Bristol Bears - Strategic Partnership

It might now be the world worst kept secret but 12 months of hard work and planning has reached the end with completion of the partnership agreement between the University of Bristol Rugby Club and Bristol Bears. In what is a program changing development the partnership will see Bristol Bears invest into both the Men's and Women's programs with the main aim being promotion for both sides into the BUCS super leagues.

So what does this actually mean?

A clear pathway for anyone at our university! If a player is good enough they will have the best chance to be seen by the decision makers at the professional club. This has been in place for the Women's club for a number of years and has had incredible results with the likes of Simi Pam, Phoebe Murray and Ella Lovibond showing where you can go if you perform at the university. This is now a clear pathway for the men and women clubs with the investment into the clubs by Bristol Bears. Bristol Bears will employ the new Men's Head Coach for the 1st XV at the University in a joint role as a transition coach with the Bristol Bears senior squad and the Head Coach of the university men's program. It therefore has allowed the clubs to invest their money into increasing roles hours such as the Women's 1st XV Head Coach role and the new Head of Rugby role which will be overseeing both the Men's and Women's clubs leading on the strategic aims of the club.

The students are thrilled with the investment Club Captain, Ryan Webb said "it really puts us on the map, we have a clear pathway for students. We have already seen our recruitment increase due to the announcement on the Bristol Bears social media channels. Everyone at the club is extremely excited to see what next season can bring".

What do Bristol Bears say?

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “We’ve seen at Bears and across the Premiership the amount of talent that has graduated through the BUCS Super Rugby competition in the last few seasons, including our very own Fitz Harding and previously Sam Jeffries, so this new strategic relationship with University of Bristol is a hugely important one.

“With a joint coaching provision between the club and the university and a clear stated aim of helping University of Bristol to achieve promotion to the BUCS Super League, we’re excited by the potential of this new venture.”

Bears Academy Manager Alex Guest said: “The project offers a unique opportunity for talented individuals within the university to receive professional coaching and training, providing them with a pathway to develop their skills to potentially join the Bristol Bears or into other High Performance Rugby environments.

“The initiative not only enhances the calibre of players but also strengthens the overall rugby footprint within the city and surrounding area.”

What does the University say?

Director of Sport at University of Bristol, Matt Birch, said: “Collaborating will support both organisations to identify and nurture talent not just locally but also provide opportunities for individuals UK-wide and across the world.

“This strategic relationship creates a robust recruitment pipeline that benefits both the university’s rugby programme and Bristol Bears as we strive to enhance the overall sporting culture in Bristol. By working together, we can inspire the next generation of athletes and contribute to the city’s reputation as a hub for sporting excellence.”

Head of Rugby, Olly Slym, said: "We are extremely thankful of Pat and Alex who has pushed this to happen from a Bristol Bears point of view, its been a long road to get it over the line but we are there with the appointment of the new coach. What is so special about this partnership it doesn't just assist the performance group it will enhance the whole club from performance to development, women and men".