Bears Beyond The Gate (Bears Beyond The Gate)

In this week's show we give our thoughts on Bristol's entertaining 37-21 win against Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate. Tom Whiteley shone as a nine-and-a-half (scrum half and fly half) and Siva Naulago put in a eye-catching performance in his first start of the season after a long-term injury.

We also look ahead to the next game on Friday against London Irish and Pete has a cosy chat with our good friend Jerry Brown, Chair of the London Irish Supporters Association. Jerry tells us all about the teams recent form, a young number 7 to look out for and his thoughts on how the game will go.

With Uren and Morahan off with injuries at the weekend, we give our thoughts on who might come in and wether Tiff Eden did enough to keep the fly half jersey.

We also talk to the Bristol Bullsharks, a new team looking for players - it's rugby but not as we know it; we discuss Sinckler, Randall and Sheedy's opening weekend in the Six Nations; and comment on Harry Randall's new 'long-term' deal with the Bears.

All this and more with Tony, Lee and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

In this special bumper edition of BBTG we celebrate our 100th episode of the podcast.

The team hadn't read the script and instead of having a glorious victory to review, we try to make sense of the 32-49 home defeat against London Irish. How did we go from a halftime lead to conceding 39 unanswered points in half an hour! And then with 14 men we score three tries in the last five minutes. A crazy, crazy game.

Hear our thoughts on the match, the Naulago red card, Mr Ridley's refereeing along with our perspective on individual performances.

To celebrate our century of shows we talked to the King of Southmead. In a wide-ranging interview Joe tells us how the club has evolved since he joined, the night we won the Challenge Cup in France as well as his rugby ambitions. 

We also talk about Vui's new four-year deal, the departure of Groves and the arrival of student hooker Fred Davies next year. There's also our reflections on Randall's first Six Nations start for England, Sinckler's late try in Rome and Sheedy's cameo appearance for Wales against Ireland.

We finish off with our memories and high points from our 100 episodes. A longer pod than normal, but well worth a listen.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we discuss the 19-14 defeat to Worcester Warriors. Once again a lack of precision and too many turnovers left the Bears humbled at Sixways. To make matters even worse, new scrum half, Toby Venner, lasted all of a dozen minutes before the number 9 curse struck again.We pick through the bones of this disappointing performance and analyse what went wrong.

There's also a preview of next Friday's game against Wasps with friend of the podcast, Rob from The Wasps Report. We give our thoughts on our chances and what team changes Pat Lam may make.

There's speculation we are going to bring a Championship fly half to Ashton Gate next term along with the already announced arrival of AJ MacGinty. Find out who it is!

Also there's our take on the new pay-to-view option for non BT/ITV covered games and the return of 'Gets my Goat'.

All this and more with Tony, Lee and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

This week we bask in the glory of the Bears bonus-point win against a strong Wasps team. We certainly didn't expect to see such a good performance after the horror show at Worcester the week before.

Hera out thoughts on the likes of Strong, Eden, Frisch and Adeolokun who all stepped up to the plate to guide the Bears to a memorable win. Hear our thoughts on the game, performances and tactics and if Tiff Eden had done enough to keep the 10 shirt for next week.

We also look ahead to the next game against a slowly improving Bath team with our friend Matt Price from @BathBytes. Hear our thoughts on Pat's likely selections and how this big westcountry derby will go.

There's also news about the U18s winning the national title, a close game for the women against Sarries and Harry Randall's first Six Nation start against Wales.

All this and more with Lee, Miles, Pete and Tony.

Let us know what you think!

Once again this season we snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. After a flying start at arch rivals Bath a red card, there yellows and some poor decision making see the Bears fall to a 29-27 defeat in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

We try to make sense of this crazy game and give our thoughts on individual performances.

We once again speak to Will at The Harlequins Podcast about the reigning champions visit to Ashton Gate next Sunday. He's confident that Quins will win and after Saturday's debacle lets hope Bristol bounce back and show us what they can do.

We also discuss the injury-cover arrival of another scrum half, plus a fullback and tight head prop. There's news of the Bears A game against the Navy and discuss the decision to reject Donny and Ealing's application to join the Premiership. Some mixed views in the studio on that one!

All this and more with Lee, Miles, Pete and Tony.

Let us know what you think!

Recorded right after the game the boys discuss the disappointing 29-38 loss to Saracens at Ashton Gate on Sunday. Having conceded 14 points in the first 3 minutes the boys showed a lot of heart to battle back into the game but ultimately fell short... again.

We discuss the individual performances and look at some of the key moments in the game.

There's also our preview of the forthcoming games against Bath and Saracens, a discussion on new signing Magnus Bradbury and our thoughts on Randall and Sinckler's performances for England against Ireland.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we review Bristol 61-19 win against Bath in the Premiership Rugby Cup and the narrow 27-23 defeat to Saracens in the 'Showdown' at White Hart Lane.

Hear our thoughts on both games and the player performances that stood out.

There's also our previews of the forthcoming games against Gloucester (cup) and we speak to Northampton journalist, Tom Vickers, about our trip Saints  (league). Plus more rumours about players arriving and leaving.

Let us know what you think!

Not a great week for the Bears with disappointing loss against Gloucester in the Premiership Cup quickly followed by a league defeat away at Northampton. Hear our thoughts on the player performances, tactics and where it all went wrong... again.

To make a bad week on the field worse, news broke of Bristolian Dave Attwood's departure at the end of the season to join Bath. Then the Daily Telegraph's  revelation that a contract mess up means six players who were due to leave the club have been given one year extensions, due to a missed deadline, leaving a reported £400k gap in our salary budget for next season.

We discuss the how the gap may be filled and what big names might be on their way out to balance the books. 

Plus our preview of the European game away at Sale with our friends from The Shark Tank podcast. 

All this and more on this week's show.

Let us know what you think!

It may not have been a showcase of fluent rugby but we are mighty happy with the 9-10 victory away at Sale in the Champions Cup first leg. Hear our thoughts on the game, player performances and Pat's tactic of going with a superstar heavy bench.

With the second leg at home on Good Friday we debate the Bears approach for the next clash with Sale. Same again or do we start our big names from the first minute. Hear our thoughts.

We also talk about the arrivals of Ibitoye, Williams, Davies, Mulhall and Charalambous for next season. Some astute signings by the club as we look to balance the books next year.

There's also our thoughts on season card prices and the club's decision to move the family section to the Lansdown Upper.  All this and more with Tony, Lee and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we talk about the fateful Friday night that saw Bristol dumped out of the Champions Cup by Sale. Hear our thoughts on the selections, tactics and player performances.
 
 We also preview the next home game against Gloucester with our friends from the Cherry Jam Podcast.
 
 Due to a technical glitch the last five minutes of this week's recording is unavailable. 

Let us know what you think!

What a difference a week makes. After European disappointment last week the Bears bounced back with a late 29-28 win over Gloucester to win the Rifles Cup.

With Semi out for the rest of the season and many of our other stars unavailable the match day squad did the club proud to snatch a late win despite Sam Bedlow's red card. Hear our thoughts on the game and player performances.

We also talk to the Leicester fan's podcast about our next game away at Welford Road. After a Christmas ding-dong at the Gate and the controversial finish to the game at Leicester last season this could be a spicy encounter. Hear our thoughts on team selection and our result predictions.

We also talk about the club's open training session during the Easter holidays, Semi's knee operation and the departure of Antoine Frisch to Munster next season.

All this and more with Tony, Lee, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we discuss the heavy defeat at Welford Road as the Bears lost 56-26 to Leicester. We talk about the game, tactics and player performances. 

We also discuss today's news that John Afoa will leave the club at the end of the season rather than take up a role as a full time coach. John is heading to France with a two-year playing contract.

We discuss the implications of losing both our best scrummager and a coach!

All this and more with Tony, Lee, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we look ahead to the final home game of the season as Bristol face Exeter Chiefs at the Gate. Hear our thoughts on the team and our predictions for the game. 

We also look forward to the Women's team's trip to Sandy Park to face Exeter in the play off semi final, following this week's narrow away to defeat to Exeter in their final league game.  It's all Exeter, Exeter, Exeter!

