Rugby / Bristol Bears

Bristol Bears host open training session on College Green

By Martin Booth  Thursday Dec 21, 2023

Bristol Bears fans got to meet their heroes as Pat Lam’s men took part in an open training session on College Green.

Amidst the rugby skills on show, there were selfies and autographs aplenty as players mingled with fans young and old.

The Bears team will be travelling to Newcastle for their next match before returning to Ashton Gate for a West Country derby versus Exeter Chiefs on the evening of Friday, December 29.

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Bears players were having as much fun as fans on College Green

Knowle West-born England star Ellis Genge

The ever-innovative Bears chief operating officer, Tom Tainton, told Bristol24/7 that “community is really important for Bristol Bears”.

He said: “Our vision is to inspire our community through rugby success. We were thinking about how we could be as visible as possible in the heart of the city so had this idea for a free community event during the Christmas holidays and have the whole squad down here before our game against Newcastle tomorrow.

“They are being put through their paces with some training drills as well as meeting fans for photos and autographs.

“What’s been really special is seeing not just how many people have turned out but also how happy everyone is to engage and how important it is for our guys to see the strength of support for Bristol Bears in the city.”

Fans took part in rugby drills with their idols

Gabriel Ibitoye has had a breakthrough year for the Bears

Former Bears captain Steven Luatua made his World Cup debut for Samoa in September

All photos: Martin Booth

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