Bears Beyond The Gate

We are back after a two week break and dive straight into a quick review of the tough European campaign. A great effort from the lads away at La Rochelle but ultimately we are sitting at the bottom of the table. We briefly discuss what this might mean for the ‘Andy Uren derby’ when Benetton come to town in January  and then swiftly move on to more pressing matters…

You know…

The rugby massacre at Welford Road.

We do our best to give justice to the record-breaking events that unfolded on Saturday with a smorgasbord of hyperbole and cliches but also a  strange lack of ‘phenomenals’ from Miles.

Unfortunately we left the cliche bell at home but feel free to make your own ‘dings’ as you work thought the episode!

We also read out some choice rugby poetry from our hard core listeners and then finish off with a review of the how the Bears Women have fared in the last couple of weeks now that the Ilona Maher carnival has parked up for Christmas.

The positive vibes running through all aspects of Bristol Bears are just incredible at the moment and we all need to keep surfing that wave.

Happy Christmas and hopefully see a lot of your at Gate on Friday!

Much love,

Pete, Miles and Lee.

Let us know what you think!

In a very short late Sunday night post-match pod Pete and Miles reflect on the defeat to Leinster at a very windy Ashton Gate.

Lets be honest - they were lucky to be 7-7 at the break having lost two men to the bin and struggling to find a way through the Bristol's inspired defence that also had to contend with the loss on AJ MacGinty after 5 mins, and a reshuffle that put BJVR at fly half.

However, they were lucky enough to have both a World Cup winner and runner up on the bench alongside the probable Lions captain so inevitably they ended up winning.

That said, there were many positives to take from the game, not least yet another inspirational performance from Fitz '80 minute' Harding, but ultimately the second half reminded us that if we are serious about going deep in Europe now or in the future, let alone the Premiership, then we need a bigger squad. End of story.

And given the number of injuries we suffered, our trip to La Rochelle next week looks increasing like it might be a re-run of the Charge of the Light Brigade. 

But hey, stranger things have happened and we will be eagerly looking forward to Joe Owen schooling Will Skelton and Fitz Harding humbling Gregory Alldritt!

Up the Bears!....

Let us know what you think!

To mark the European heavyweights from Dublin's visit to Ashton gate on Sunday, former Bristol Bear and Leinster player Ian Madigan joins us for an episode packed with insights and nostalgia. 

He shares treasured memories from his time at Bristol, revealing what it was like to play under Pat Lam's leadership and how it shaped his approach to rugby. We also talk about Ian's transition to life off the field, where he's now navigating the worlds of television and marketing, and the exciting news of expecting his first child. 

Plus, Ian spills the beans on Leinster's strategies ahead of their Champions Cup face-off with the Bears, giving fans something to chew on before the big game.

And he thinks Jordie Barrett will play.

Ever wondered what goes into making a rugby commentator tick? We also discuss the art of punditry with Ian as he outlines the delicate balance between live analysis and setting expectations pre-match. Ian reflects on his journey from Bordeaux to Bristol, motivated by Pat Lam's compelling team vision, and shares insights into the changing dynamics between top leagues and the English championship. His anecdotes about building a team from the ground up offer a rare glimpse into the challenges and rewards of creating a winning dynamic, even if that meant playing in driving snow at Rotherham in front of one man and his husky.

So grab a pint of the dark stuff (Guinness or even BBF nitro stout) and join us for a stroll down memory lane as Mads takes us through unforgettable moments with the Bristol Bears, highlighting the camaraderie and mentorship that defines the sport, the competitive edge between the Pro 14 and the English Premiership, and the pressures faced by coaches in these high-stakes environments. 

As we wrap up with anticipation for the upcoming Leinster match, it's clear that the ties within the rugby community run deep, and the bonds formed on and off the pitch are what truly make the journey worthwhile. 

Cheers to the weekend and the enduring spirit of rugby!...

Up the European bears!

Let us know what you think!

Let us know what you think!

Ever wondered how professional rugby players navigate the transition from one team to another while maintaining their game and sanity? 

Join us as we chat with Callum Sheedy and Dan Thomas, ex Bears who recently set up shop in Cardiff. They share what it's like to move from familiar territory, the emotional rollercoaster of starting anew, and how commuting together helps them stay connected to their roots. You'll hear a personal story or two about their first days at ther new club, the nerves, the laughs, and the camaraderie that makes rugby life worth it.

The 2021 season was a rollercoaster for the Bears, and Callum and Dan give an insight into what happened behind the scenes and candidly discuss the aftermath of the crushing semi-final loss and how it affected the team's confidence and strategic direction. These insights reveal the intricacies of professional sports, where game plans are as much about mental resilience as they are about physical prowess.

But it's not all on-field drama. Off the pitch, Callum and Dan share their unwinding rituals, from arm wrestling to unforgettable nights out. We get into the nitty-gritty of their lives beyond rugby, including amusing tales of teammates and the quirks of international selection rules. Whilst they still harbor dreams of playing for Wales, both players remind us that while rugby is a game, it's also a career filled with personal aspirations and challenges. 