One of our listeners has asked for help to complete a research project into the women's game. If you are a season ticket holder at Bristol and can spare 20-30 minutes please listen to the interview and get in touch with us if you can help.

We also discuss the news that mark Tainton is stepping down as CEO at the end of the season. Is he leaving or has he been pushed? We also discuss the Daily Telegraph story about an 'inside' Twitter account that criticised the training arrangements this season. No smoke without fire? Hear our thoughts.

All this and more with Tony, Pete and Miles.

Let us know what you think!

What a way to round off the home campaign with a fine 40-33 win against local rivals Exeter Chiefs.  In a flashback to last season the Bears played some sublime rugby to score six tried and end Exeter's playoff hopes. We talk about some sparkling performances and analyse how the Bears turned in such a great victory.

This week we also said goodbye to eleven players following the publication of the retained list for 2022/23. We discuss the departing players and their contribution to the Bears as well as going through the squad for the next campaign.

There's also our thoughts on the Women's 28-24 semi-final defeat away at Exeter which has brought to an end a fine season and our preview of the men's final league game away at Sale

All this and more on the show. 

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we discuss the disappointing 42-19 defeat at Sale to finish our campaign for the year. Hear our thoughts on the game, tactics and player performances. 

We then look back on the 2021/22 season picking out some of the highs, a few of the lows and some of the memorable moments on and off the pitch. We also pick out the players we've enjoyed watching most this year and give our initial thoughts on how the Bears will get on next season.

All this and more in the final episode of season three. 

Let us know what you think!

We are back with season four of Bears Beyond The Gate.

This week we discuss the performances from the Bears three pre-season friendlies and ask what pointers can we take for the opening game.

We also preview 'The Big One' that kicsk off our season at home against arch rivals Bath. We give our thoughts on the starting XV and how we see the game going.

There's also our review of this seasons three shirts, our thoughts on Worcester's predicament and our predictions for Bristol's 2022/23 season.

All this and more with Tony, Lee, Miles and Pete. It's good to be back.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we cover the Bears opening games of the 2022-23 season.

First up the rescheduled opener against Bath, which saw the return of the Ellis 'Baby Rhino' Genge to Bristol.  We assess the narrow victory that came 24 hours later than expected following the sad passing of HM Queen Elizabeth. 

We then analyse this week's resolute away win against Wasps. Our first victory at their place for 22 years as the Bears put on a defensive masterclass. Hear our thoughts on the game and player performances. 

We also look ahead to the next game against London Irish, Worcester's fight for survival and reflect on a big week for the women's game in Bristol. All this and more with Lee, Miles, Pete and Tony.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we discuss Bristol Bears 40-36 home win against London Irish. That's three wins in a row to start the season and 14 out of 15 available points collected. Hear our thoughts on the key moments and our review of the players' performances. 

We also look ahead to the mid-week game against Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Rugby Cup and the next league game away at the faltering Falcons. We speculate on who we may see on Wednesday night and who will be kept fresh for the Newcastle game.

All this and much more with Tony, Lee, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

There are four grumpy Bears on this podcast after Bristol's hugely disappointing defeat away at bottom club Newcastle Falcons in the league. A catalogue of errors and lapses in discipline let the Falcons swoop for their first win of the season. Hear our post mortem on the game and the players' performances.

We also discuss the midweek defeat at home to Exeter in the Premiership Cup. Two young sides locked horns with the Chiefs coming out on top. Find out which of the young players stood out for TC on the night.

We also discuss Andy Uren's new three-year contract and the rumours that max Malins may return to Bristol next season.

All this and more on this week's show, with TC, Miles, Pete and Lee.

Let us know what you think!

Bristol follow up their hugely disappointing loss away at Falcons with something even worse  - a record home Premiership points defeat at the hands of SW neighbours Exeter Chiefs. 

After a reasonable first half the second is a shocker leaving the Bears' faithful stunned on fan appreciation night and sadly the only followers leaving the Gate with grins on their faces were those from down the M5.

We analyse what went wrong and 'look forward' to another tough assignment on the road at Kingsholm. 

On a happier note we talk about the signing of Max Malins for next season and Joe Batley for the remainder of this and also ask the question that is on everyone's lips... where is Brizzly?

All this and more on this week's show with Pete, Lee and Miles.

Let us know what you think!

In this episode we discuss the narrow 31-28 loss to Gloucester at Kinsgholm. After chastening defeats to Newcastle and Exeter this was an improved performance by Bristol, even if some basic errors cost us dear. Hear our thoughts on player performances and the key points from the game.

We also talk about the A Team's game at Exeter and the Women's cup game against Loughborough Lightening. There's also our thoughts on Wasps likely demise and rumours that the Bears might be looking at Dan Robson as scrum half cover.

All this and more with Lee, Miles, Pete and Tony.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we discuss the 29-0 victory against Bath in the Premiership Cup. Harry Thacker helped himself to a hat trick as an experienced Bristol team overwhelmed Bath at the Rec.

We also look forward to the next league game away at Northampton Saints and give our thoughts on selections and score predictions.

In a busy week off the pitch we discuss the news that Kyle Sinckler has extended his Bristol contract, our surprise about Dan Thomas's hastily arranged loan to Scarlets and the signing of Will Porter from Wasps as scrum half cover.

All this and more with Tony, Lee, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show the boys take a look ad the disappointing defeat at Franklin's Gardens. After a promising opening 10 minutes the Bears conceded 38 points without reply and eventually lost 45-31 to Northampton Saints.

Just about everything that could go wrong, did go wrong on a day to forget that included injuries to Joyce, Piutau and Capon. Hear our thoughts on the tactics, selections and player performances. 

We also look ahead to the visit of Saracens to the Gate on Bonfire Night and give our view on selections and score predictions. 

All this and more on this week's episode with Tony, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we just have to get a few things off our chests. It is a "Gets My Goat" special after a night to forget at Ashton Gate.

Bristol fell to a 25-10  defeat against Saracens in what was billed as a "Fireworks Spectacular". But much like the promised pyrotechnics, the Bears failed to ignite on the night as our losing streak continues. Hear our thoughts on the tactics, excuses and player performances.

We also look ahead to the friendly against Cardiff, discuss the performances of our International Bears and comment on a new arrival at Ashton Gate.

All this and more with Tony, Lee, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we discuss Bristol Bears 31-12 friendly win against Cardiff at Ashton Gate.  Hear our thoughts on the game, performances and the match day announcer!

We then look ahead to Thursday's big Game against a South Africa XV at a sold out Ashton Gate. Find out who we think will play against the Boks and why it is so important the off-pitch experience is good for first time visitors to the Gate. We also think about the Team Pat will send to Gloucester in the Premiership Cup a mere two days after the South Africa game.

We also talk about the Bristol contingent in the Red Roses heartbreaking Word Cup Final loss to New Zealand and take a look at Sinckler and Genge's performances for England against Japan.

All this and more with Tony, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we reminisce about the Bears 26-18 victory over South Africa A in front of a record-breaking attendance at Ashton Gate.

The boys discuss the game and the off-pitch events this made this game one that will live long in the memory. But find out why Lee had to raise a Gets My Goat from Thursday night.

We also discuss Bristols 38-31 loss away to Gloucester in the Premiership Cup and the Women's convincing opening league victory against Wasps.

We look ahead to the next league game against Sale, mourn the loss of Brizzley Bear and comment on his successor and round up this weekend's international action.

There's an invitation to Bears' CEO Tom Tainton and Bristol's favourite sports broadcaster to come on the show. All this and more with Lee, Miles, Pete, Tony and the return of the Christmas Tree.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's pod we discuss the encouraging yet ultimately disappointing defeat at Sale which leaves us without a Premiership win in six games and staring down the barrel of being bottom at Christmas. The returning big guns certainly fired a few shots but a lack of precision when it really mattered dogged us again. With a fired up Tigers visiting the Gate next Saturday we finally get organised with a Pete's Premiership Preview and talk to Mike Cooper of the Rolling Maul podcast to get his take on their season so far and what we might expect to see in BS3, and if you're sitting in the Dolman you know it won't be fireworks! 

