of the strongest teams in the region.

During the 20th century, the club changed its name, structure and location several times, playing as Bristol Rugby and Bristol RFC. During this period, the team won many cups and regional tournaments, constantly facing strong competition on a broader scale in England.

In 2009, the club returned to the Gallagher Premiership, the top division of the national rugby championship. In 2016, under the coaching of Liam Howlett, the team began to actively gain form, becoming one of the top rugby clubs in Great Britain. In terms of level, Bristol Bears can be compared to Leicester Tigers.

The name change in 2018 symbolised a new era for the club and the renovation of its home stadium. It significantly improved its position in the Premiership, achieving higher results and attracting major players and coaches. Among the club's main rivals is Sale Sharks.

The team also often plays matches against Bath Rugby.

Bristol Bears are actively developing and striving for new achievements in European and English tournaments. The club continues to nurture young players, working hard to improve its infrastructure and interaction with fans.

Bristol Bears' achievements

Bristol Bears have won numerous prestigious tournaments:

1. Premiership Rugby champions in 1983–1984 and Bristol Rugby champions in 1998–1999.
2. First place in the RFU Cup in 1996.
3. Reaching the European final in the 2020–2021 season and in 2018.
4. Victory in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 1990.

The team regularly participates in the European Rugby Champions Cup, although it has yet to win this prestigious tournament. In the 2024/2025 season, Bristol Bears is consistently at the top of the British championship standings. Fans are eagerly awaiting the team's clashes with Leinster Rugby and other top clubs.

Coach

Head coach Pat Lam is responsible for preparing the players for important matches. The former New Zealand rugby player previously played for Auckland, Newcastle Falcons, Northampton Saints and the Samoa national team. After retiring from his playing career, he worked as a coach for various professional teams.

Team composition

The team includes not only British players, but also players from other countries.

The current captain of Bristol Rugby Club is Fitz Harding. He was elected club captain and is one of the leaders on the field. Harding regularly starts in the starting line-up, often leading in key statistical indicators. Fitz inspires the team in defence and attack, providing stability and discipline in Premiership matches.

Other notable players on the team include:

1. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wing/Full-back) – one of the team's most prominent players this season. Rees-Zammit returned to rugby after attempting to build a career in the NFL and has become an important attacking figure for Bristol thanks to his power and ability to finish plays. The club's management calls him a player capable of changing the course of a match in attack.
2. Ellis Genge (Prop) – one of the strongest and most influential front row players in the Premiership. Often involved in the battle for possession and in defence, he also acts as a mentor to younger forwards.
3. Harry Randall (Scrum-half) is an experienced player who distributes the ball and has a big influence on the tempo and tactics of the game. He recently made his 150th appearance for the club, returning from injury to help the Bears maintain a high level of play at the start of attacks.
4. Steven Luatua (Back row/Flanker) – a New Zealand player with international experience who has made the team stronger.
5. Gabriel Oghre (Hooker/Forward Leader) – active in the lineout and contact play.
6. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Centre) – A versatile midfielder who adds power to both defence and attack.
7. Kieran Marmion (Scrum-half) – An experienced player who sets the pace and stabilises the game.

One of the Bristol Bears rugby players played for the British & Irish Lions. We are talking about Ellis Genge, who plays in the prop position. He played for the British & Irish Lions in the 2025 tour. He took the field in the test series matches against Australia and was part of the team that won the series 2-1.

Women's team

Bristol Bears Women is a women's rugby club from the city of the same name. The team nurtures talented players, forming the basis for national teams. Bristol Bears Women includes rugby players who play or have played for national teams:

1. Hannah Botterman – prop and international player for England Women (Red Roses).
2. Alisha Joyce-Butchers – flanker for Wales Women, a rugby player with international experience.
3. Ilona Maher – American rugby star and Olympic bronze medallist. In early 2025, she signed a short-term contract with the Bears Women and played for the club in the Premiership Women's Rugby.
4. Millie David – British player who played for England U20 and was included in the extended lists of national teams at the international level.
5. Keira Bevan is the scrum-half for the Welsh women's national team and has captained the team in international matches.

Stadium

Bristol Bears play their home matches at Ashton Gate Stadium, which seats between 26,000 and 27,000 spectators. It has been the team's home stadium since 2014. Previously, the team played at Memorial Stadium.

Ashton Gate is a multi-purpose sports facility in the south-west of Bristol. It is also the home ground of Bristol City F.C. football club. Opened in 1887, the stadium combines a historic atmosphere with modern stands and infrastructure.

Sometimes the club holds major home matches (e.g., as part of special Big Day Out events) at other large arenas, such as Principality Stadium in Cardiff, in order to attract more fans.

Plan

Ashton Gate Stadium is a modern arena with four main stands arranged around a rectangular rugby and football pitch:

1. South Stand – the main stand with entrances, team changing rooms, press area and VIP boxes. This stand usually accommodates visiting fans and media representatives, and also houses administrative offices.
2. North Stand – the stand opposite the main stand. This is the main area for fans, with partially covered seating.
3. The East Stand and West Stand are the side stands along the long sides of the pitch, providing an excellent view of the game in the centre of the pitch.
4. The West Stand is the main ‘family sector’, also known as the area for regular fans.

The lower tier is closest to the pitch and offers the best view. The upper tier offers a wide panorama. In addition, the stadium layout includes VIP boxes with a restaurant and separate access.

Team tunnels lead from the changing rooms to the pitch, complemented by areas next to the stadium entrances where fans gather before and after matches. There are separate entrances for the luxury areas.

Shop

Bristol Bears has its own online shop selling branded merchandise. The product catalogue includes:

• jerseys;
• T-shirts;
• hoodies;
• accessories;
• souvenirs with team symbols.

Fans can purchase club rugby shirts, accessories, bags, gift cards, and other official merchandise. Themed souvenirs such as the Briz mascot teddy bear are particularly popular.

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