Bears Beyond The Gate

In this week's show we talk about the new coaching setup with the arrival of new scrum and defence coaches. There's also the resigning of Irish hooker, Bryan Byrne and Luke Hamilton finds a new club across the Channel.

Monday 6 July saw the return to level 2 training and the magnificent new Failand training facility open and ready for business. We discuss how good it was to see the big-name recruits in Bristol kit at last, and wonder how much of an impact they may have in the second part of the season.

With plans for resuming the season starting to form, we ask what price on a cup and league double for Bristol.

Bears Beyond The Gate is a Bristol Bears Rugby podcast made by fans for fans.

Let us know what you think!

The boys are back and discuss the salary cap arrangements for the next few seasons. A climbdown by Bristol or a clever compromise that will protect the Bears squad? When the season starts will we see all games played or a compromise fixture list like the PRO 14?

With Bristol city's new Hummel training kit all over social media we ask when will we see something from Umbro for Bristol Bears.

There's something magical happening at Welford Road but will it spread across the Premiership!

Let us know what you think!

In this week's episode the boys talk about the retained list for next year with 19 senior players departing. Do we have the depth of squad to compete next season? We also talk about the target to resume the Premiership on 15 August and what the knock on effect will be for the 2020/21 season.

There's also news of a victory over Bath, an upcoming Bears quiz and Nathan Hughes' new fashion range.

Bears Beyond The Gate is a Bristol Bears rugby podcast made by fans for fans.

Let us know what you think!

In this episode we talk about the arrival Siva Naulago who joins from rugby league club Hull FC. Is he a bit of a gamble or shrewd move from Pat Lam? We also talk about three academy players stepping up to senior contracts and the new intake of players to the Integrated Academy and the new Academy Scholars programme.

We also discuss Steve Lansdown's letter in support of the salary cap and marquee players, and calls for ringfencing  to be implemented as soon as possible.

Bears Beyond The Gate is a Bristol Bears rugby podcast, made by fans for fans. For more news, views and gossip follow us on Twitter.

Let us know what you think!

In this episode the boys talk about the arrival of Chris Cook from Bath and wonder where he will fit in the scrum-half pecking order and discuss the departure of Joe Batley to Worcester Warriors. There's also news of Aly Muldowney's next move in the world of rugby.

With the Umbro announcement made last week we ponder on the term 'Technical Kit Partner' and wonder why this phrase was used. We also talk about our hopes for the new partnership with Umbro, including a ladies range and of course the all important bobble hat.

We then round up other rugby news including the Champions Cup format for next year, Lord Myner's salary-cap report, a departure at Kingsholm and a long overdue rule change.

Bears Beyond The Gate is a Bristol Bears rugby podcast made by fans for fans.

Let us know what you think!

The boys discuss Shaun Malton's departure at the end of the season and wonder if three hookers is enough for 2020/21. We also talk about the fly-half situation with Nathan Chamberlain on his way north of the border next season.

There's also the news that Mark Irish (scrum coach) follows Jonathan Thomas on taking a new coaching role with Worcester Warriors next season. We ask will we see new faces at the Gate or will Pat promote from within to the coaching team?

As this episode was recorded just after the British Prime Minster announced the first stage of loosening the Coronavirus lockdown in the UK, we ask what does this mean for the Bears and rugby in England? Will the season restart in July or is it destined to never be completed?

Bears Beyond The Gate is a Bristol Bears rugby podcast made by fans for fans.

Let us know what you think!

In the episode the boys talk about the departures of two of the current squad at the end of the season - scrum half Nic Stirzaker and tight-head prop Lewis Thiede. Will they be replaced or in the current climate will we make do with what we've got? With Will Hurrell's retirement from rugby confirmed, we reminisce on the four season that Will has served for the Bears and wish him all the best for the future. 

Also in the pod we talk about the recent Premiership statement that the league has now been postponed indefinitely but with the aim to still complete all of this season's games. We give our views on the chances of seeing a full season played and the issues around contracts finishing on 30 June.

We also take a look at some proposed rule changes and what they may mean for Bristol Bears style of play. Are they needed changes to enhance the spectator experience or unnecessary tinkering with the game?

Finally, we wrap up with the little things we all miss about the gameday experience at Ashton Gate.

Bears Beyond The Gate is a Bristol Bears podcast made by fans for fans.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we discuss Jake Armstrong's contract extension and the strength in depth we have at tight head. We touch on the rumour that Bath scrum half Chris Cook has been linked with Bristol Bears and the news that players and staff are taking a 25 per cent pay cut.

We also pick out the opposition players that have impressed us in games against Bristol this season. Do you agree with our selections from Bath, London Irish, Worcester Warriors and Harlequins?

This edition was recorded by phone due to the current social isolation guidance as a result of Coronavirus. Apologies for the quality of one of the lines this week.

Bears Beyond The Gate is a Bristol Bears podcast made by fans for fans.

Let us know what you think!

In this week’s show the boys discuss the suspension of the season due to Coronavirus. What does it mean for Bristol, the wider game and the future of the professional game? There’s also Ian Madigan’s departure to Ulster at the end of the season and Nathan Chamberlin’s sensational performance for Scotland against Wales in the recent U20s fixture. 

Bears Beyond The Gate is a Bristol Bears rugby podcast made by fans for fans. 

Let us know what you think!

This week the boys are joined by former Bristol scrum half, Mark Newall, to talk about the Bear’s 28-15 win to establish a club record five-game winning streak in the Premiership. We review the game, the performances and the talking points.

There are also our thoughts on the loan deals for Saracen’s duo Ben Earl and Max Malins; Joe Marler’s antics in England’s win against Wales; and a round up of your comments on social media.

In the second half of the show we talk to Mark about his playing days at The Mem’ in the 90s as the game transformed from amateur status to a professional set up. Mark gives us some great insight into the club and some of the famous faces he played with and against.

Let us know what you think!