Which version of the Bristol Bears will appear in the new season? Will it be a side capable of beating the reigning champions, or a team that can deliver shocking amounts of tries on a bad day? If Pat Lam’s men are to make the play-offs next June, they will need to overcome the inconsistency that plagued last season.
New Gallagher PREM the season begins on Friday, September 25 and The world of rugby will review each team’s chances – along with our verdicts on the 16 United Rugby Championship teams – ahead of the big kick-off.
Discussion Bristol Bears
A record 94-33 loss to Saints, followed by a 21-19 home win against Bath, typified Bristol last season. It didn’t make sense.
At their best, the Bears can tear you apart anywhere on the field. New England center Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Kalaveti Ravouvou helped Bristol lead the way in offload success last term. At worst, the Bears can capitulate faster than a scrappy amateur XV.
There is rarely a middle ground that would even lead to the question of Pat Lam’s future. Asked if he was still the best man to lead the club after the attack on Saints, he replied: “Yes. I’ve been around a long time and my life and identity don’t revolve around what people say, so I enjoy the summer every year.”
It cannot be denied that Lam’s team has been ravaged by long injuries, with Harry RandallAJ MacGinty and Gabriel Ibitoye were all beaten in the PREM opener against Leicester.
But the question remains whether a changing of the guard is needed. Lam has been at the club for nine years and has yet to lead them to the PREM final. Will that change this year? With 15 internationals and 13 players from their U18 titles in their squad, Bristol are confident.
A key player
AJ MacGinty’s absence was keenly felt at Ashton Gate last season. Fractured his achilles on the opening day, the American fly-half missed all of the two bar games, ending the Bears’ play-off hopes. It adds stability and smarts to an otherwise unpredictable approach.
Bristol Bears missed the impact of American flyhalf AJ MacGinty last season (David Rogers/Getty Images)
One to watch
Georgian Luka Ivanishvili eased his way into English rugby last season, starting just one of his seven PREM appearances. Expect the powerful back line to become a more consistent figure this season. Khalik Kareem, popular star Champ Rugbyand Ethan Staddon added back row shares.
Trainer box
Sean Marsden (attack), Jordan Crane (defence) and Mark Irish (forward) support big boss Pat Lam on the training pitch.
Bristol Bears Prediction 2026-27
Another year floating between third and sixth. Will they make it to the play-offs? It’s a coin toss.
Bristol Bears 2026-27 quotas
18-1
Vital statistics
Bristol won more PREM games last season (11) than in 2024-25 (ten) but earned eight fewer bonus points
Ethan Staddon traveled the A4 to join Bristol Bears from Bath Rugby (Leila Coker/Getty Images)
Bristol Bears signings
- Josh Caulfield (Ealing Trailfinders)
- Tobi Wilson (Ealing Trailfinders)
- Ethan Staddon (Bath Rugby)
- Louie Sinclair (Cornish Pirates)
- Sol Moody (Cornish Pirates)
- Oscar Lennon (New England Free Jacks)
- Khalik Kareem (Worcester Warriors)
Bristol Bears ddepartures
- Sam Grahamslaw (Ealing Trailfinders)
- James Dunn (Harlequins)
- Santiago Grondona (Pau)
- Sam Wolstenholme (Exeter Chiefs)
- Benjamin Elizalde (Newcastle Red Bulls)
- Joe Jenkins (Leicester Tigers)
- Raff Weston (Ampthill)
- Toby Baker (Ampthill)
- Will Capon (published)
- Rich Lane (published)
Download the digital edition of Rugby World directly to your tablet or subscribe to the print edition to have the magazine delivered to your door.