As well as rounding up the other Premiership games at the weekend and the shambles that was England's non-display at Twickenham, we also comment on a recent tweet that explains why Downsey hasn't been seen at the Gate for a while and speculate as to whether we might be stuck with that other random dude for the rest of the season as a result! All this and more with Pete and Miles and in spirit, Tony and Lee.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we discuss the 26-26 draw with reigning champions Leicester Tigers. The Bears managed to stop their six game losing streak but a MacGinty penalty in the dying seconds fell short as did our hopes of a win.

Hear our thoughts on the game, Semi Radradra's long-awaited return and the cards that changed the momentum in the game. We also ask where was the rejuvenated Brizzley? Surely he's not injured after one appearance!

In the podcast we also look ahead to the start of our European Challenge Cup campaign, with an away trip to Perpignan on Friday night. How will Pat Lam tackle this competition? Is it going to be second fiddle to the league or will we mount a serious challenge to turnaround our season.

We also discuss the women's big win, the arrival of Elliott Stooke as injury cover and we pay our respects to Doddie Weir who sadly passed away last week.

All this and more with Tony, Lee, Miles, Pete and the Christmas tree (special guest). 

Let us know what you think!

In this show the Bears are back to winning ways with a hard fought 5-19 away win against Perpignan. Hear our thoughts on the game and player performances. 

We also discuss the next game against Zebre, Eddie Jones’s departure and the sad confirmation that the Wizard of Oz is leaving BS3. 

Let us know what you think!

In this episode the boys discuss the 35-19 win against Parma Zebre that leaves the Bears undefeated in Europe this season.  Two early gift-wrapped tries gave us momentum in a game played at a wet and chilly Ashton Gate. 

We also look forward to the re planned game on 27 December. New venue and a new kickoff time. We speak to our friends at the  Harlequins Podcast and get their thoughts on the match and the likely result. 

All this and more with Tony, Miles and Pete on an online recording. We’ll be back in 2023 but until then have a merry Christmas. 

Let us know what you think!

In this week’s show the boys discuss the dramatic victory at the Stoop that brought a much needed league victory. Hear our thoughts on THAT tap tackle and the Marler/Heenan incident. 

We also look ahead to the next game away at Brentford with Jerry Brown, chair of the London Irish supporters association. 

All this and more with Tony, Miles and Pete. 

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show the boys discuss the hugely dissapointing display that led to the 23-7 loss away at London Irish. Too many penalties, turnovers and mistakes and too little possession and territory was the story of a wet and miserable day in West London for Bears' fans.

We analyse the performance and ask what next for Pat and the team after yet another league defeat.

We also look ahead to the European Challenge Cup fixture in Parma against Zebre. We discuss the likely team and assess how important a cup run is to Bristol's faltering season.

All this and more with Tony, Miles, Pete and Lee.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show the boys discuss the win against Parma-Zebre in round three of the European Challenge Cup. After a totally forgettable first period the half time team talk seems to work for a change and eventually the Bears pull away with a feast of tries in the final quarter.  Seeing both Harry Randall and Siva Nualago back on the park and seemingly firing on all cylinders was a real boost although eventually the pack got their discipline sorted and we started to resemble a proper team again.

We also look forward to the Friday game under the lights against Perpignan and dare to dream just a little bit. If we can secure a home fixture in the first knock-out round who knows where we might end up. 

And finally we discuss the merits or otherwise of niche flavoured Pot Noodles. Yes or No? Find out who thinks what!

All this and more with Pete, Lee and Miles and a couple of cheeky beers...

Let us know what you think!

A first half performance by Bristol which was full of brio warmed the cockles of  the Ashton Gate faithful as a home tie in the Challenge Cup round of 16 was secured despite getting five points docked earlier in the week. After conceding an early try the Bears roared back with five unanswered dots over the whitewash with some sparkling back play built on the foundations of much improved discipline.

The second half, however, was less impressive  as Perpignan briefly threatened to spoil the show but eventually came up short despite Bristol scoring the square root of 'eff all in the second forty. 

The lads discuss a second game of two halves on the trot and consider what this means for the trip to the Stone X stadium to face Saracens in the Premiership next Saturday. They will certainly be depleted due to international call ups but their wolf pack mentality should never be underestimated. Can we go one step further than last year's thriller at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium and bring back a much needed win or will the league leaders have the last laugh on their plastic pitch?

We also discuss the success of last week's pot noodle discussion and  introduce a new subject for debate. Dry robes at rugby. Unacceptable or an inevitable sign of the times?

All this and more with Pete, Lee and Miles and a couple of cheeky beers.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show Pete and Lee chew over the last minute defeat against Saracens. How on earth did we manage to lose that one and what is it about the Bears and game management?

More of a therapy session than an analytical deep dive the lads at least try to make some sort of sense of the nonsensical. Was it just 'one of those things' or symptomatic of wider malaise within the squad?

On the positive side we balance it out a bit by celebrating some excellent individual performances, look forward to a 20% flash sale at the shop tomorrow and congratulate Abbie and Dave Ward on the announcement that their first child is on the way and speculate whether its worth putting  a few bob on it become an England international.

All this and a tiny bit more and it comes in at well under the hour for once!

Let us know what you think!

This week we talk about the long awaited 30-12 league win at home against Newcastle. After a 77-day break since the last home game in the Premiership, Bristol stepped up to grab a bonus-point victory with the last play of the game.

Here our thoughts on the match, standout performances and what this means for the remaining campaign.

On this show we are also joined by Bath Bytes for a preview of the game away at the Rec. Get the inside line on Bath's form and how the big derby game may go.

All this and more with Tony, Lee, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

This week we talk about Bristol's 15-13 win against old rivals Bath at the Rec. In one of the scrappiest games of the season the Bears pulled of the win, despite a stuttering performance.

Hear our thoughts on the game and the player performances.

We also look forward to the next home game against the Saints with the help of Tom Vickers, Sports Writer for the Northampton Chronicle and Echo.

There's also six contract signings to discuss and rumours that a British Lion might be crossing the border to join the Bears next season.

All this and more with TC, Lee and Pete (Miles was missing in action!)

Let us know what you think!

Hell yeah. After a very long wait we finally got to see a full 80-minute performance from the Bears as they dismantled Northampton by nine tries to one.

Hear our thoughts on the game, player performances and the sheer joy of Friday night after a long and fairly bleak winter.

We'll also look ahead to the next game against Harlequins on Sunday and discuss the departures of Andy Uren and Sam Bedlow next season.

All this and more with TC, Pete and Miles.

Let us know what you think!

It may have been a Sunday service, but there was nothing Godly about the rugby filth on show as Bristol backed up last week's big win with a another try fiesta to beat Harlequins 51-26.

Memories of the 'Bristanbul' semi final defeat to Quins are starting to fade as Bristol completed the double on the fancy dans from South West London.

Hear our thoughts on the game, player performances and what has happened to turn our team into contenders for a top half finish and perhaps even more.

On the minus side we also discuss England's humiliation at home to France in the Six Nations and discuss the performances of Sinckler and Captain Genge.

There's also the return of Gets My Goat, with not one but two things that have got us miffed this week.

All this and more with TC, Lee, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

Our four game winning streak came to an end on the road at Leicester but despite the 46-22 final score this was a game we could have won if we'd taken our chances and looked after our discipline.

Hear our thoughts on the player performances, key moments and what it means for our league campaign.

We then look ahead to the European Challenge Cup game at home to Clermont on Friday night. Hear our thoughts on team selections and Bristol's chances of making the quarter finals.

All this and more with TC and Lee (cos the other two are up a mountain somewhere playing in the snow!).

Let us know what you think!

Welcome to this week's show where we discuss the 26-33 home defeat at the hands of Clermont. A couple of gift-wrapped tries in each half meant Bristol had too much to do to snatch a victory at the end. All in all, a disappointing end to our European campaign.

We also discuss the nine players who have extended their contracts plus the two new arrivals for next season. Also hear our thoughts on next year's season ticket prices and the current loyalty scheme.

All this and more with Tony, Lee and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

It was Go Green night at Ashton Gate but fans we're left seeing red and feeling blue after tasting defeat yet again against Sale as the Sharks glided off with a 20-36 victory. Hear our thoughts about the tactics, performances and one or two other things that caught our eye on Friday night.

