Record turnover still results in a hefty pre-tax loss for Bristol

Bristol have revealed their financial results for the 2021/22 financial year and despite reporting a record turnover from their latest completed Gallagher Premiership season, they still recorded pre-tax losses in excess of £3million. A statement on their accounts read: “Bristol Rugby Club Limited made a pre-tax loss of £3.3m for the 2021/22 financial year.

“The results for the year ending May 31, 2022, compare to a pre-tax loss of £3.5m for the 2020/21 financial year and reflect a return to crowds being allowed in stadiums. Turnover for the year was a record £14.2m (click here to view the annual report and accounts 2021/22).”

Pula director of sport Gavin Marshall commented: “Although we are pleased with the record turnover, recording a loss again this year demonstrates that there is a lot of work left to do. The financial support provided by the Lansdown family is significant and we are extremely thankful for their ownership, particularly at a time of continued losses and economic uncertainty.”

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Gabriel Ibitoye will make his Bristol debut when Premiership league leaders Saracens visit Ashton Gate on Saturday. The 24-year-old former Harlequins flyer makes his first appearance for the club since arriving from Tel-Aviv Heat in the summer.

Pat Lam has also included two Premiership debutants in the back line, with academy duo Deago Bailey and Joe Jenkins set for their first league appearances for Bristol. Nineteen-year-old Jenkins lines up in the midfield alongside Sam Bedlow, while England U20 wing Bailey joins Ibitoye and the experienced Luke Morahan in the back three.

Scrum-half Will Porter and prop Jay Tyack will also make their first starts for the club. Jake Heenan captains the side from the back row while on the bench, Ioan Lloyd is set for his first league appearance of the season.

Bristol (vs Saracens, Saturday):

15. Luke Morahan; 14. Deago Bailey, 13. Joe Jenkins, 12. Sam Bedlow, 11. Gabriel Ibitoye; 10. Callum Sheedy, 9. Will Porter; 1. Yann Thomas, 2. Bryan Byrne, 3. Jay Tyack, 4. Ed Holmes, 5. Joe Batley, 6. Magnus Bradbury, 7. Jake Heenan (capt), 8. Fitz Harding. Reps: 16. Harry Thacker, 17. Jake Woolmore, 18. Jonathan Benz-Salomon, 19. John Hawkins, 20. Dan Thomas, 21. Andy Uren, 22. Ioan Lloyd, 23. Jack Bates.