CyderInACan

Can't they just open the windows a bit?

Nice. I bloody love Friday night rugby. Few beers under the lights, roaring Bris on, top drawer night in BS3

Was Patrick on the door?

I think n=by most metrics our rebrand has to have been seen as a staggering success?

Exeter Chiefs are officially Exeter Rugby Club yet appear in the table as Exeter Chiefs Bristol Bears are officially Bristol Rugby Club yet appear in the table as Bristol Northampton Saints are officially Northampton Rugby Football Club yet appear in the table as Northampton Saints Sale Sharks are officially Sale Rugby Union Football Club yet appear in the table as Sale It's massively pedantic but I wonder why the BBC pick and choose which "rebrands" they use as a means of identifying the clubs? Answers on a postcard please . . .

Quite sad but I use a bumbag to keep my phone in when running! Works for me. . .

SIALE PIUTAU PENS ONE YEAR EXTENSION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH 2020 Siale Piutau has signed a one-year contract extension at Bristol Bears, the club is delighted to announce. The former Tongan international captain, who joined Bristol in 2017, has made 47 appearances for the club. The 34-year-old centre, one of Tonga’s greatest ever players, announced his retirement from international rugby following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “Siale is a key part of our group. He’s one of the big drivers of our culture and is well respected and valued by all the players and staff. “It’s not just his personal performances, it’s the leadership role he plays and the clarity he brings to everybody on and off the field. “We have excellent young players that are growing and learning what being a professional rugby player is from players like Siale, so to keep him for another season is massive for the Bears.” Piutau added: “I’m delighted to be staying at Bristol. It’s a city that me and my family have a close affinity to, and we are really enjoying our time here and the environment that Pat and the coaches have created. “I’m hugely excited about the direction and journey this club is on and delighted to continue to be a part of that, alongside my brother.”

In China, they’re just called walls.

I get the scheduling issue. Still seems odd that City Women (& Bears Women, too, thinking about it) play so far away. Maybe the new training grounds could host their home games at weekends?

I know but aren't they based at SGS? Would seem odd for Bris/City Men/Flyers to all be AG and City Women continue to ply their trade on the periphery of Bristol

Ouch. That is a tanking. I wonder if there is FFP in the Women's game? Surely Steve Lansdown/Bristol Sport would like a competitive prem team in WSL and have them playing their home games at AG

Yep that Saints player would never have stopped him in a million years! Joycey failed his HIA too so might be a doubt for Sunday.

Ouch. Hope you’re ok. Played 5aside twice in a few days last week and my knee didn’t like it so have had a a week off but need to get out Friday/Weekend really as I need the release!

So Stoke's position is basically - we can afford it as our owner is loaded so fkuc everyone else and fkuc the rules? They should get a deduction just for being absolute see you next tuesdays TBH

If it hasn't been mentioned before - I recommend the Bears Beyond the Gate fan podcast. Not as polished as @Shtanley and the OSIB crew (yet) but certainly worth a listen if you get the chance. Search for it in your usual pod app.

Yeah I have the booklet stored away somewhere too - a priceless piece of City and Family history. I remember having a lapel badge, too, at the time even though I was only 8 years old - wore it to Wansdyke Primary with pride!

Maybe it should be officially remembered in a more permanent and fitting way by the club.

Agreed. I guess The Robins aren’t that bothered about the past when there’s no money to be made from it?

Good interview with Gerry Sweeny here. I remember the Dragonara Hotel on Redcliffe Way, just after the now much missed flyover! https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ashton-gate-eight-revisited-bristol-2453188

38 years ago today the Ashton Gate Eight saved our club. As we challenge once more for promotion to English football’s highest division I guess it’s appropriate to take a minute to be grateful we actually have a club to support. Whatever the rights and wrongs of what preceded the events that unfolded, these men should rightly forever remain in the consciousness of all City fans for what they did. Thankyou. COYR https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38750475 and who could forget this iconic image from that era too

What a time to be alive?

I think there's always been an anti-Bris feeling - but as said above make the most of it!

Yep, that’s me! Cheers! Will have a butchers later or tmrw

I’ve just joined Strava having always used Endomondo - how do I find the OTIB group?

Can see the Bristol game brought forward to the Friday night and City v. Cardiff on Sunday lunchtime