We discuss the trip to Exeter for the penultimate game of the season and speculate on the Chiefs line up with their Champions Cup semi final the following weekend. Will they go big against Bris' or hold players back fro the European tie?

There's also a Goat or two, plus much more in this episode with TC, Lee, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

Feelings run high in BBTG Towers as the Bears fall to a 22-21 defeat away at Exeter despite playing with an extra man for 60 minutes. A high penalty count and some costly errors mean the Bears lose another winnable game and face a last-day battle for a Champions Cup place for next term.

Hear our thoughts on the game, tactics and levels of commitment as Bristol came up just short yet again this season.

We also look ahead to Gloucester's visit to the Gate on Coronation Day, discuss the Women's semi-final defeat to Exeter in the Allianz Cup and give our thoughts on the news that Iona Lloyd and Sam Jeffries are to depart at the end of the season.

All this and more with Miles, Lee, Pete and TC.

Let us know what you think!

In our final  episode of the season we discuss the bonus-point victory against Gloucester which wasn't quite enough to gain a Champions Cup place next year.

In this bumper edition we look back at our highlights of the past year and chat about the impact some of our departing players have had on the club and the fans. We give our thoughts on the player of the year and who has improved the most.

We then go through the retained list and give our thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of next season squad.

All this and more in this final show for 22/23 with TC, Lee, Miles and Pete.

Let us know what you think!

In this term’s opener we reveal some earth shattering news from the summer break but pull ourselves together and cast an eye over the pre-season so far.

After welcoming the Baa Baas to Ashton Gate with a gift of 50 plus points, shipping even more down at Sandy Park with a team requiring parental permission to play, and then getting ‘edged out’ by Ealing Trailfinders the week after, we celebrate our own bit of edging with our thoughts on the last gasp victory over Northampton Saints at the weekend. Ultimately we all agree that it’ll probably be the first 20 minutes against Tigers that will really tell us how the season is likely to pan out despite an imminent visit up north to Donny and a home game against the mighty Cambridge in the Prem Cup to come.

In other news, Southville’s very own answer to Gok Wan, Miles, (yes, I said Gok Wan) provides a granular review of the new kit/night wear and we finish off with a discussion about the positive moves afoot from the club to create more links with fans.

The sound is a little bit screechy at times but we’re trialling a new sound recorder and editing process so be patient. It’s just good to be back talking rugby and supping beer.

Up the Bears!

Let us know what you think!

In this week's episode we round up the Premiership Cup/pre-season campaign and reflect on the shellacking meted out to poor Cambridge who were universally challenged all over the park. It was great to see a tsunami of tries but we ultimately finished second in our group and therefore miss out on two more games and a chance of silverware later on in the season . Should we be disappointed that we didn't manage to progress or should we just be grateful for the various 'hit-outs' that it afforded us as we build to the start of the Premiership?

On that note we preview the start of the League campaign against Leicester with a chat with our friends from the Rolling Maul pod and then ponder what sort of team we may put out and how likely we are to survive in the eye of the Tigers. We try to be optimistic but recognise its going to be a challenging night under the lights.

Finally, the European shirt was 'launched' last week - quite literally - as the photo shoot appeared to take place inside of a huge balloon. We hear the thoughts of our resident fashion expert Miles, and wonder whether it was just a bit of marketing hot air or something more artistically fundamental.

All this and more for your regular dose of Bears banter with Pete, Lee and Miles.

Let us know what you think!

Well, the waiting was over and after an extended pre-season the Premiership finally returned to Ashton Gate with the visit of Leicester Tigers. With both teams missing international players, it was an opportunity for new signings and squad players to impress, and impress they did, albeit mainly for Bristol. At 25-0 up and cruising some of us were wondering whether we were going to get that magical 80-minute performance in game day one. However, the second half was more of a battle but ultimately it was a very satisfactory win. We chat about the game and those players who made a good impression and introduce a new feature – contributions from some of our listeners -  including the brief thoughts of our mate Binnsy.

Next up is Saints away so we discuss how we think that one will go and what team we think we’ll be sending up to the East Midlands and we hear briefly from another friend of the pod – Northampton Echo’s Sports writer, Tom Vickers, as he gives us the lowdown on their game at Sale this afternoon and how they might set up against us next Saturday. 

Finally, we round up any other Bears-related news that we feel is worthy of discussion including the return of fireworks in front of the Dolman and our ongoing obsession with photographing people wearing robes at rugby…

Let us know what you think!

It's the first time in three years that we have won away at Franklin’s Gardens although after going 18-9 down early in the second half it was great to see the boys ‘dig’ themselves out of a hole and ‘sow the seeds’ of a victory with a penalty and a converted try before the break ultimately making Miles ‘soil’ his pants at the death by efficiently managing the game out in the second half.
We revel in this bonus point 33-27 victory and continue our strategy of involving our listeners in the pod by hearing from two roving fan reporters who sent us outside broadcasts from the game. This result leaves us second in the table with 9 points but we’re not getting too carried away as its early days and we still remember what happened last season after our good start. 
We also preview the visit of the fancy dan boys from SW London with help from our good friends at the Harlequins podcast and finish off by discussing some of the issues raised by Steve Lansdown in his Q&A last week as well as revealing the result of the annual BBTG paddle board derby and find out who has their hands on  Kingsbridge Cup. Pete is joined by Lee and Miles for a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter.

Let us know what you think!

So, the brief winning run is over thanks to a last gasp penalty for Quins at the death on Saturday. It was family day at the Gate but unfortunately the Bears were unable to keep all the kids happy with a mixed display that included some very good but also some frustratingly sloppy bad. Ultimately we were the architects of our own downfall and our decision making under pressure and sometimes not under pressure came back to haunt us.

We look back at the game with help from our listeners again and discus the extent to which this was simply a blip after a bright start or rather something more terminal. A new look Exeter Chiefs away at Sandy park are up next and given that they have now scored a combined total of 108 points at home against both of last season's Premiership finalists, how worried should we be? We hear from Dave Flak from the Tribe Talking fan pod and offer our own predictions.

Finally, we round up any other relevant talking points including the Bears Women, a charity match at Dings and competition from a new fan pod on the block!

All this and more with Pete, Lee and Miles and a cheeky beer or two.

Timings:

00:00: Intro chat chat

03:20: Listeners' thoughts

07:48: Our analysis of the game

28: 14: Dave Flak from Tribe Talking

38: 37: Our thoughts on the Exeter game

47: 20: Final round up of other Bears related stuff

Let us know what you think!

WARNING - THERE IS THE SOUND OF RAIN FALLING AT VARIOUS POINTS DURING THIS RECORDING BUT WE WERE TRYING SOMETHING NEW SO BE PATIENT WITH US!

😩

So, our unerring ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory 
continues with a second frustrating result in a week down at Sandy Park. To be fair it was a gritty performance at the place where both Sarries and Sale have recently been humbled and a hat trick of cross field kick tries for Rich Lane was a delight to behold but ultimately, we came away with a big fat zero.

With only ten teams in the league can we really afford to be this profligate and why is that we continue to end up on the wrong side of the line when fine margins come into play. It happened last season and it’s starting to happen again.

We discuss the game with the help from another roving fan reporter and then look forward to Sale’s visit on Saturday and ask is this our first must win of the season. We also mention the fantastic performances of the Bears Women for the Red Roses down under in the XV tournament and for once don’t even ‘allude’ to Miles’ Instagramming development.

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

Let us know what you think!

Let us know what you think!

In this week's episode - our 150th - we chew over the agonising last ditch defeat at the Rec with help from our listeners and reflect on how we really need to start getting on the right side of 'fine margins' otherwise the season is going to slip away. That said, there were plenty of positives to take from the game and we pray that they might be somehow converted into points, cheeky or otherwise, at the Stone X stadium on Saturday. On that note we hear from Jez Denton from Saracens' Fezcast pod and spend a lively few minutes picking our team before broadly predicting a defeat. On a happier note we also review the Bristol Bears' Womens' victory over Sale Sharks Women and note what a fantastically family-esque atmosphere it was. With Miles and Pete and various kids in attendance you really do hear it from the horses' mouths.
All this and more with Pete, Miles and Lee recording live from the Bristol Bear Factory Tap Room with a couple of pints of Milk Stout and a little bit of background noise from time to time.

