Bears host Newcastle Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership
Bristol will be looking to finally find some form this season after what has been a dissapointing start to the season, potentially a hangover after last year's Gallagher Premiership dissapointment. With the visitors sitting in mid table this year, Pat Lam's side will be looking to take advantage of any complacency.
Bears have had the lion's share of results in the past few pictures with three wins out of four. 2019 saw them run out 19-12 winners in North East and, in the 2020/21 season, Lam's team managed to do the double over Falcons with a 29-17 win in Bristol and a 17-34 away win. However, October saw Newcastle buck the trend with a 13-5 win (Newcastle - tries: Chick, conversions: Connon, penalties: Connon. Bristol - tries: Leiua) meaning that the West Country team will be desperate for revenge here.
About Bristol Bears
Following a disappointing relegation to the Greene King Championship in the 2016/17 season, Bristol Rugby shone in the following campaign, securing their return to rugby's top division at the first time of asking.
Rebranded as the Bristol Bears and playing at a refurbished Ashton Gate Stadium, the side endured an up-and-down first season back in the top flight, finishing ninth before a fantastic 3rd place finish in the delayed 2019/20 season before succumbing to Wasps in the play offs semi final. The Bears pushed on impressively under the stewardship of head coach Pat Lam, however, winning their first-ever European Challenge Cup at the tail end of the 2019/20 season.
The club continued this impressive form last season, winning 17 out of 22 matches and achieved their highest ever finish by being top of the table at the end of the normal season. However, the Bears' season ended in disappointment as they lost to eventual champions Harlequins at Ashton Gate in the semi-finals. Despite a successful campaign, Pat Lam's side will be hoping to go a step further in the 2021/22 season.
Find a full fixture list and follow updates on the club's official website.