It’s team news day for Bristol Bears’ first and only public pre-season game of the 2024/25 campaign.
Bristol Bears host United Rugby Championship side the Dragons on Friday in their first pre-season game against a top-flight side having faced Championship sides Hartpury, Doncaster Knights and Ealing Trailfinders already in behind-closed-doors contests.
Pat Lam’s side are looking to continue where they left off at the end of last season, having lost just one Premiership game from January onwards as they came agonisingly close to claiming a place in the play-offs.
Team news is expected at midday on Thursday. The pre-season game kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday night.
Follow all the build-up, team news, live play-by-play match updates, reaction, stats, analysis and highlights from Clifton RFC with regular updates below.
Bristol Bears Team News
Bristol Bears coach Pat Lam has named his squad for the pre-season clash against Dragons. The lineup includes prominent players such as Max Malins, Siva Naulago, and captain Ellis Genge. Supporters will be keen to see how the team meshes, especially with new inclusions and returning stars.
The squad for this highly anticipated match is as follows:
- 15. Max Malins
- 14. Siva Naulago
- 13. Kalaveti Ravouvou
- 12. Benhard Janse van Rensburg
- 11. Gabriel Ibitoye
- 10. AJ MacGinty
- 9. Harry Randall
- 1. Ellis Genge (captain)
- 2. Harry Thacker
- 3. George Kloska
- 4. Josh Caulfield
- 5. Joe Batley
- 6. James Dun
- 7. Paddy Pearce
- 8. Benjamín Grondona
Replacements include Will Capon, Jake Woolmore, Max Lahiff, Joe Owen, Kieran Marmion, Jack Bates, and Rich Lane.
Dragons RFC Team News
Dragons RFC enters the fray with their own strong squad. Fans are eager to see how new strategies will play out and how their top players will perform in this pre-season test.
The Dragons’ starting lineup for the match includes:
- 15. Huw Anderson
- 14. Ewan Rosser
- 13. Harry Wilson
- 12. Joe Westwood
- 11. Jared Rosser
- 10. Lloyd Evans
- 9. Dane Blacker
- 1. Rodrigo Martinez
- 2. James Benjamin
- 3. Luke Yendle
- 4. Joe Davies
- 5. George Nott (captain)
- 6. George Young
- 7. Harri Keddie
- 8. Owen Conquer
The reserves for the game feature Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Oli Burrows, Brodie Coghlan, Joe Rees, Owain James, Nick Thomas, Joe Peard, Evan Minto, Sam Scarfe, Ryan Woodman, Rhodri Williams, Morgan Lloyd, Will Reed, Steff Hughes, Aneurin Owen, Jordan Williams, and Iwan Pyrs-Jones.
Both teams look ready to showcase their pre-season preparations and give fans an exciting match to watch.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Friday’s match are available only at the gate, priced at £10 per adult and £5 for children under 12. Get there early to secure your spot!
Match Day Excitement
Hello and welcome to our live coverage. Bristol Bears host United Rugby Championship side the Dragons as they gear up for their first public pre-season game. Expect thrilling action, expert analysis, and comprehensive updates throughout the match at Clifton RFC.
So stay tuned and get ready, because it’s almost game time!