0:00 Introduction and chit chat

4:30 Listener thoughts on the Bath game

9:57 Our thoughts on the Bath game

33:28 Jez from Fezcast

43:48 Our thoughts on the Saracens game

59:00 Review of the Bristol Bears Womens' game

1:07:09 Final thoughts

Let us know what you think!

We slip to a fifth defeat in a row at the Stone X but battle hard for a cheeky try bonus point which was the least we deserved. We may have scored a couple of worldies but we also shipped seven and if Owen Farrell had put his boots on the right way round it could have been a lot worse. We review the game with help from a few listeners and the Chair of the Supporters Club and then look forward to the Rifles Cup on Saturday which really, really, really is now a must, must, must win game. We also hear from Ed from the Cherry Jam pod who gives us his take on Gloucester’s similarly disappointing start to the seasons but also provides us some insight into their Women’s team who take on ours on Friday night. On that note we also review the Bears Women’s’ visit to Sandy Park this afternoon with help from yet another freelance roving fan reporter. We have tentacles everywhere! So strap in and listen to Lee, Miles and Pete as we climb on board the Bristol Bears rollercoaster yet again for a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter!

Running order:

0:00

Intro banter

4:00

Listener tweets and roving reporter feedback from the Stone X

13:25

Our in-depth analysis!

32:47

Chat with Ed Price from the Cherry Jam pod

45:54

Our thoughts on the line-up for the Rifles Cup

56:47

Intro to the Bears Womens’ Game vs Exeter

59:33

Second roving reporter feedback from Sandy Park

1:01:13

Our thoughts on the game

1:08:19

Final thoughts on Bears abroad!

Let us know what you think!

In this week's episode we relish the record breaking 51-26 victory over Gloucester and the retention of the Rifles Cup. After five losses on the bounce this was as a cathartic an experience as you are likely to get and the relief flowing around the Gate on the final whistle was palpable. We read and hear the thoughts of our listeners and then briefly discuss what this means for our chances against Lyon and Bordeaux as we head for a brief diversion to the group stage of the Champions Cup before diving back into the Premiership again either side of Christmas. It wasn't all bad for the good people of Gloucester though as their women's team (so good they named it twice) despatched the Bears' women with a clinical 12-0 victory at a very cold Shaftesbury Park on Friday night. The Bears had plenty of possession in the second half but just couldn't make it count against a resolute and extremely well drilled opponent. That said there was plenty of 'learnings' to be had as they continue on their campaign to make it into the top four at the end of the season. All this and more with Pete, Miles and Lee and a couple of cheeky craft ales at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom.

Let us know what you think!

Crocodile Dundee returns to chew the Christmas cud with a somewhat unstructured ramble thought the festive period culminating in a long discussion about the impacts of last Friday's hugely disappointing defeat against Exeter 2.0 in front of sell-out crowd. Despite leading 14-12 at the break the Bears were bageled in the second half at the hands of a young, hungry and well drilled outfit leaving many fans wondering were we go from here. You'll have to put in a big oral shift to find out what we think!

In other news we have been shortlisted in the 'Best Rugby Podcast' category in the 2024 Sports Podcast Awards. There will be more information in the next pod but if you can't wait until then, click the link below to find out more and cast your vote:

Vote for your favourite rugby fan podcast here and tell all your friends too

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show we prepare, bake and scoff large amounts of humble pie after the surprise Bears' victory away at Sale Sharks. How can we be so bad and so good all in one week? We get the views of regular social media followers and also hear from yet another roving reporter who saw the game live, as well as throwing in our thoughts and opinions for good measure.

The last time a South African side game to the Gate a whole nation was disappointed but this time we welcome the Bulls in the next round of the Champions Cup. We are joined by fan A-P Cronje who not only gives us the lowdown about one of South Africa's premier club sides but also throws in a bit geography and history to boot. You can't say you don't learn stuff on this pod.

Finally, we have a quick chat about the work the Bears Women need to do to as they enter the second half of their season and finish off by mentioning that we have been nominated in the best rugby pod category for the 2024 Sports Podcast Awards. Seeing as we are up against national behemoths like The Rugby Pod and Maul or Nothing we could really do with your votes as well as those of extended families, distant relatives and anyone else you happen to know.

If you haven't done so already please click on the link below and help us push for amateur pod glory!

Vote here!

Thanks and Up the Bears!

Let us know what you think!

Vote for us at the Sports Podcast Awards 2024 and help us bring home some silverware for the Bears! Click on the link below...

https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-rugby-podcast/

And in other news, the Bears lose to a decent Bulls outfit who out-muscle them in the scrum and generally look a bit better all round. Hear our thoughts and then those of Alan and William from Connacht's 'The Craggy Rugby Podcast' as they help us preview the final pool game from gorgeous Galway. The audio clip also includes Joe Joyce's post match interview after their loss to Lyon. How we miss those dulcet tones!

All this and more with Pete, Lee and Miles and a few pints of real ale recorded exclusively at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom.

Let us know what you think!

In this week's episode we welcome work experience fella Reg to deputise for Lee who is still in witness protection after his new year Bristol Post article - or is he just taking the Christmas Tree down?

We discuss the poor result and performance against Connacht which essentially saw us dumped out of both European Cups in one go and debate what this means in terms of goals and targets for the rest of the season and beyond. Is change needed and if so, what should it look like?

That said there is of course a huge game on Saturday, as Ashton Gate prepares for an inundation of dry robes with the visit of Bath Rugby and their Tesla driving Cockapoo owners. Is this the most must-win game ever in the history of must-winability.? We talk to Bath fan Tom Dabinett and actually feel quite positive as he reminds us that they haven't won there for ages.

We also review the successful Bears Woman's victory over Quins at Shaftesbuty Park with help from listener Kate McCoy and finally make one last shameful appeal for support in the Sports Podcast Awards with voting due to close this Sunday 28th January. If you haven't done already click the link below to give Bristol Bears the only remaining chance of silverware this season.

Multiple email accounts could and should be used!

VOTE HERE!

Let us know what you think!

As the Premiership takes a mid season break for the Six Nations, we review the monumental banger at Ashton Gate as Bristol maintain their seven-game home town winning streak against Bath. Basically it was just a mental game of rugby. Multiple line breaks, gorgeous offloads and 14 tries AND virtually no box kicks or scrums. It was rugby played the way it should be!

As well as hearing from both sets of fans before and after the game thanks to our brand new audio recording device and Miles wearing a huge pair of headphones, we also read out a record-breaking 21 short, sharp summaries, the quality of which are university level, with a selection of game related limericks, acoustic poems and even haikus.

We also discuss a few other things such as our plan to get people in the Atyeo for every game but relatively quickly because we want to keep the pod under an hour ( we failed..).

Finally, many thanks to all listeners who voted for us in this year's Sports Podcast Awards. We have no idea whether we'll get on the podium but if we do it'll be a victory for hardworking, dedicated and often long suffering clubs fans all round the country.

Cheers!

Let us know what you think!

In the first ever Bears Beyond The Gate 'docu-pod' we hear from Kiera, Kaye and Sophie about the work of the Bears Together Supporters Advisory Committee (SAC)  an initiative  that was announced at the start of the season as a way of the club being able to gather more direct feedback from fans about off-field matters. They talk about who they, and other members of SAC are, how the first meeting went and their aims of for the future. They are there to represent US so if you have any comments or suggestions for them please complete the Google Form below by clicking the link. Enjoy!

Bears Together Feedback form

And if you want to see what they all look like then click below!

Bears Together webpage on the Offie

Let us know what you think!

In this week's BUMPER episode we hear from Dave Attwood about:

• His life since retirement...
• His time at the Bears and what it was like working under Pat...
• THAT semi final defeat and why it all went wrong...
• What he thinks about Bristol's season so far AND how we are not 'a million miles away from clicking' and finally...
• His answers to some incredibly searching short sharp questions, including one that is on every fan's lips i.e what might be considered appropriate attire at rugby matches...

