Rugby / Bristol Bears
Bears to face Baa Baas in BS3
One of the most famous invitational teams in world rugby will be taking on Bristol Bears in September.
The Barbarians are coming to Ashton Gate as a curtain raiser for the 2023/24 season.
Players representing the Baa Baas will not be announced until nearer the time but big names who have played for the side over the years include Jonah Lomu, David Campese and Francois Pienaar, as well as Bristol club captain Steven Luatua and director of rugby Pat Lam, who has also coached the side and retains a close connection which no doubt helped secure this fixture in BS3.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol Bears Women’s Simi Pam scored on her Barbarians debut in 2021 in front of a world record crowd for women’s rugby at Twickenham.
Gareth Edwards scored one of the greatest tries of all time playing for the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973:
The Barbarians will visit Ashton Gate on the evening of Thursday, September 7; just one day before the start of the Rugby World Cup.
It will be the Bears’ second international fixture in fewer than 12 months, having beaten current world champions South Africa in November.
Tickets go on priority sale to 2023/24 season ticket holders from 10am on Wednesday before general sale opens at 10am on Friday. Adult tickets start from £20 with juniors from £10.
Lam ended his playing career as captain for the Barbarians, scoring the final try of the match when they beat Wales 40-25 in 2002 – after trailing 25-0 at half time.
Speaking in 2018, the former Samoan no. 8 said: “I was blessed to play six times for the Barbarians against England, Wales, Scotland, Australia, and it was such an enjoyable experience.
“I played the game as an amateur and then as a professional and in the Barbarians you get a touch of both.
“It’s got that old school charm where you spend time building friendships, enjoying what you do on the field and off it, and the quality of players and people you were involved with was great.”
Main photo: Barbarians
Read next:
- Simi Pam scores on Barbarians debut in front of world record crowd
- A historic night at Ashton Gate as Bristol Bears beat South Africa
- Bristol Bears scrum half Harry Randall scores try on England debut
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