Bears Beyond The Gate

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 TaproomLet 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 hereLet 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!

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!

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!

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 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!

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!

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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!

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!

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:0:00Intro3:08Bats and Adge’s post match interviews12:44Our review of the game43:52Poets’ corner48:46Relatives’ corner51:33Shout outs, a gentle GOAT and guerrilla marketingLet 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 banterRunning order:0:00Intro4:28James Dun5:30Our thoughts29:48Sarries and Bears fans and a limerick34:27Womens' game report with help from players and Dave Ward43:05Saints preview with Tom Vickers1:06:27AOBs - shout outs, Apero Bar, more Walking Rugby and a mystery job for us at the Gate on FridayLet 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!

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 formIt 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 banterLet 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.comLet 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!

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 potsIt's great to be back....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!

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!