We then chat about some of the really interesting points that he raises and then discuss our thoughts on the season so far with help from listener questions, finally signing off to most people's relief with some shout outs and reminders of upcoming events.

On that note here are the details of the Open Day at South Bristol Girls Rugby that is mentioned at the end of the episode:

• 6.30pm on Friday 23rd February
• At Bristol Barbarians  RFC in Whitchurch
• Food, Drink and Rugby available!

South Bristol Girls run U12, U14 and U16 teams (Yrs 7-11) with training evert Thursday between 6 and 8pm. Get in touch via southbristolgirlsrugby@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram

Let us know what you think!

It's only Pete and Lee this week down at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom supping a couple of cheeky beers, as Miles calls in sick at the last minute.

However, they still manage to fill the time, with help from listener posts, discussing the Bears Women victory against Loughborough Lightening in particular and how their season is hotting up more generally, as well as intertwining their thoughts with other subjects as wide ranging as Super League netball and the importance of not doing well in GCSE mock exams.

Realising that time is moving on, they also discuss the positive feedback received as a result of last week's Dave Attwood interview and agree that both 'Bristanbul' and more controversially, dry robes, are now discussion topics that have finally been put to bed although they do worry about the gentrification of East Street, Bedminster. They also 'talk about' news of a signing and a contract extension coming out of the club this week.

Finally they dip their toe into the more general rugby podcasting arena with a low key discussion of England vs Scotland loosely based around Gengey's travails before calling it a day as the timer approached the hour mark.

Enjoy!

Let us know what you think!

In this week's slightly delayed pod (technical difficulties) we hear from Bristol legend and current Galway resident Joe Joyce . He gives us some insight into what it's like getting  a bit of niggle going with some of your best mates in the European Cup, speaks candidly about why he left his home town for pastures new and 'talks about' his future aspirations as well as revealing a surprising candidate for 'hardest man' in the Bears camp.

We also review the excellent Bears' Women victory against Saracens on Sunday with help from one of our occasional roving reporters, Marcus Watts, and then give our thoughts on the World Book Day contract extension news and speculate on what this may mean for next season.

Finally, we revisit an old Goat and its not bobble hats (or dry robes) although it does involve frustrations surrounding merchandise.

Thanks for listening as always and if you have any comments please get in touch via @bearsbeyondgate on Twitter, bearsbeyondthegate on Instagram or email to bearsbeyondthegate@gmail.com

Up the Bears (even though we haven't seen them play for a while)!

Let us know what you think!

In the second of our occasional 'doc-pods' we head towards the end of this long fallow period by hearing from Paul Morgan, who is  the Communications Lead of PWR and previously Communications Director at Premier Rugby and before that editor of Rugby World. He talks about the rebranding of the PRW this season, his thoughts about Bears Women team and offer some more general thoughts on where domestic rugby union is going given the challenges that is has faced in recent times. 

Sit back, relax and enjoy and a preview of the Premiership re-start, with a special guest,  should be with you later in the week!

Let us know what you think!

In this weeks's episode we preview the return of the Prem with help from the Telegraph's Charlie Morgan. It's been a long break but there's all to play for and as we're only three points off 6th and six points off 4th can we dare to dream?

We also comment on Pat's interview on Bears TV this week and then try and pick the team for Friday. With a lot of players seemingly available it's actually quite a pleasurable task.

Finally we also revel a piece of news that will send shockwaves around BS3. Yes, Lee is going to come to the game. On mates rates of course.

Up the Bears!

Let us know what you think!

In this week’s episode Pete and Miles dial in from their respective ski resorts  whilst Lee shakes his head at the whole middle classy-ness of it all.

That said, it was worth the effort as the boys chew over the fantastic victory against Saints on Friday and give their thoughts on what was very close to being the elusive 80- performance. They discuss various key moments in the game, reflect on the myriad quality performances and celebrate the atmosphere down at the Gate.

When it comes to Northampton Saints it really does seem that the ‘can we play you every week’ chant is entirely appropriate as this was yet  another shellacking for them in BS3.

Finally they also discuss any changes required for the visit to Kingsholm on Saturday and wonder whether we should be daring to believe that a top four finish is on the cards.

Let us know what you think!

You’re listening to Bears Beyond the Gate, a Bristol Bears podcast made by fans for fans. We’re two and a half season cardholders at Ashton Gate who love the club, the game and all things Bears.

Well, Miles is happy as Pat listens to his selection advice from the ski slopes of France and moves Max to full back, Noah Howard to the wing and gives Gengey the starting berth at loosehead.

And it works, as Bristol retain the Rifles Cup by winning at Kingsholm for only the third time since 2006.It’s an enjoyable game of rugby for both sets of fans and the 33-24 victory means that Bristol move up to a lofty 5th position thanks to Sale hammering Exeter yesterday. 

That’s 12 tries and 85 point for the Bears since the restart and with Newcastle up next in three weeks are we now officially the wild card team that might sneak into the play offs? 

We reinstate listeners’ short, sharp summaries, hear from a new roving reporter and take a bow to man of the match Benard Janse Van Rensburg by listening to his glorious post match interview in full before adding our thoughts on the game.

Join Pete, Miles and Lee for a cheeky coffee and a bit of early morning banter…

Let us know what you think!

In this week's episode we formally announce our first ever live pod, in the sense that we are inviting an audience to the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom post Falcons at 6.30pm next Sunday.

If you are interested in finding out more, and even contemplating joining us, then complete the Eventbrite registration below (it's free but it helps us get an idea of numbers) as well as the Google form where you can submit a question in advance and provide us with answers to a few short questions about the season.

Click HERE to register your interest..

Click HERE for the Google form to submit a questions and answer a couple of questions about the season...

We also discuss the season card renewal announcement which rewarded fans with a minimal increase but also ruffled a few feathers on account of the plan to shift people out of three sections of the South Stand to  make way for yet another new Family Area. We try to take a balanced view as best we can.

We also discuss a contract extension and a new signing as well as speculate on players past and present in a somewhat whimsical manner.

Finally Miles and Pete briefly review the Bears Women victory over Glos-Hartbury in the Allianz Cup semi final and before we finally remember to preview the Falcons game, but very quickly as we haven't got an awful lot to say.

Up the Bears!

Let us know what you think!

It's a carnival atmosphere down at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom this week as having constantly 'talked about' doing a live pod the lads actually execute one straight after the 13-try massacre of Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate.

It's raw and it's raucous but the lads try their best to analyse the game despite 10% off the beers and 50% of the champagne.

They also look towards Tigers and beyond and dare to believe. Back in the top four from no-where. Can we? You bet we can... 

We also discuss a re-signing, a departure and a rumour as well as responding to listener questions. 

And then before you know it's over.

Thanks to all of you who tuned up to support us and also to our tech genius Paul Wyatt who kept the whole thing going. Maybe we'll do one again sometime.

Let us know what you think!

This week we pick over the carcass that was the massacre in BS3 and we’re not talking about the hammering of Falcons at Ashton Gate last weekend. 

No, we’re talking about the first ever live pod at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom. We look back on an evening of structured chaos, discuss the learnings and then move quickly on to more pressing matters such as the fantastic victory yesterday away at Welford Road that keeps play off hopes firmly in our own hands.

19- zip down on 69 minutes and we’re looking down the barrel but shots fired from the bench, and in particular from Max Lahiff and the returning Harry Thacker, and a yellow card to Mike Brown and we haul it back from the brink with a last gasp try and conversion to make it 21-19. It’s fair to say the home crowd didn’t take to that too well but boo hoo, that’s life baby!

We talk about the game with help from some selected short sharp summaries and then look forward to the final two games in the run-ins. Do we dare to believe? Spoiler alert. We do!

Bristol Bears Women were also in action on Sunday in the Allianz Cup final at Shaftesbury Party and despite leading at half time, were eventually defeated by a strong Saracens side. We have a quick chat about that and their hopes for the run- in and then finally we run though a bit more ‘Bris-ness’ from the week, including some contract news, the Supporters Q&A at the HPC and introduce a new feature - ‘news from the media’ as we notched a flurry of Bears-related articles in the press this week. It’s great that everyone loves the Bears again after years of media hibernation and just shows where running, offloading and try-scoring can get you….

