Bristol letter to fans mentions 'expected losses of close to £1m'

Bristol have written an open letter explaining to fans that cancelled Gallagher Premiership home matches this season will cost the club potentially up to £1million in lost revenue. The Bears were due to host Worcester this Saturday, only for the Warriors to be suspended by the RFU for the remainder of the season.

The end of December home top-flight match versus Wasps is also under threat as that club is also currently suspended by the RFU and will only make a return to play this season if a speculated takeover soon happens. This situation has left Bristol feeling grateful for the support they do get from their fans, something that Gavin Marshall, the director of sport, has acknowledged in a 300-word letter published on the club’s website.

“Thank you for your continued fantastic support so far this season. At a time when the health of our game is under the national spotlight, to be averaging gates of over 20,000 at Ashton Gate is a testament to the appetite for rugby in Bears country.

“This season, we have really focused on delivering an enhanced matchday experience to our supporters through family activations and themed events, working closely with our principal partners, Huboo, and our Bears community foundation.

“It’s a challenging time for everybody in the game and our thoughts are with the players, staff and supporters of Worcester Warriors and Wasps. The financial impact on Bristol Bears, like all Premiership clubs, is significant. It’s a strong possibility that we will lose three home fixtures with expected losses of close to £1million.

“We are incredibly disappointed that Bears’ women’s fixture with Wasps has also been cancelled and our planned community day will no longer take place. You will have seen that season ticket holders and seasonal hospitality members will be offered another fixture instead which we will confirm in due course. We are working tirelessly behind the scenes to add some exciting games to our schedule and ensure supporters can enjoy rugby in BS3.

"We are really excited about the opportunity to host the world champions South Africa in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate in mid-November in what promises to be a historic occasion for sport in our city. The board would like to express our continued gratitude to the Lansdown family for their vision and support for the club, especially during such an uncertain period for the sport.

"To our wonderful supporters who stick with us through thick and thin, you are the driving force behind Bristol Bears as we continue our journey on and off the field.”