Bristol Bears
Bristol Bears are a men's rugby club founded in 1888 who play in the Gallagher Premiership (Tier 1). Their home ground is The Gate, which holds 27,000.
Last updated May 2026
Key facts
| Founded | 1888 |
|---|---|
| League | Gallagher Premiership |
| Tier | Tier 1 |
| Head coach | Pat Lam |
| Home ground | Ashton Gate Stadium (The Gate) |
| Capacity | 27,000 |
| Nearest station | Bristol Temple Meads |
| Local derby | Bath Rugby |
| Marquee fixture | West Country derby vs Bath Rugby |
| Matchday pub | The Independence Sports Bar - at Ashton Gate |
| Official website | https://www.bristolbearsrugby.com |
Honours
- European Challenge Cup winners in 2019-20
- 2017-18 Championship title
Club history
Bristol Football Club was founded in 1888 when Carlton and Redland Park merged to create a single Bristol rugby club.
Pat Lam was appointed head coach in December 2016 and took the club back into the Premiership after the 2017-18 Championship title.
The club was rebranded as Bristol Bears at the end of the 2017-18 season.
Bristol won the European Challenge Cup for the first time in the 2019-20 season.
Bristol topped the Premiership table for the first time in 2020-21 and hosted Harlequins in the semi-final with Steven Luatua as captain.
Recent seasons
Bristol Bears set a club record of 95 tries in 18 regular season Premiership games in 2024-25 under Pat Lam.
Pat Lam's side broke the league record for consecutive away wins in the Gallagher Premiership with their tenth straight in December 2024.
AJ MacGinty surpassed 1006 Premiership points with a club record 45 conversions in the 2024-25 regular season.
Bristol were eliminated in the 2024-25 Premiership semi-final losing 34-20 at Bath after leading 13-6 at half-time.
Notable players
Club legends
- Charles Piutau
- AJ MacGinty
- Semi Radradra
- Siale Piutau
- Ian Madigan
- Pat Lam
Current squad
- Ellis Genge
- Steven Luatua
- Fitz Harding
- Tom Jordan
- Will Capon
- Viliame Mata
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Frequently asked questions
When were Bristol Bears founded?
Bristol Bears were founded in 1888.
Where do Bristol Bears play?
Bristol Bears play at The Gate, which holds 27,000. The nearest station is Bristol Temple Meads.
What league do Bristol Bears play in?
Bristol Bears compete in the Gallagher Premiership, tier 1 of English rugby's league structure.
What have Bristol Bears won?
Bristol Bears's honours include European Challenge Cup winners in 2019-20; 2017-18 Championship title.
Who are Bristol Bears's local rivals?
Bristol Bears's local derby is against Bath Rugby.
Who is the Bristol Bears head coach?
Bristol Bears are coached by Pat Lam.
Other Gallagher Premiership clubs
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