As the 2024-25 Gallagher Premiership season kicks off, Bristol Bears are ready to shake things up following a solid 5th-place finish last year. Under the dynamic guidance of Pat Lam, the Bears are set to dazzle fans with their trademark attacking flair and aim for a spot in the playoffs.
Key Players:
Leading the charge is captain Fitz Harding who’s as tough as they come. His relentless energy and work-rate are crucial for Bristol's high-paced game, whether that be disrupting opposition rucks, leading the defensive line or stepping up to carry the hard yards.
Ellis 'Baby Rhino' Genge continues to be a force of nature. In just two years since the Bristolian prop returned to his boyhood club, he has taken on a leadership role at the club, helping to develop younger players while he consistently performs at a high level. His sheer power and aggression in the scrum and loose play are indispensable for Bristol’s forward pack.
In the backline, Harry Randall epitomises the Bears way. High energy, high ambition and high work rate, Randall is a livewire at scrum-half, always buzzing around and quick on his feet. He will certainly be looking to push into Steve Borthwick's starting 23 as England continue to develop their attacking style. For the first time since the Bears were promoted, they will be without Welsh international Callum Sheedy as he returned back home to Cardiff this summer. In his place, veteran fly-half AJ MacGinty brings a wealth of experience and precise kicking, while star fullback Max Malins will deputise at No.10 more frequently this season, returning to the position where he first broke through into the Saracens ranks.
Impact Signings:
With the loss of Magnus Bradbury, who only missed 3 games last season, Bristol had a gaping hole to fill at Number 8 heading into this season. But don't worry, Bears faithful, Pat Lam has you covered. In Villiame Mata, the Fijian Number 8, Ashton Gate will be the home of one of the world's most explosive ball-carrying and best offloaders. But they haven’t stopped there. New signings Lovejoy Chawatama joins from Harlequins to replace Kyle Sinckler at tighthead whilst Argentinian fullback Benjamín Elizalde join the ranks, adding more pace and flair to the Bristol backline. They might not be household names yet, but keep an eye out for their contributions.
Potential Weakness:
Bristol’s high-speed, exciting play is their trademark, but there are some niggling concerns. With the departure of key players like Kyle Sinckler and Callum Sheedy, questions linger about their basics. Will they be able to ensure scrum stability, lineout efficiency, defensive solidity and an effective kicking game? Can they keep their basics in check while dazzling with their flair? Only time will tell.
One to Watch:
Fresh from a breakout tournament at the junior world cup, Argentinian U20s fullback Benjamín Elizalde is one to watch. Able to play across the back three and in midfield, Elizalde will be a handy utility player in this Bears backline. At only age 19, he has already shown great promise as a distributor and goal kicker, helping to fill the gap left by Callum Sheedy.
The RIL Take:
Bristol Bears are geared up to entertain with their exciting brand of rugby. The promotion of Sean Marsden as Backs and Attack coach signals their commitment to high-octane play. Will this attract fans? Absolutely. Will it bring home silverware? That’s the big question. If they can balance their thrilling attack with solid basics, Bristol might just turn those playoff dreams into a reality.
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