Whether you're a Bears fan or just curious about the lives of top level athletes, this episode promises a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and laughs.

Let us know what you think!

What happens when you mix a makeshift dining room studio with lively rugby banter? 

You get a fun-filled episode of Bears Beyond the Gate! 

Join us as our usual podcast space at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom is commandeered by the BBC, forcing us into the homely pod studio.

Miles shares his up-close experience from the England versus Australia clash at Twickenham but despite England's loss, the electrifying atmosphere, seamless pint access, and scrumptious street food made it a day to remember.

We also review the previous night's exhibition match vs Australia A including a light-hearted mention of the Dame Edna look-a-like cam which stole the show and ponder which international touring team could actually fill the stadium next year.

Celebrating Bristol Bears' rising stars is a must, so we (very) briefly review the two Prem Cup game as well as the recent exploits of the Bears Women team, plus, we tease our listeners with plans for future episodes and our excitement for upcoming internationals. 

So, grab a drink, sit back, and immerse yourself in the Bears Beyond the Gate experience!

Let us know what you think!

In this week’s episode we discuss the extent to which Ashton Gate is on its first steps to becoming a fortress after the first home win of the season against Saints despite our general lack of historical knowledge and the fact that the boys had to dig deep from 15-0 down.

We also analyse TNT’s official post match interview with Joe Batley as well as our own unofficial one with pod favorite AJ ‘Adge’ MacGinty.

As well as the regular ‘poet’s corner’ we introduce a new angle with ‘relatives corner’ - where current players tell us which of their relatives listen to the pod.

Finally, we run through a number of shout-outs based in various meetings with listeners and fellow Bears’ fans at location ‘in and around’ Ashton Gate.

Join Pete, Lee and Miles for a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter.

Running order:

0:00

Intro

3:08

Bats and Adge’s post match interviews

12:44

Our review of the game

43:52

Poets’ corner

48:46

Relatives’ corner

51:33

Shout outs, a gentle GOAT and guerrilla marketing

Let us know what you think!

In this week's episode we re-live the agonising defeat against Sarries, who are now well established as our Ashton Gate bogey team.

We were much the better side but just couldn't put the game to bed when in front and on top. However it was a great spectacle for the 18K fans who turned up for the family day double header and long may the fast flowing and exciting rugby continue.

We talk about both games and have soundbites from James Dun, fans from both teams and also, for the first time ever, post match comments from some of the Bears Women and Head Coach Dave Ward. Be warned the sound quality is a bit fuzzy as they were all dressed in lederhosen and on a post match social in the Bristol Beer factory Taproom.

We preview the Saints game with help from our friend Tom Vickers from the Northampton Echo and finally we run through some shout outs and a few final AOBS.

Join us for a cheeky beer and some rugby banter

Running order:

0:00

Intro

4:28

James Dun

5:30

Our thoughts

29:48

Sarries and Bears fans and a limerick

34:27

Womens' game report with help from players and Dave Ward

43:05

Saints preview with Tom Vickers

1:06:27

AOBs - shout outs, Apero Bar, more Walking Rugby and a mystery job for us at the Gate on Friday

Let us know what you think!

This week the boys break down yet another away win for the Bears down at Sandy Park. 

At 32-12 down with all stats against us and only 14 minutes left on the clock, we somehow snatch victory from the jaws of defeat leaving us in dreamland and top of the table after four games.

We try to make sense of the mayhem whilst opening cans of beer and marveling at how sometimes fact is stranger than fiction.

After that we look forward to Family day next Saturday and the double header vs Sarries with help from our good friend Jez from the Saracens Supporters Club Fezcast pod. 

Finally we run through some AOBs that include travel updates, an 'anti-goat', a reminder of cocktail related discount opportunities and a shout out for the Silver Ravens, who are the Nailsea and Backwell rugby club's walking rugby team.

Join us for a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter.

Let us know what you think!

We can bearly contain ourselves this week as the Boys went to the Rec on Saturday as underdogs but left it with a wholehearted Blackbird ringing in their ears. It was a game of passion, purpose and no little skill on both sides but for the 145th time in the history of this fixture the Bears were triumphant.

We break down the events at the Rec and then look forward to the next game at Chiefs with the help of SW Rugby writer John Evely. 

We've had to cut down on the acrostics this week as we have enough for an anthology, but we do read out three (plus one) and acknowledge everyone who has contributed to this burgeoning art form

It was also the start of the PWR this weekend with the Bears Women winning at Loughborough Lightnings as they aim to go one better than runners-up last year. We doff our cap to double hat-trick merchants!

Finally, we refer ourselves to the IGCC - the  Independent Goats Complaints Commission - and make a public apology to a humiliated listener....

Join Pete, Lee and Miles for a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter

Let us know what you think!