Join Pete, Lee and Miles as they have a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter…

Let us know what you think!

In this week's episode, Pete, Miles and Lee review the defeat against Saracens at Ashton Gate. Despite a good start the Bears ultimately lost control of the game in the face of an incredibly experienced, focused and effective opposition who delivered a classic 'been there, seen that and worn the T-shirt' sort of performance led by the mercurial Owen Farrell. Fair play to the them. They did a job, played some decent rugby and got the result they needed. No real complaints from us.

We then look forward to our BBTG away day trip on the coach to Quins. With both teams realistically needing a bonus-point win to have a chance of the fourth play-off berth you can be sure that the ball will be flying about all over the Stoop. Is this our chance to deliver a 'Quins-tanbul' performance? As our friend Binnsy once said, 'win or lose, hit the booze' and we'll be sure to do that as best we can.

Finally, we run through the list of leavers and wish the four centurions  in Callum Sheedy, Dan Thomas, Ed Holmes and Piers O'Connor well.

Follow us on the socials:

Twitter @bearsbeyondgate,
Facebook at Bears Beyond The Gate
Instagram at Bears Beyond The Gate

Or email us at bearsbeyondthegate @gmail.com

Let us know what you think!

In this week's pod we re-live our epic journey to SW London on the Supporters Coach where we experienced, quite simply, one of the best rugby away days ever.

We loved the Stoop...

We loved the running rugby...

We loved the ale and the Chicken Caesar burger (albeit a bit pricey)

And one of us loved the cheeky little techno DJ...

What a day, what a win and what a shame Sarries let us down. Oh well, at least Pete can play cricket on a Saturday, Miles can sort his allotment out and Lee, well... not sure what he does in the summer.

Up the Bears!

Let us know what you think!

The lads finally manage to organise a time to meet up and record their final thoughts on what turned out to be yet another roller coaster season for the Bears.

They run through the season and their memories of each game, reveal the results of the listener vote and outline one final Lee-related Goat. Has he managed to secure a seat for next season or have sinister forces been at play working against his desire to come in from the cold like a modern day George Smiley?

Listen right to the end to find out!

Let us know what you think!

The boys get Season 6 (yes 6!) off to a solid start from the world famous Bristol Beer Factory and 'talk about' the following things:

• The Big Day out - good, bad or a bit of both?
• The new home and away kit - obviously good but just how good?
• The pre-season game vs Dragons - Miles and Pete report back along from a wet night at Clifton RFC with a bonus post-match sound bite from Pat and a during-match one from Harry Randall.
• The season ahead - the squad is discussed.
• Miles' 'merch' - the Duke comes up with a scheme to make even more money involving stackable pint pots

It's great to be back....

Let us know what you think!

This week we review the start of the Premiership with the gritty but points-profitable win away at Newcastle. 

Was it a solid start with a few leanings or rather as good as you might expect given the time of year, the weather and the fact that they are coached by Steve Diamond?

We read out listener thoughts, both poetic and prosaic, give our views on the game and forensically analyse Bennard Janse Van Rensburg's post match interview in full.

Next stop is Ashton Gate for the first renewal of the Rifles Cup and we hear from Ed Price from the Cherry Jam pod before discussing our predictions for the game. 

We also plug a brand new alcoholic drink offering that you'll see on Friday but you'll have to listen right up to the end of the pod to find out which ex-player will be setting out his stall for the faithful.

All this and more on Bristol's premier (and only) fan pod.

Up the Bears!

Let us know what you think!

In this week's show Pete and Miles review the Friday night harem scarum defeat to Gloucester with help from many listener contributions and the Deputy Manager of the Bristol Bear Factory, Lewis.

It was one of those games where every single statistic was in our favour apart from the one that matters, that is, the final score and perhaps on another day we would have strolled to victory. But we didn't.

That said, the Cherry and Whites played with purpose and passion and undoubtedly forced us into frustrating errors that gifted them a lot of points. We give our views as well as comment on the general atmosphere of this season's first home game back at the Gate. Fortress or Forgettable?

The good news is that we are currently sitting third in the table but have to visit them down the road next Saturday. Are there grounds for optimism? You bet there are.

We also reveal further commercial link ups with the Apero Bar, comment on Gengey's contract extension and finish with the return of a fan favorite - what gets my goat?

There are at least four!

All this and more.

Get in touch via the socials or email us at bearsbeyondthegate@gmail.com

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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 this week's episode Miles is off sick so we bring in a heavyweight replacement to provide laser sharp analysis of where it all went wrong.

Welcome Mr Dave Attwood for his second appearance on the pod!

Dave breaks down Friday's disappointing result from a recent player's perspective and we jump on his bandwagon to give our view from the stands.

Ultimately we decide that it's a blip that needs to be flushed down the toilet and never be mentioned again.

That said, we continue with our listener poetry which is slightly darker than in previous weeks and then look forward to the next tough assigment away at the Stone X where we will meet a wounded Saracens side who were also on the sharp end of a humping. We assume this will make them very, very angry but then our boys will want to make up for the festive flop, so who knows? At least it's an away game!

If you like what you hear then please leave a rating or a review on your chosen podcast platform or get in touch at bearsbeyondthegate@gmail.com or via the 'let us know what you think' link below.

Up the New Year Bears!

Let us know what you think!

So, after the Christmas comedown, a visit to Saracens was always going to be a tough assignment given their team and our track record in North London. 

In the end a cheeky point was probably about right although we did look a few gift horses in the mouth and on another day we might have left with a few more.

The Bears Women were also in action today with nearly 10K fans at Ashton Gate keen to catch a glimpse of Ilona Maher and equally as importantly, a league victory. 

They got the first but sadly not the second as Gloucester/Hartbury spoiled the party with a dominant second half performance. Miles was there and tells us about it.

Finally we preview next Sunday’s Champion Cup game against Benetton with the help of a special guest and Bristol legend Andy Uren who makes his first return to his hometown since moving to Treviso. He tells us about how his move came about, reminisces about his days with the Bears, and then looks forward to his return to Ashton Gate.

Let us know what you think!

The boys come together at the Bristol Beer Factory after a couple of cheeky pints to review the narrow victory at the Gate aganst Benetton. It was an inconsistent win but with plenty to be postive about despite almost losing at the end. 

Before that though, Miles issues a public apology to the whole Italian nation and we run through a large list of people who we saw at the game.

We then offer our analysis based on what we could actually remember as well as broadening the discussion to all manner of rugby-related subjects, including the Bears Womens' clinical victory at Sandy Park which saw Ilona Maher score a debut try right out of the Jonah Lomu playbook.

Finally we have a suprise guest a superfan Simon Stone joins us as he happened to wander past the BBF on his way home.

Vote for us in the Sorts Podcast Awards!

https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-rugby-podcast/

All this and more!

Let us know what you think!

You’re listening to Bears Beyond The Gate, a Bristol Bears podcast made by fans for fans. We three regulars at Ashton Gate who love the club, the game and all things Bears.

This week we look back on two Saturday fixtures with the Women going first with a bonus point victory 43-29 win against Leicester Tigers women at Ashton Gate and the Men managing to snatch defeat from the Jaws of a Draw at the Stade Marcel Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand.

It was another welcome 5 points for the Women in their quest for a play off semi final but given that they conceded 29 points to a team that were beaten 100 nil last weekend by Saracens, does their defence review definitely fall into the ‘learnings and work-ons’ category. Furthermore, it's our longest and most in-depth review of a Bears' Women game ever!

As for the Men, it was the second year in a row that they got dumped out of two European cup competitions in one fell swoop albeit in much more courageous circumstances than that dark night in Galway last season. There is no doubt that we were handed an insanely tough group but should we be expecting more and did we get our game management right on the night? The debate rages.

Finally, we look forward to the visit of Newcastle Falcons next Sunday with all our fingers and toes crossed that we didn’t pick up any more injuries in France. Is five points a non negotiable or will it be a trickier fixture than our respective league positions might suggest.

