Bears Beyond The Gate

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!

In this week's episode, Pete, Miles and Lee review the defeat against Saracens at Ashton Gate. Despite a good start the Bears ultimately lost control of the game in the face of an incredibly experienced, focused and effective opposition who delivered a classic 'been there, seen that and worn the T-shirt' sort of performance led by the mercurial Owen Farrell. Fair play to the them. They did a job, played some decent rugby and got the result they needed. No real complaints from us.We then look forward to our BBTG away day trip on the coach to Quins. With both teams realistically needing a bonus-point win to have a chance of the fourth play-off berth you can be sure that the ball will be flying about all over the Stoop. Is this our chance to deliver a 'Quins-tanbul' performance? As our friend Binnsy once said, 'win or lose, hit the booze' and we'll be sure to do that as best we can.Finally, we run through the list of leavers and wish the four centurions  in Callum Sheedy, Dan Thomas, Ed Holmes and Piers O'Connor well. Follow us on the socials:Twitter @bearsbeyondgate, Facebook at Bears Beyond The GateInstagram at Bears Beyond The GateOr email us at bearsbeyondthegate @gmail.comLet us know what you think!

This week we pick over the carcass that was the massacre in BS3 and we’re not talking about the hammering of Falcons at Ashton Gate last weekend. No, we’re talking about the first ever live pod at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom. We look back on an evening of structured chaos, discuss the learnings and then move quickly on to more pressing matters such as the fantastic victory yesterday away at Welford Road that keeps play off hopes firmly in our own hands.19- zip down on 69 minutes and we’re looking down the barrel but shots fired from the bench, and in particular from Max Lahiff and the returning Harry Thacker, and a yellow card to Mike Brown and we haul it back from the brink with a last gasp try and conversion to make it 21-19. It’s fair to say the home crowd didn’t take to that too well but boo hoo, that’s life baby!We talk about the game with help from some selected short sharp summaries and then look forward to the final two games in the run-ins. Do we dare to believe? Spoiler alert. We do!Bristol Bears Women were also in action on Sunday in the Allianz Cup final at Shaftesbury Party and despite leading at half time, were eventually defeated by a strong Saracens side. We have a quick chat about that and their hopes for the run- in and then finally we run though a bit more ‘Bris-ness’ from the week, including some contract news, the Supporters Q&A at the HPC and introduce a new feature - ‘news from the media’ as we notched a flurry of Bears-related articles in the press this week. It’s great that everyone loves the Bears again after years of media hibernation and just shows where running, offloading and try-scoring can get you….Join Pete, Lee and Miles as they have a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter…Let us know what you think!

It's a carnival atmosphere down at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom this week as having constantly 'talked about' doing a live pod the lads actually execute one straight after the 13-try massacre of Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate.It's raw and it's raucous but the lads try their best to analyse the game despite 10% off the beers and 50% of the champagne.They also look towards Tigers and beyond and dare to believe. Back in the top four from no-where. Can we? You bet we can... We also discuss a re-signing, a departure and a rumour as well as responding to listener questions. And then before you know it's over.Thanks to all of you who tuned up to support us and also to our tech genius Paul Wyatt who kept the whole thing going. Maybe we'll do one again sometime.Let us know what you think!

In this week's episode we formally announce our first ever live pod, in the sense that we are inviting an audience to the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom post Falcons at 6.30pm next Sunday.If you are interested in finding out more, and even contemplating joining us, then complete the Eventbrite registration below (it's free but it helps us get an idea of numbers) as well as the Google form where you can submit a question in advance and provide us with answers to a few short questions about the season.Click HERE to register your interest..Click HERE for the Google form to submit a questions and answer a couple of questions about the season...We also discuss the season card renewal announcement which rewarded fans with a minimal increase but also ruffled a few feathers on account of the plan to shift people out of three sections of the South Stand to  make way for yet another new Family Area. We try to take a balanced view as best we can.We also discuss a contract extension and a new signing as well as speculate on players past and present in a somewhat whimsical manner.Finally Miles and Pete briefly review the Bears Women victory over Glos-Hartbury in the Allianz Cup semi final and before we finally remember to preview the Falcons game, but very quickly as we haven't got an awful lot to say.Up the Bears!Let us know what you think!

You’re listening to Bears Beyond the Gate, a Bristol Bears podcast made by fans for fans. We’re two and a half season cardholders at Ashton Gate who love the club, the game and all things Bears.Well, Miles is happy as Pat listens to his selection advice from the ski slopes of France and moves Max to full back, Noah Howard to the wing and gives Gengey the starting berth at loosehead.And it works, as Bristol retain the Rifles Cup by winning at Kingsholm for only the third time since 2006.It’s an enjoyable game of rugby for both sets of fans and the 33-24 victory means that Bristol move up to a lofty 5th position thanks to Sale hammering Exeter yesterday. That’s 12 tries and 85 point for the Bears since the restart and with Newcastle up next in three weeks are we now officially the wild card team that might sneak into the play offs? We reinstate listeners’ short, sharp summaries, hear from a new roving reporter and take a bow to man of the match Benard Janse Van Rensburg by listening to his glorious post match interview in full before adding our thoughts on the game.Join Pete, Miles and Lee for a cheeky coffee and a bit of early morning banter…Let us know what you think!