1
Australia add Premiership clash to November tour
By Josh Raisey
Australia are set to take on Bristol Bears during their tour of Europe in November.
The Bears will host an Australia XV on November 8 at Ashton Gate, a day before the Wallabies face England at Twickenham.
The match will kick off Joe Schmidt's side's tour of Great Britain and Ireland, with matches against Wales, Scotland and Ireland following the England match at Twickenham.
This will be the second time Bristol have taken on an international side in recent years, with Pat Lam's side beating a South Africa XV 26-18 in 2022.
The fixture will see Australia and Bristol lock horns 115 years after their last encounter. They will not be the only Australian touring side to play the Bears next season though, with the Reds playing at Ashton Gate in January ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
“After such an incredible occasion against South Africa a few years ago, the opportunity to welcome another international side of the quality of Australia to Bristol is hugely exciting," said Lam.
“This is a massive opportunity for our players to test themselves against an international standard team, for our staff to put on another unforgettable event and for our incredible supporters to welcome and host Australian supporters from all over the world to Bristol. We look forward to hosting Joe Schmidt and the Australian side at Ashton Gate on Friday, November 8th.”
Schmidt added: “With the British & Irish Lions arriving next year, the November match-up against Bristol Bears is a great opportunity for the Australia XV players to demonstrate what they’re capable of against quality opposition, and for the Wallabies to build depth for the Lions series.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to comments