Check out Dream XV Rugby by clicking here

Let us know what you think!

As we head towards the Six Nations break we are sitting pretty in second place in the Prem table on 40 points. 

It might have been a bit of a topsy turvey win against Falcons that we appeared to try and win at least three times, but ultimately we scored 8 tries and pulled away in the final 'quarter'.

We break down the game in our somewhat cheery and rambly way as well as going off on a few tangents with thoughts on whether we should sign Santi Carreras and whether it was appropriate for the England players to be seen on socials having a jolly on a golf course in Girona when their mates are getting smashed up in England.

We also have a chat about the Womens' heartbreaking defeat at Trailfinders and wonder whether the 'Bears way' is still a work in progress for them. However, Sale's defeat of Exeter has left the door open for Bristol to sneak into the play-offs as long as they score a maximum 15 points from their last three games. They are back at Shaftesbury Park on Saturday so get youself down there and cheer them on...

All this and more with Pete, Lee and Miles having a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter down at the legendary Bristol Beer Factory Taproom

Let us know what you think!

The boys are back at the Bristol Beer Factory for yor favourite Bristol rugby lock-in.

Unashamedly long but to help you out here is the running order:

• 0 - 6m45s: Intros, beer review, riders and the BBF Quiz night details
• 6m45s - 22m0s: Bears Women's win at Quins and qualify for play-offs
• 22m0s - 29m33s: PWR Commentator cliches
• 29m33s - 30m40s: Instagram followers roll of honour
• 30m40s - 36m30s: Bears Men beat Bath again but don't qualify for play-offs
• 36m30 - 44m30s: Post-match Pat and even more Bears chat
• 44m30s - 55m56s: Wider chat on Prem Cup and Queensland Reds team selections
• 55m56s - 66m10s: Bears Fan Forum feedback
• 66m10s - 71m55s: England A, George Kloska and Max Malins 
• 71m55s - the end: Sponsoship woes and an EPIC final rant from Miles

Let us know what you think!

This week we focus on the Bears Women's upcoming semi-final play off with Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday 2nd March at 3pm.

Not only do we invite a proper dual season ticket holder onto the pod as a special guest but we also have an exclusive and in-depth interview with Dave Ward and Tom Luke. They give us a behind-the scenes deep dive into the season so far as well as their thoughts on how they will plan and prep for the play-off. 

It's a fairly lengthy and interesting chat after which we discuss a few of the issues that it throws up before previewing the game itself and offering our score predictions.

We finish off by discussing Dave's excellent punditry performance on TNT Sports on Friday night having been warmed up nicely by our interview the day before and then finally sign off for the night.

It is a bit of a long one again but to help you navigate your way through it here is the running order:

Introduction:

Start - 9:10: Pre-amble and a brief chat about the England A game at Ashton Gate

Dave and Tom interview:

9:10 - 12:04: Motivations for this season after last year's final defeat

12:04 - 13:41: How the Women fit into the HPC set-up alongside the Men

13:41 - 15:26: How Dave and Tom work together

15:26 - 17: 10: Coaching on match days 

17:10 - 18:55: Shaftesbury Park vs Ashton Gate as home venues

18: 55 - 20: 28: How they plan and prep for games

20:28 - 23:00: Managing squad rotation and selection issues

23:00 - 26:50: New player recruitment pathways

26:50 - 29:39: Tracking and signing established players

29:39 - 34:23: How Tom signed Ilona Maher

34:23 - 37: 36: Dave's thoughts after the Loughborough Lightening defeat

37: 36 - 39:49: How they will prep for the semi final

39:49 - 42:14: Messages to the traveling fans

42: 14 - 45:41: Tom's failed attempt to sign Fury the Gladiator and a vote of thanks

Post interview:

45:41 - 55:15: Our thoughts on the chat

55:15 - 65: 53: Semi-final preview

65: 53 - 70:15: Score predictions

70:15 - the end: Dave's punditry trousers

Let us know what you think!

We look forward to the return of the Premiership after the long Six Nations hiatus with a little help from Sports Reporter Elgan Alderman from The Times who was the ONLY journalist to tip Bristol for glory at the start of the season. We ask him why he went against the tide of peer opinion and whether he thinks we've still go it in us to go all the way.

We also review the Bears Woman' semi final loss at Queensholm and ponder over the fact that every single stat apart the final score went in our favor and ask whether we let another chance of glory slip through our fingers.

Finally we chat about the season ticket renewal announcement and briefly discuss whether the 'new' old news linking Pat to some sort of job with the Wales National team is hot air or something more solid...

Running order:

0:00 - 3:00: Intro and update on the state of Lewis' relationship.

3:00 - 14:20: Review of the Womens' valiant defeat at Queensholm with stats!

14:20 - 19:40 - Setting the scene for the Premiership restart with a car metaphor.

19:40 - 24:25: Elgan Alderman from The Times.

24:25 - 36: 50 - A meandering Chiefs preview including injury return speculation.

36: 50 - end: Season ticket renewal package and Pat to Wales chat.

Let us know what you think!

We run through the key moments of the 52-38 victory at a pulsating Ashton Gate as the Bears saw off the Chiefs with a disciplined second half display after losing Santi Grondona to a red after 30 minutes.

The first half however...

We also briefly look forward to the away fixture at Kingsholm with a game of 'who is most likely to...?' and finish with a short discussion about the merits or otherwise of the proposed plan to introduce dedicated away fan sections. Finally, Miles doffs his tweed cap to the career of Amber Reed who announced her retirement this week.

All this and more as Pete, Miles and Lee share a cheeky pint and a bit of rugby banter at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom.

Let us know what you think!

Miles and Pete break down the humbling defeat at Gloucester by piecing together what they can remember from an excellent away day in the Shed. 

Bristol's defence left a little bit to be desired but fair play to Gloucester as they were on fire and it was an honour to witness once of best no-look offloads in the history of rugby union.

Despite the heavy defeat, the Bears still remain in second place after this mini block of games but the pack are closing fast. Does the fact that we have shipped 15 tries in two games mean that our play off place may be in jeopardy or will Pat and the boys sort the defence out in time for the visit of Tigers on Easter Sunday?

We muse on this as well as hearing from fans from both teams both before and after the game.

Sit back, listen and enjoy our away day travelogue!

Let us know what you think!

Only a couple of hours after the end of the disappointing defeat against Tigers we knock out a pod.

It's raw and involves a long discussion about how many more fortress metaphors we can realistically use before just giving up and accepting that we're never going to win lots of home games in a row.

Supporting Bristol continues to be like riding a roller-coaster but today it felt like it was more Peppa Pig World than Alton Towers.

Are play off hopes in the balance or can we bounce back? 

To be honest, we just don't don't know but talk about it anyway.

Plus shout outs to the Bristol Bears Lotto, Martin who we met in the concourse and a new Simba Cam candidate...

All this and more with Pete, Miles and guest pundit, Stoner!

Let us know what you think!

In the first edition of this new Bristol Bears podcast your hosts Tony, Pete and Lee reflect on last season, how we've strengthened the squad and the players we're excited about seeing at Ashton Gate in the months ahead. We also ponder why the club decided not to send out new season ticket cards for many supporters.

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

Let us know what you think!

In this second episode Tony, Pete and Lee discuss the Bears first competitive game of the season away at Harlequins in the Premiership Cup. What did we learn and how important is this competition? We also look ahead to the next cup game against Gloucester at Ashton gate on Friday 27 September. We also talk about the Bristol connections in England's first game at the Rugby World Cup against Tonga.  In our 'Gets My Goat' section Pete talks about one of his pet hates at Ashton Gate.

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

Let us know what you think!

Tony (TC), Lee, Miles and Pete talk about Bristol's narrow home win in the Premiership Cup against Gloucester - including Nathan Hughes debut - and look forward to the next game in the competition against London Irish. There's chat about the Bristol connections at the Rugby World Cup and our thoughts on this season's home and away kits. We finish with our regular feature 'Gets On My Goat' and Miles airs his opinions about Dance Cam.

Bears Beyond The Gate is a weekly podcast about all things Bristol Bears. Made by fans for fans.

Let us know what you think!